BibleWord.ai› Bible› 2 Kings› Chapter 3› Verse 17

2 Kings 3:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and ye shall drink, both ye and your cattle and your beasts.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and ye shall drink, both ye and your cattle and your beasts.
2 Kings 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And Elisha said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
15But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Jehovah came upon him.
16And he said, Thus saith Jehovah, Make this valley full of trenches.
17For thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and ye shall drink, both ye and your cattle and your beasts.
18And this is but a light thing in the sight of Jehovah: he will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
19And ye shall smite every fortified city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all fountains of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
20And it came to pass in the morning, about the time of offering the oblation, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
← 2 Kings 3:162 Kings 3:18 →
← Full Chapter 3 2 Kings Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For thus saith the Lord, ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see the rain, etc.] Neither perceive the south wind blow, which usually brings rain, nor clouds gathering in the heavens, as portending it, nor any filling from thence: yet that valley shall be filled with water; and all the ditches dug in it: that ye may drink, both ye and your cattle, and all your beasts; there would be such a quantity as would be enough for them all, the soldiers, the horses they rode on, and the beasts that drew their wagons.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ye shall not see wind--It is common in the East to speak of seeing wind, from the clouds of straw, dust, or sand, that are often whirled into the air, after a long drought.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“No rain was to fall where the Israelites and their enemies were encamped; there was not even to be that all but universal accompaniment of rain in the East, a sudden rise of wind (compare 1 Kings 18:45; Psalms 147:18; Matthew 7:25). Cattle, and your beast - The former are the animals brought for food. The latter are the baggage animals. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ye shall not: Kg1 18:36-39; Psa 84:6, Psa 107:35; Isa 41:17, Isa 41:18, Isa 43:19, Isa 43:20, Isa 48:21 that ye may: Exo 17:6; Num 20:8-11 4 Kings (2 Kings) 3:18”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 2 Kings 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification