In today’s devotional, we reflect on a powerful story from 2 Kings 3:9-17, where three kings—Israel, Judah, and Edom—find themselves in a desperate situation. After marching for seven days, they run out of water for their armies and animals. The king of Israel, overwhelmed by fear and doubt, exclaims that the Lord has brought them together only to deliver them into the hands of their enemies. But Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, wisely seeks the counsel of a prophet of the Lord—Elisha.
This passage reminds us of God’s care and provision even in the most challenging circumstances. When the kings turn to Elisha for help, he delivers a message from God: “You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water” (2 Kings 3:17). God promises to provide water for their armies and animals without any visible signs of rain. This miraculous provision demonstrates that God’s care is not limited by natural circumstances or human expectations.
2 Kings 3:9-17 The New International Version
9 So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.
10 “What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the Lord called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”
11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?”
An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”
12 Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
13 Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Why do you want to involve me? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.”
“No,” the king of Israel answered, “because it was the Lord who called us three kings together to deliver us into the hands of Moab.”
14 Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you. 15 But now bring me a harpist.”
While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 17 For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink.
God’s Care in Desperate Times
The situation faced by these three kings mirrors many moments in our own lives. We often find ourselves in “dry valleys,” facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Whether it’s financial hardship, health struggles, or emotional burdens, we can relate to the feeling of having no more “water”—no more resources or strength to continue.
In those moments, it’s easy to echo the king of Israel’s despair: “Has the Lord called us together only to deliver us into trouble?” But just as Elisha reminded the kings, God is always present and ready to provide for our needs. His care is not dependent on what we see or understand. Even when there are no visible signs of relief—no rain clouds on the horizon—God can fill our valleys with water.
The Importance of Seeking God
Jehoshaphat’s response to the crisis is a model for us. Instead of panicking or giving up hope, he seeks a word from the Lord. He knows that human wisdom and effort are not enough; they need divine intervention.
In our own lives, when we face difficulties, it’s crucial to seek God first. Too often we try to solve problems on our own or rely on worldly solutions before turning to God. But as this story shows, God is eager to provide guidance and meet our needs when we seek Him with a humble heart.
Jesus echoes this truth in Matthew 6:33 when He says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritize seeking God—through prayer, Scripture reading, and trusting in His promises—we open ourselves up to receive His care and provision.
God’s Miraculous Provision
What stands out most in this passage is how God provides water in a completely unexpected way. Elisha tells the kings that they won’t see wind or rain, yet the valley will be filled with water. This teaches us an important lesson about how God works: He often provides for us in ways that defy our expectations.
We tend to look for tangible signs—something we can see or measure—to confirm that help is on its way. But God doesn’t always work through visible means. Just as He provided water without rain for these three kings, He can provide for us in ways we might not anticipate. His provision may come through unexpected opportunities, relationships, or even inner peace during difficult times.
Philippians 4:19 reassures us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” This promise reminds us that God’s resources are limitless. Whether it’s physical needs like food and shelter or spiritual needs like peace and strength, He will provide exactly what we need at exactly the right time.
Preparing for God’s Blessing
Another key aspect of this story is that God instructs the armies to prepare for His blessing by digging ditches in the valley (2 Kings 3:16). Though they couldn’t see how water would come, they were called to act in faith by making space for God’s provision.
This teaches us that faith requires action. When we trust that God will provide for us, we must also prepare ourselves to receive His blessings. This might mean taking practical steps toward a solution while trusting Him with the outcome—whether it’s applying for jobs while trusting Him for employment or seeking medical help while praying for healing.
As Charles Spurgeon once said: “God has promised it – we will get ready for it; God is engaged to bless; now let us be prepared to receive.” Faith means preparing expectantly for what God has promised, even when we don’t yet see how it will happen.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: God’s Provision: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way
Quote of the Day: “Faith without expectation is the same as an engine without fuel”: The Power of Expectation
Conclusion: Trusting in God’s Care
The story from 2 Kings 3 reminds us that no matter how desperate our situation may seem, God cares deeply about our needs and will provide in ways beyond our understanding. Like the kings who found themselves without water in a dry valley, we too can trust that God sees our struggles and is ready to act on our behalf.
Today, let this devotional encourage you to seek God first in every situation and trust Him fully—even when you can’t see how He’ll provide. Remember that His care is constant and unfailing. As you dig your ditches—preparing your heart through prayer and faith—trust that He will fill them with blessings at just the right time.
Scripture reading for the day
Proverbs 31 The New International Version
Sayings of King Lemuel
The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
