2 Kings 3:17

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 sawthe 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.