Translations
Modern
Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.
Traditional
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
Literal
And he said, “Where is this—the way we shall go up?” And he answered, “By the way of the Wilderness of Edom.”
Latin
Dixitque: Per quam viam ascendemus? At ille respondit: Per desertum Idumææ.
Original
Hebrew
English
Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.
Notes
the king of Edom set out: At this time, Edom was likely under Judah's control. Later, during Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram's reign, Edom rebelled and gained independence from Judah (2 Kings 8:20–22). The southern route through Edom bypassed strong Moabite defenses, but it was risky due to limited water.
One of Elisha's miracles took place during the war between Israel, Judah, and Moab.
Theme notes and profiles
Places
Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel
Glossary
Edom, Edomites Elisha Jehoram Jehoshaphat (Person) Kings, Books of First and Second Moab, Moabites Moabite Stone Sons of the Prophets Wilderness
Topics
Deserts: Edom Edom: A Name of the Land Occupied by the Descendants of Esau: Wilderness of Moabites: Israelites had War With