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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 3 - Verse 13

3:13
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Meaning

When Elisha said to the king of Israel, "What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother," he was rebuking the king for seeking his help instead of turning to the prophets of his ancestors. It was a reminder to the king to honor and respect the traditions and teachings passed down to him. However, the king insisted that they had been called together by the Lord to deliver them into the hands of Moab. This verse shows the tension between earthly rulers and spiritual authorities, and the importance of staying true to one's faith and heritage. It serves as a lesson in humility and obedience, as well as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path set by God.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, Elisha's response to the king of Israel conveys a message of rebuke and redirection. By asking the king what he has to do with him and instructing him to seek counsel from the prophets of his father and mother, Elisha highlights the king's lack of spiritual guidance and reliance on false prophets. The phrase "prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother" may refer to the idolatrous practices and false teachings that the king had inherited and followed. Elisha's words serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and direction from true prophets who are aligned with the will of the Lord. The king's refusal to heed Elisha's advice and insistence that the LORD had called them together for victory over Moab displays his arrogance and reliance on his own understanding, rather than trusting in God's guidance. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the consequences of straying from true prophets and relying on human wisdom rather than divine intervention.

American Standard Version

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay; for Jehovah hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.
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