2 Kings 3:17

2 Kings 3:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’

King James Version KJV

For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the Lord says, Though you see no wind or rain, the valley will be full of water, and you and your armies and your beasts will have drink.

Free Bible Version FBV

You won't see any wind, you won't see any rain, but even so this valley will be filled with water. You will drink, and your cattle, and your animals.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall neither see winde nor see raine, yet the valley shalbe filled with water, that ye may drinke, both ye and your cattel, and your beastes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for thus said Jehovah, Ye do not see wind, nor do ye see rain, and that valley is full of water, and ye have drunk — ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

World English Bible WEB

For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind, neither will you see rain, yet that valley will be filled with water, and you will drink, both you and your livestock and your other animals.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For thus saith the Lord: You shall not see wind, nor rain: and yet this channel shall be filled with waters, and you shall drink, you and your families, and your beasts.

Translation for Translators T4T

The result will be that your soldiers and your animals that carry supplies and your livestock will have plenty of water to drink.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 3:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי כֹ֣ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה לֹֽא תִרְא֥וּ ר֨וּחַ֙ וְ/לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ גֶ֔שֶׁם וְ/הַ/נַּ֥חַל הַ/ה֖וּא יִמָּ֣לֵא מָ֑יִם וּ/שְׁתִיתֶ֛ם אַתֶּ֥ם וּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֖ם וּֽ/בְהֶמְתְּ/כֶֽם

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִרְא֥וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

ר֨וּחַ֙ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

גֶ֔שֶׁם geshem H1653 rain N-ms

וְ/הַ/נַּ֥חַל nachal H5158 Brook Conj | Art | N-ms

הַ/ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

יִמָּ֣לֵא mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

מָ֑יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

וּ/שְׁתִיתֶ֛ם shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אַתֶּ֥ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

וּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֖ם miqneh H4735 livestock Conj | N-mp | Suff

וּֽ/בְהֶמְתְּ/כֶֽם bᵉhêmâh H929 animal Conj | N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:17

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִרְא֥וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

ר֨וּחַ֙ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

גֶ֔שֶׁם geshem H1653 "rain" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.

Definition: rain, shower

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.

וְ/הַ/נַּ֥חַל nachal H5158 "Brook" Conj | Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.

Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.

הַ/ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

יִמָּ֣לֵא mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

מָ֑יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

וּ/שְׁתִיתֶ֛ם shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

אַתֶּ֥ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וּ/מִקְנֵי/כֶ֖ם miqneh H4735 "livestock" Conj | N-mp | Suff

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.

Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

וּֽ/בְהֶמְתְּ/כֶֽם bᵉhêmâh H929 "animal" Conj | N-fs | Suff

This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.

Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts

Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 3:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:17
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:17
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:17

Context — Moab’s Rebellion

15But now, bring me a harpist. ” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’

17For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’

18This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 107:35	He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.
2	Isaiah 41:17–18	The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs.
3	Isaiah 48:21	They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.
4	Isaiah 43:19–20	Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.
5	Psalms 84:6	As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools.
6	Exodus 17:6	Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
7	Numbers 20:8–11	“Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.
8	1 Kings 18:36–39	At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”

2 Kings 3:17 Summary

This verse promises that God will provide for our needs in unexpected ways, without us seeing the usual signs of His work. Just like the valley was filled with water without wind or rain, God can provide for us in surprising and miraculous ways (as in Exodus 17:6). It's a reminder to trust in God's goodness and care, not just for ourselves, but for all the things and people that depend on us, and to have faith that He will provide for us, even when we don't see how (Matthew 6:33).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the valley being filled with water in 2 Kings 3:17?

The valley being filled with water is a miraculous provision by God, demonstrating His power and care for His people, as seen in other instances like Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11 where God provided water in the wilderness.

Why does the verse mention 'you and your cattle and your animals'?

The inclusion of cattle and animals emphasizes God's comprehensive provision, not just for human needs, but also for the creatures that depend on them, reflecting His care for all creation as stated in Psalm 104:10-14 and Matthew 6:26.

Is the promise in 2 Kings 3:17 only for the Israelites or does it have a broader application?

While the immediate context is the Israelites, the principle of God's provision and care extends to all who trust in Him, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 31:9 and Matthew 6:33, which encourage trust in God's goodness and provision.

How does this verse relate to faith and trust in God?

2 Kings 3:17 highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when the circumstances seem impossible, much like the message of Hebrews 11:1 and Romans 8:28, which emphasize faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness?
How can I apply the principle of God's care for all creation to my daily life and interactions with the world around me?
In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
What does this verse teach me about God's character, and how can I reflect that character in my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:17

For thus saith the Lord, ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see the rain,.... Neither perceive the south wind blow, which usually brings rain, nor clouds gathering in the heavens, as portending

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:17

For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. Ye shall not see wind.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17

Ye shall not see wind; any of those winds which commonly produce rain. And seeing is here put for perceiving or feeling, one sense for another, or for all, as : compare , and elsewhere.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17

2 Kings 3:17 For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.Ver. 17. Ye shall not see wind nor rain.] God can relieve his people in the fail of means.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17

(17) Ye shall not see wind.—Which in the east is the usual precursor of rain. Yet that valley.—And that wady. He says “that (hû’) valley,” meaning “the one of which I spoke” (2 Kings 3:16). Contrast “this (zeh) valley,” i.e., “the one in which we are” (2 Kings 3:16). Your cattle.—Miqneh: flocks and herds, as distinguished from “beasts” (bĕ ?hçmâh), i.e., probably, beasts of burden.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17

Verse 17. Ye shall not see wind] There shall be no wind to collect vapours, and there shall be no showers, and yet the whole bed of this river, and all the new made canals, shall be filled with water.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:17

17. For thus saith the Lord] Both the order to dig trenches, and the promise of water are prefaced in this solemn manner. It is no order of his own which the prophet delivers. Ye shall not see wind] The verb ‘see’ is used elsewhere of what is not visible but experienced by the other senses. So Exodus 20:18, ‘All the people saw the thunderings … and the noise of the trumpet’. After a drought wind is in the East the general precursor of rain. Cf. 1 Kings 18:41; 1 Kings 18:45. neither shall ye see rain] The prophet’s language here implies that the cause of the coming supply of water would be rain falling elsewhere. Natural powers will bring the rain, though it shall fall at a distance from the camp, so that neither Moab nor the invading armies shall be aware of its falling. that ye may [R.V. and ye shall] drink] Thus giving a strictly literal rendering. your cattle] These were the animals brought with them to be killed as occasion required for food. The beasts, next mentioned, are the beasts of burden.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:17

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

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:17

17. Not see wind, neither… rain — A storm of wind usually precedes a heavy rain; but in this case the storm was to occur so far away from the Israelitish encampment that they would see nothing of it.

Sermons on 2 Kings 3:17

	Sermon	Description
	Elijah and Elisha 03 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story in 2 Kings chapter 3 where the Israelite army is in a waterless land. The speaker emphasizes the importance of digging ditches to r
	Ye Shall Not See Wind, Neither Shall Ye See Rain; by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's work often occurs without visible signs, as illustrated in 2 Kings 3:17, where the valley is filled without wind or rain. He points out that in bot
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled
	Fresh Oil by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the large crowd gathered in the building, including preachers from different states and countries. He prays for the Holy Spirit
	The Miracle in a Dry Place by John Henry Jowett	John Henry Jowett preaches about the miracles of grace, emphasizing how God can turn dry and difficult experiences into sources of blessing and consolation. He highlights the idea
	Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie
	The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng