2 Kings 3
The Reign of Jehoram.This section introduces Jehoram, the son of Ahab, as the new king of Israel. While he was not a good king, the Bible notes two positive things about him. Jehoram removed some of the idols his father had set up, and he tried to win back the lands and power Israel had lost. However, his changes were not full-hearted, and he did not lead the people back to true worship of the Lord. v. 2: Jehoram did evil, but not as much as his parents Ahab and Jezebel . He removed the image of Baal that his father had made. This was a small step in the right direction, possibly influenced by Jehoshaphat. Jehoram saw how God punished his father and brother for worshiping Baal, so he tried to avoid the same mistake. Still, his actions were not enough to stop God’s judgment against his family (2 Kings 9:24 a). v. 3: Even though Jehoram got rid of the image of Baal, he continued to worship the golden calves, which Jeroboam had set up for political reasons . He did not truly turn away from sin, but only gave up what he thought was dangerous or not useful to him. He did not destroy Baal’s image, just put it aside, and allowed others to keep worshiping idols in private. v. 4: Mesha, the king of Moab, had been paying a large tribute to Israel: 100,000 lambs and 100,000 rams (2 Kings 3:4 b). This was a big part of Israel’s income. After Ahab died, Moab rebelled and stopped paying. While Ahaziah did nothing about this, Jehoram decided to try to regain control, showing more energy and leadership than his brother. – The Expedition against Moab; Elisha Consulted.This section tells how Jehoram, king of Israel, quickly decided to fight against Moab after becoming king. He joined forces with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom. However, their army soon faced a crisis when they ran out of water in the desert. In their trouble, they turned to Elisha, the prophet, for help. This story shows the importance of seeking God’s guidance, especially in difficult times, and how God can provide in unexpected ways.v. 6–7: Jehoram gathered an army and asked Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to join him in fighting Moab (2 Kings 3:6-7 c). Jehoshaphat agreed, saying, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses." Even though Israel and Judah were divided, they united against a common enemy. Jehoshaphat did not bring up old arguments, but worked together for peace and strength. – v. 8: Jehoram asked Jehoshaphat for advice on which way to attack Moab. Jehoshaphat suggested they go through the wilderness of Edom, so they could also get help from the king of Edom . Three kings together would be stronger than two. However, Jehoshaphat had made a similar mistake before by joining with Ahab, and this alliance would also bring trouble. v. 9–10: The three kings and their armies marched through the desert, but soon ran out of water for themselves and their animals (2 Kings 3:9 d). Jehoram blamed God for their trouble, saying, "The Lord has called us three kings together to deliver us into the hand of Moab" (2 Kings 3:10 e). He did not take responsibility for his own choices, but blamed God for the problem. – v. 11: Jehoshaphat suggested they seek God’s guidance and asked, "Is there not here a prophet of the Lord that we may inquire of the Lord by him?" . One of Jehoram’s servants mentioned Elisha, who had served Elijah. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from God, but it would have been better if he had asked before joining the war. Sometimes, even good people forget to seek God until they are in trouble. v. 12: The three kings went to visit Elisha. Jehoshaphat respected Elisha as a true prophet, so he went in person instead of sending for him . Elisha was honored when three kings came to ask for his help. v. 13–14: Elisha spoke very directly to Jehoram, the king of Israel. He said, "What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and mother" (2 Kings 3:13 f). Elisha knew Jehoram still supported idol worship, so he challenged him to seek help from his false gods. But because Jehoshaphat was present, Elisha agreed to ask God for help. Sometimes, wicked people are blessed because of the good people around them. – v. 15: Elisha asked for a musician to play music, which helped calm his spirit and prepare him to hear from God . When the music played, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha, and he was ready to prophesy. v. 16–17: Elisha told them to dig ditches in the valley, even though there would be no wind or rain. God would fill the ditches with water for the army and their animals (2 Kings 3:16-17 g). God can provide in ways we do not expect, and He wants us to prepare for His blessings by acting in faith. – v. 18–19: Elisha said that giving them water was an easy thing for God. He also promised that God would give them victory over Moab. They would defeat the enemy and destroy their cities and fields (2 Kings 3:18-19 h). God often gives more than we ask for, showing His power and generosity. – The Defeat of the Moabites.This section shows how God kept His promise by giving both water and victory to Israel and her allies. The miracle of water not only saved the armies from dying of thirst but also helped to defeat the Moabites. However, the story ends with a sad act of desperation by the king of Moab, showing the darkness of idol worship.v. 20: The next morning, at the time of the offering of the morning sacrifice in Jerusalem, water suddenly flowed through the valley, just as God had promised through Elisha . This miracle happened at a special hour, showing God’s connection to the temple and the importance of prayer. The water refreshed the thirsty armies and their animals. v. 21: The Moabites heard that the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom had gathered against them. All the men able to fight were called to the border to defend their land . They expected to face weak, tired enemies after the long desert march. v. 22: Early in the morning, the Moabites saw the water in the valley. The sun was shining on it, and it looked red like blood . Because there had been no rain, they did not expect water, so they guessed wrongly about what they saw. v. 23: The Moabites thought, "This is blood! The kings have surely fought and killed each other. Now, Moab, to the spoil!" . They were deceived by their own wishes and rushed into the Israelite camp, thinking it was safe to plunder. v. 24: When the Moabites entered the Israelite camp, the Israelites rose up and attacked them. The Moabites were defeated and chased back into their own land . v. 25: The Israelites destroyed the cities, ruined the fields, blocked up the wells, and cut down the good trees. Only the main city, Kir-hareseth, was left standing, but even its walls were damaged by the attackers . v. 26: Seeing that the battle was lost, the king of Moab tried to break through the lines with 700 of his best warriors to escape through the king of Edom’s army, but he failed . v. 27: In desperation, the king of Moab took his eldest son, the one who would be king after him, and sacrificed him as a burnt offering on the city wall (2 Kings 3:27 i). He did this to try to please his god, Chemosh, and to frighten the Israelites. After this terrible act, there was great anger and sadness, and the Israelite army left and returned home. This ending reminds us how cruel and hopeless idol worship can be, and how it leads to darkness and loss.
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