2 Kings 3:13 Meaning: What Have I to Do With You?
Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother.” The king of Israel said to him, “No, for Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
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.
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.
And Elisha saith unto the king of Israel, `What--to me and to thee? go unto the prophets of thy father, and unto the prophets of thy mother;' and the king of Israel saith to him, `Nay, for Jehovah hath called for these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.'
And Elisha said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? go to the prophets of thy father and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said to him, Not so, for Jehovah has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.
Meaning in one sentence
Elisha rebukes King Jehoram, telling him to seek the prophets of his father and mother. The king, in desperation, acknowledges Yahweh's hand.
Context
Three kings are marching against Moab: Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom. They have taken a long route through the wilderness, and after seven days their water is gone. Jehoram, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, sees it as a disaster Yahweh has brought on them. But Jehoshaphat asks if a prophet of the Lord is nearby. Someone mentions Elisha. The three kings go down to meet him. Elisha will not speak until he is pressed, and even then he gives a sharp answer first.
Key Words
The phrase “What have I to do with you?” in Hebrew is literally mah-li va-lakh, “what is to me and to you?” It is an idiom of separation, like saying we have nothing in common. Elisha is not confused; he is drawing a clear line between the worship of Yahweh and the worship of Baal.
When he tells the king to “go to the prophets of your father” and “prophets of your mother,” he means the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah that Ahab and Jezebel supported. They are the ones who should help, if they can. The king’s parents had chosen those prophets in prosperity; let them prove useful in distress.
The king answers with a single Hebrew word, al, “Nay.” It is a strong refusal, almost a plea: do not send me away. Then he names Yahweh as the one who has summoned them. He will not go to the false prophets. He insists the true God is involved, even in their trouble.
How Christians Read This Verse
Many commentators see Elisha’s words as a just but cutting reproof. Adam Clarke calls it a rebuke that the king deserved, meant to bring him to humility. Matthew Henry notes that the king had tolerated his mother’s idolatry, so Elisha sends him back to those he served. The king does not argue; he acknowledges the Lord’s hand. Barnes observes that Jehoram’s half-hearted reformation, removing the pillar of Baal but not the worship itself, opened him to this rebuke. Christians across traditions agree: the prophet speaks sharply to call the king to see where his true loyalty lies, and the king’s answer, however desperate, points in the right direction.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Elisha is being cruel or petty, as if he refuses to help out of personal dislike. In fact, the rebuke is a form of accountability. The king had allied himself with false prophets in easier times; now in crisis he wants the true prophet’s help. Elisha exposes the inconsistency so that the king, and we, see the deeper issue: you cannot worship other gods and then run to the Lord only when you are in trouble.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to ask yourself: where do you naturally turn when your situation runs dry? The king’s first instinct was to blame God; his second was to seek a prophet. But Elisha held up a mirror. Before you ask God for rescue, consider what you have been trusting all along. Is there a half-followed faith in your life, a compromise you allow because it is comfortable? This week, when trouble comes, notice your first reach. If it is not toward the Lord, let the rebuke of this verse bring you back. The door is open even for a desperate prayer.
Main takeaway: You cannot serve other gods in good times and then call on the Lord only when you are desperate. He wants your whole life, not just your emergencies.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Elisha told the king to go ask the prophets his mom and dad liked. But the king asked the real God for help instead.
For ages 9, 12
The king of Israel had let his family’s false prophets stay around, even though he knew about the true God. When trouble came, he wanted God’s help, but Elisha reminded him that you can’t ignore God and then run to Him only in emergencies. The king admitted God was the one in charge. That is a good place to start.
Questions People Ask
Who were the prophets of his father and mother?
They were the prophets of Baal and Asherah that Ahab and Jezebel supported. There were hundreds of them, paid to speak lies and lead Israel away from the Lord. Elisha is sarcastically suggesting the king ask them for help, since he had been comfortable with them.
Why does Elisha speak so harshly to the king?
Elisha is not being cruel. He is calling the king to honesty. Jehoram had allowed idolatry to continue in Israel, even after removing the pillar of Baal. The harsh words are meant to show the king the contradiction in his life: he served other gods but now wanted the Lord’s help.
What does the king mean when he says 'Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab'?
The king is admitting that their trouble has come from the Lord. He is not blaming God as before; he is acknowledging God’s control over events. It is a confession, though still mixed with fear. He is saying, 'We are in this mess because God arranged it, so only He can get us out.'
Does Elisha end up helping them?
Yes. After the king humbly asks, Elisha says that only out of respect for Jehoshaphat will he seek the Lord. He calls for a musician, and when the musician plays, the Lord’s hand comes on Elisha. He then gives a promise: water will come, and they will defeat Moab.
What can we learn from the king's response to Elisha's rebuke?
The king did not argue or defend himself. He simply said 'Nay' and pointed to the Lord. That is a good example for us when we are confronted with our sin. Instead of making excuses, we can admit our need and turn to God, even if we come with desperation.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study