2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha saide vnto the king of Israel, What haue I to doe with thee? Get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said vnto him, Nay: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliuer them into the hand of Moab. 2 Kings 3:13 (KJV)

In this striking encounter Elisha confronts the king of Israel with the question, “What have I to do with thee?” and urges him to “get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother.” The king’s reply, “Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab,” reveals his confidence that the divine purpose has already gathered the monarchs for a common cause. The verse therefore captures a moment of tension between prophetic reluctance and royal assurance of divine direction.

The nearest biblical account involving Elisha and the three kings is found in 2 Kings 3:2‑4, which mentions the LORD directing the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom to wage war against Moab. That broader context shows that the three kings are indeed united under a divine mandate to confront Moab, and it underscores the theme that God orchestrates human alliances for His purposes.

Elisha’s question highlights a prophetic desire to remain apart from the political and military machinations of the kings, while the king’s response underscores his belief that the LORD’s call supersedes any personal hesitation. The passage invites readers to reflect on the role of a prophet in advising a ruler, the limits of prophetic involvement in warfare, and the way divine calling can bring together disparate powers for a single objective.

Thus, the verse serves as a hinge between prophetic counsel and the unfolding military action, illustrating how God’s purpose can draw together Israel, Judah, and Edom to act against Moab, even as the prophet questions his own participation in that plan.