II Kings 3 Commentary: Alliance, Prophecy, and Desperation
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.
And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
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, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.
And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches.
For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country.
And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kir–haraseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.
Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.
II Kings 3 recounts a complex episode involving political alliances, divine intervention, and the desperate measures taken in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This chapter provides valuable insights into the character of the kings involved, the power of prophecy, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Joram's Reign and the Moabite Rebellion (II Kings 3:1-9)
Joram, another son of the infamous Ahab, ascends to the throne of Israel (II Kings 3:1). While not as overtly wicked as his parents, Ahab and Jezebel, Joram's reign is still marked by actions displeasing in the sight of the Lord (II Kings 3:2). The narrative quickly shifts to the political landscape of the region. For years, the kingdom of Moab had been under Israelite dominion, dutifully paying tribute in the form of a staggering number of lambs and rams' wool (II Kings 3:4). However, with the shifting power dynamics in Israel following the deaths of Ahab and Ahaziah, King Mesha of Moab senses an opportunity to break free from this subjugation and boldly rebels (II Kings 3:5).
Faced with this rebellion, Joram rallies his forces and seeks the assistance of Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, to join him in a military campaign against Moab (II Kings 3:6-7). Jehoshaphat agrees to the alliance, and the kingdom of Edom is also brought into the fold. As the combined armies march towards Moab along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, a critical problem arises: their water supply dwindles and eventually runs out completely (II Kings 3:7-9). This sets the stage for divine intervention and reveals the spiritual state of the kings involved.
Seeking Divine Guidance (II Kings 3:10-12)
The dire situation exposes the contrasting spiritual inclinations of the allied kings. Joram, the Israelite king, immediately blames the Lord for their predicament (II Kings 3:10), revealing his lack of faith and understanding of God's ways. Jehoshaphat, however, refuses to let Joram's blasphemous accusation stand. Recognizing the need for divine guidance, he inquires if there is a prophet of the Lord who can offer counsel (II Kings 3:11). The mention of Elisha, who "used to pour water on Elijah’s hands" – signifying his role as Elijah's servant – sparks a reaction. Joram likely remembers Elijah's prophecies of judgment against his father Ahab and his brother Ahaziah.
Despite his potential apprehension, Joram is persuaded by Jehoshaphat's conviction that they need to hear from God. The three kings – Joram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom – decide to seek out Elisha (II Kings 3:12), setting aside their pride and acknowledging their dependence on divine intervention.
Elisha's Rebuke and Prophecy (II Kings 3:13-18)
Elisha's initial response to King Joram is far from welcoming. He confronts Joram with the pointed question: "What do we have in common? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!" (II Kings 3:13). Elisha's words are a sharp rebuke, highlighting Joram's idolatry and questioning his motives for seeking the Lord's help. Joram, instead of repenting, defends himself by repeating his accusation against the Lord.
Elisha's willingness to prophesy stems solely from his respect for King Jehoshaphat (II Kings 3:14). Because of Jehoshaphat's righteousness, Elisha delivers a remarkable prophecy: a miraculous provision of water in the dry land to meet their immediate need (II Kings 3:16-17). Furthermore, he assures the three kings that God will deliver Moab into their hands (II Kings 3:18), offering hope and assurance of victory.
Fulfillment and Desperation (II Kings 3:20-27)
Elisha's prophecies unfold precisely as he foretold. The water supply appears miraculously, providing relief for the thirsty armies. God orchestrates a scenario where the Moabite army is deceived into believing that the water-filled ditches are pools of blood, the result of the allied armies fighting amongst themselves (II Kings 3:20-23). Lured by the prospect of plunder, the Moabites approach, only to be met with a fierce attack by the Israelites, who drive them back to Kir-hareseth, Moab's major city (II Kings 3:24-25).
In a moment of extreme desperation, King Mesha resorts to a horrific act: he sacrifices his firstborn son and heir as a burnt offering on the city wall (II Kings 3:27). The text notes that "great wrath came upon Israel," though the source and nature of this wrath are debated. It could be the Moabites' fury, or perhaps even divine displeasure at the gruesome act. Whatever the reason, the Israelites, possibly unnerved by the sacrifice, withdraw and return to their own land (II Kings 3:27).
This chapter serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, even in the face of human weakness and political maneuvering. It highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance, the consequences of idolatry, and the devastating effects of desperation.
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.
And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
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, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.
And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches.
For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country.
And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kir–haraseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.
Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.
II Kings 3 recounts a complex episode involving political alliances, divine intervention, and the desperate measures taken in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This chapter provides valuable insights into the character of the kings involved, the power of prophecy, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Joram's Reign and the Moabite Rebellion (II Kings 3:1-9)
Joram, another son of the infamous Ahab, ascends to the throne of Israel (II Kings 3:1). While not as overtly wicked as his parents, Ahab and Jezebel, Joram's reign is still marked by actions displeasing in the sight of the Lord (II Kings 3:2). The narrative quickly shifts to the political landscape of the region. For years, the kingdom of Moab had been under Israelite dominion, dutifully paying tribute in the form of a staggering number of lambs and rams' wool (II Kings 3:4). However, with the shifting power dynamics in Israel following the deaths of Ahab and Ahaziah, King Mesha of Moab senses an opportunity to break free from this subjugation and boldly rebels (II Kings 3:5).
Faced with this rebellion, Joram rallies his forces and seeks the assistance of Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, to join him in a military campaign against Moab (II Kings 3:6-7). Jehoshaphat agrees to the alliance, and the kingdom of Edom is also brought into the fold. As the combined armies march towards Moab along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, a critical problem arises: their water supply dwindles and eventually runs out completely (II Kings 3:7-9). This sets the stage for divine intervention and reveals the spiritual state of the kings involved.
Seeking Divine Guidance (II Kings 3:10-12)
The dire situation exposes the contrasting spiritual inclinations of the allied kings. Joram, the Israelite king, immediately blames the Lord for their predicament (II Kings 3:10), revealing his lack of faith and understanding of God's ways. Jehoshaphat, however, refuses to let Joram's blasphemous accusation stand. Recognizing the need for divine guidance, he inquires if there is a prophet of the Lord who can offer counsel (II Kings 3:11). The mention of Elisha, who "used to pour water on Elijah’s hands" – signifying his role as Elijah's servant – sparks a reaction. Joram likely remembers Elijah's prophecies of judgment against his father Ahab and his brother Ahaziah.
Despite his potential apprehension, Joram is persuaded by Jehoshaphat's conviction that they need to hear from God. The three kings – Joram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom – decide to seek out Elisha (II Kings 3:12), setting aside their pride and acknowledging their dependence on divine intervention.
Elisha's Rebuke and Prophecy (II Kings 3:13-18)
Elisha's initial response to King Joram is far from welcoming. He confronts Joram with the pointed question: "What do we have in common? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!" (II Kings 3:13). Elisha's words are a sharp rebuke, highlighting Joram's idolatry and questioning his motives for seeking the Lord's help. Joram, instead of repenting, defends himself by repeating his accusation against the Lord.
Elisha's willingness to prophesy stems solely from his respect for King Jehoshaphat (II Kings 3:14). Because of Jehoshaphat's righteousness, Elisha delivers a remarkable prophecy: a miraculous provision of water in the dry land to meet their immediate need (II Kings 3:16-17). Furthermore, he assures the three kings that God will deliver Moab into their hands (II Kings 3:18), offering hope and assurance of victory.
Fulfillment and Desperation (II Kings 3:20-27)
Elisha's prophecies unfold precisely as he foretold. The water supply appears miraculously, providing relief for the thirsty armies. God orchestrates a scenario where the Moabite army is deceived into believing that the water-filled ditches are pools of blood, the result of the allied armies fighting amongst themselves (II Kings 3:20-23). Lured by the prospect of plunder, the Moabites approach, only to be met with a fierce attack by the Israelites, who drive them back to Kir-hareseth, Moab's major city (II Kings 3:24-25).
In a moment of extreme desperation, King Mesha resorts to a horrific act: he sacrifices his firstborn son and heir as a burnt offering on the city wall (II Kings 3:27). The text notes that "great wrath came upon Israel," though the source and nature of this wrath are debated. It could be the Moabites' fury, or perhaps even divine displeasure at the gruesome act. Whatever the reason, the Israelites, possibly unnerved by the sacrifice, withdraw and return to their own land (II Kings 3:27).
This chapter serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, even in the face of human weakness and political maneuvering. It highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance, the consequences of idolatry, and the devastating effects of desperation.