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2 Kings 3 Devotional

A Small Thing for the LORD

“This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.”2 Kings 3:18 (BSB)

Three kings march against Moab and run out of water in the desert (3:9). Jehoram of Israel assumes the LORD has brought them out here to hand them over to Moab (3:10, 3:13). It is Jehoshaphat who asks for a prophet of the LORD (3:11). For Jehoshaphat's sake, Elisha gives the LORD's word. With no storm in sight, the dry valley will fill with water, and this is an easy thing for the LORD (3:16-18). The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water flows in and fills the land (3:20).

The chapter does not end neatly. Moab's king, losing the battle, offers his firstborn son on the city wall, and Israel withdraws (3:27). The text reports this horror without explaining all of it. What it does make plain is that the LORD's power is not strained by human dead ends. What looks impossible to three kings is a small matter to him. No need you bring him is too large for his attention.

To think about: What situation have you quietly decided is a dead end, and how might it look different in light of what is easy for God?

About 2 Kings 3: Elisha and the War Against Moab

Jehoram, an evil king of Israel though less than Ahab, joins the kings of Judah and Edom against rebellious Moab until the armies run out of water. For Jehoshaphat’s sake Elisha promises water and victory; Moab mistakes the sunlit water for blood and is routed, until its king sacrifices his son and Israel withdraws.

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