# Overview 2 Kings Chapter 3 recounts the alliance formed between #Jehoram, king of #Israel, #Jehoshaphat, king of #Judah, and the king of #Edom to wage war against #Moab. The chapter begins with Jehoram assuming the throne of Israel after the death of his brother #Ahaziah. Although Jehoram is depicted as doing evil in the sight of the #LORD, he is noted for removing the sacred pillar of #Baal erected by his father #Ahab. The Moabites, under the leadership of #Mesha, had been vassals to Israel, providing tribute in the form of sheep and wool. However, upon Ahab's death, Mesha rebels against Israel, prompting Jehoram to seek Jehoshaphat's assistance in quelling the uprising. The two kings, along with the king of Edom, embark on a journey through the desert, only to find themselves without water for their armies and animals. In their dire situation, Jehoshaphat seeks a prophet of the LORD, leading them to #Elisha. Elisha, though initially reluctant to assist due to his disdain for Jehoram, agrees to inquire of the LORD out of respect for Jehoshaphat. The LORD, through Elisha, instructs them to dig ditches in the valley, promising that water will miraculously fill them without rain. The next morning, water appears, and the Moabites, mistaking the water reflecting the sun for blood, assume the allied kings have turned against each other. When they approach the camp, they are ambushed and defeated. The campaign against Moab continues until Mesha, in a desperate act, sacrifices his firstborn son on the city wall, causing great indignation among the Israelites, leading them to withdraw and return to their land. ## Theological Insights In 2 Kings Chapter 3, the narrative unfolds with a focus on the alliance and subsequent military campaign against #Moab, illuminating several key theological themes. 1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**: The chapter portrays the sovereignty of #God over the nations. Though #Jehoram of #Israel is an unrighteous king, God still intervenes on behalf of the people. The miraculous provision of water in the desert (2 Kings 3:16-20) illustrates God's providence and His ability to bring about deliverance even in the face of impending disaster. This act echoes God’s provision for the Israelites in the wilderness during the Exodus, indicating His ongoing faithfulness to His covenant people. 2. **Prophetic Authority**: The role of the prophet #Elisha is central in this chapter, demonstrating the authority and power vested in God's prophets. Elisha's declaration of victory over Moab (2 Kings 3:18) and his instruction to dig ditches for the provision of water signify God’s communication and assurance through His chosen servants. This reinforces the theme that God’s word, as delivered by His prophets, is reliable and authoritative. 3. **Judgment and Mercy**: The chapter reflects a balance between God's judgment and mercy. While God grants victory over Moab, it is not an unconditional endorsement of #Israel’s king. Instead, it underscores God's mercy towards His people and His willingness to act for the sake of His covenant with #David amidst human failure. 4. **Human Weakness and Divine Strength**: The coalition of #Israel, #Judah, and #Edom displays human weakness when they find themselves without water (2 Kings 3:9-10). This predicament sets the stage for God to demonstrate His strength, reminding believers that human efforts are insufficient without divine aid. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God's strength is perfected in human weakness. 5. **Faith and Obedience**: Elisha’s instructions require faith from the allied kings and their armies. The command to dig ditches in the desert without visible signs of rain demands trust in God’s word. This scenario points to the broader biblical principle that faith often requires obedience to God's directives even when the outcome is not immediately evident. 6. **God’s Glory**: The victory over Moab, achieved not by human strategy but by divine intervention, ultimately serves to glorify God. The miraculous nature of the victory (2 Kings 3:22-24) highlights that the glory belongs to God alone, not to human leaders or armies. These themes collectively underscore the message that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes and demonstrating His character as both just and merciful. The chapter invites believers to trust in God's sovereign power and to heed His word delivered through His prophets. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Intervention and Provision In 2 Kings 3, the miraculous provision of water to the armies of #Israel, #Judah, and #Edom in the wilderness underscores the theme of God’s intervention in human affairs. This theme is echoed in other biblical narratives such as the provision of manna and water for #Israel during the Exodus in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]] and [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 17]]. It highlights God's ability to provide for His people, even in seemingly impossible situations. ### The Role of Prophets The presence of #Elisha and his role in communicating God's will to the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom illustrates the theme of prophetic guidance. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative where prophets serve as the mouthpieces of God, such as #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]] and #Samuel in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 3]]. The prophets often serve as intermediaries between God and His people, guiding them according to divine will. ### Faith and Obedience The kings' decision to seek the counsel of #Elisha reflects the theme of faith and obedience in seeking divine direction. This act resonates with other biblical instances where leaders seek God's guidance, like #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 23]]. It underscores the importance of turning to God for wisdom and direction in times of uncertainty. ### Divine Judgment and Mercy The defeat of the #Moabites illustrates the theme of divine judgment against nations opposing Israel. This theme parallels other instances of God's judgment upon Israel's enemies, such as the Egyptians in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]]. Yet, it also displays God's mercy towards Israel by granting them victory despite their shortcomings, a recurring theme seen in the narratives of the judges in the book of [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6]] with #Gideon. ### The Importance of Unity and Alliance The alliance between the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom to confront Moab reflects the theme of unity and the importance of alliances in achieving victory. This theme is similarly reflected in the united front of the tribes of Israel against common enemies, as seen in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 5]] with #Deborah and #Barak. It highlights the strength found in unity under a common purpose. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Deliverance from Moab In [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 3]], the deliverance of #Israel from the hands of #Moab underlines the fulfillment of God's promise to protect and sustain His chosen people. This event echoes the promise of divine help and victory that can be seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28|Deuteronomy 28:7]], where God assures that the enemies will be defeated before them. The miraculous provision of water, which leads to the victory over Moab, illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, as seen throughout the scriptures. ### Elisha's Role as a Prophet The chapter also highlights the prophetic ministry of #Elisha, which fulfills the role of God's messenger. This is in line with God’s promise of raising prophets to guide and lead His people, as seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 18|Deuteronomy 18:18]]. Elisha's intervention, through the provision of water and the subsequent victory, demonstrates the truth of God's word delivered through His prophets, reinforcing the divine authority given to them. ### God's Sovereignty and Provision The miraculous provision of water in the desert also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise of provision and care for His people, as previously demonstrated in the wilderness wanderings with #Moses, specifically in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 17|Exodus 17:6]] and [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 20|Numbers 20:11]]. This recurring theme of God providing water illustrates His sovereignty and continual care for His people, fulfilling His promises of sustenance and life-giving support. ### The Judgment upon Moab The judgment upon Moab serves as a reminder of the prophetic declarations against the nations opposing Israel. This aligns with the broader prophetic declarations found in books like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 15|Isaiah 15]] and [[Amos/Amos Chapter 2|Amos 2:1-3]], where judgment is pronounced upon Moab. The defeat of Moab in this chapter serves as a partial fulfillment of these broader prophecies concerning the nations surrounding Israel. ## Verses - **2 Kings 3:1** - "Ahab's son #Joram began to rule over #Israel in the eighteenth year of King #Jehoshaphat's reign in #Judah. He reigned in Samaria twelve years." - See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 22]] for Joram's background. - **2 Kings 3:2** - "He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, but not to the same extent as his father and mother. He at least tore down the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had set up." - For more on his parents, see [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 16]] and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 21]]. - **2 Kings 3:3** - "Nevertheless, he continued in the sins that #Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed and led the people of Israel to commit." - Reference [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]] for Jeroboam's sins. - **2 Kings 3:4** - "King #Mesha of #Moab was a sheep breeder. He used to pay the king of Israel an annual tribute of 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams." - See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 8]] for earlier relations between Israel and Moab. - **2 Kings 3:5** - "But after Ahab's death, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel." - Compare with [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 22]] regarding Ahab's reign and death. - **2 Kings 3:6** - "So King Joram promptly mustered the army of Israel and marched from Samaria." - Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom, see [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 16]]. - **2 Kings 3:7** - "On the way, he sent this message to King Jehoshaphat of Judah: 'The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you join me in battle against him?' And Jehoshaphat replied, 'Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.'" - Jehoshaphat’s alliances can be seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 22]]. - **2 Kings 3:8** - "'What route will we take?' Jehoshaphat asked. 'We will attack from the wilderness of Edom,' Joram replied." - **2 Kings 3:9** - "The king of #Edom and his troops joined them, and all three armies traveled along a roundabout route through the wilderness for seven days. But there was no water for the men or their animals." - **2 Kings 3:10** - "'What should we do?' the king of Israel cried out. 'The LORD has brought the three of us here to let the king of Moab defeat us.'" - **2 Kings 3:11** - "But King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked, 'Is there no prophet of the LORD with us? If there is, we can ask the LORD what to do through him.' One of King Joram’s officers replied, 'Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to be Elijah’s personal assistant.'" - For Elisha's role, see [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 19]]. - **2 Kings 3:12** - "Jehoshaphat said, 'Yes, the LORD speaks through him.' So the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom went to consult with Elisha." - **2 Kings 3:13** - "'Why are you coming to me?' Elisha asked the king of Israel. 'Go to the pagan prophets of your father and mother!' But King Joram of Israel said, 'No! For it was the LORD who called us three kings here—only to be defeated by the king of Moab!'" - **2 Kings 3:14** - "Elisha replied, 'As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I wouldn’t even bother with you except for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.'" - **2 Kings 3:15** - "'Now bring me someone who can play the harp.' While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha," - Music in prophecy is seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 10]]. - **2 Kings 3:16** - "and he said, 'This is what the LORD says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water!'" - **2 Kings 3:17** - "'You will see neither wind nor rain,' says the LORD, 'but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and your cattle and other animals.'" - **2 Kings 3:18** - "'But this is only a simple thing for the LORD, for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab!'" - **2 Kings 3:19** - "'You will conquer the best of their towns—even the fortified ones. You will cut down all their good trees, stop up all their springs, and ruin all their good land with stones.'" - **2 Kings 3:20** - "The next day at about the time when the morning sacrifice was offered, water suddenly appeared! It was flowing from the direction of Edom, and soon there was water everywhere." - **2 Kings 3:21** - "Meanwhile, when the people of Moab heard about the three armies marching against them, they mobilized every man who was old enough to strap on a sword, and they stationed themselves along their border." - **2 Kings 3:22** - "But when they got up the next morning, the sun was shining across the water, making it appear red to the Moabites—like blood." - **2 Kings 3:23** - "'It’s blood!' the Moabites exclaimed. 'The three armies must have attacked and killed each other! Let’s go, men of Moab, and collect the plunder!'" - **2 Kings 3:24** - "But when the Moabites arrived at the Israelite camp, the army of Israel rushed out and attacked them until they turned and ran. The army of Israel chased them into the land of Moab, destroying everything as they went." - **2 Kings 3:25** - "They destroyed the towns, covered their good land with stones, stopped up all the springs, and cut down all the good trees. Finally, only Kir-hareseth and its stone walls were left, but men with slings surrounded and attacked it." - **2 Kings 3:26** - "When the king of Moab saw that he was losing the battle, he led 700 of his swordsmen in a desperate attempt to break through the enemy lines near the king of Edom, but they failed." - **2 Kings 3:27** - "Then the king of Moab took his oldest son, who would have been the next king, and sacrificed him as a burnt offering on the wall. So there was great anger against Israel, and the Israelites withdrew and returned to their own land." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Joram** - [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 22]] - **Jehoshaphat** - [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 22]] - **Elisha** - [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 19]] - **Edom** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 36]] - **Moab** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3]]