2 Kings 3 Study Notes: 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.
General
Why did Elisha agree to seek the LORD’s word for the kings (2 Kings 3:13-14)?
Answer: He had regard for Judah’s king Jehoshaphat
Elisha first told Jehoram to turn to his parents’ prophets (3:13), the false prophets that Ahab and Jezebel had kept, such as Baal’s prophets and Asherah’s (Asherah was a Canaanite goddess) who ate at Jezebel’s table (1 Kings 18:19), as well as the four hundred men Ahab gathered as court prophets (1 Kings 22:6). When Jehoram again said the LORD had brought the kings out to give them to Moab, Elisha swore by the LORD of Hosts (the LORD who commands the armies of heaven), before whom he stood, that were it not that he respected Judah’s king Jehoshaphat, he would not even look at Jehoram (3:14). Elisha’s help came for the sake of Jehoshaphat, who had sought the LORD.
- 2 Kings 3:13-14 (BSB)“Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.”Elisha tells Jehoram to go to his parents’ prophets and swears that only regard for Jehoshaphat makes him even look at him.
- 1 Kings 18:19 (BSB)“Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.””Ahab’s house had supported hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah who ate at Jezebel’s table.
- 1 Kings 22:6 (BSB)“So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.””Ahab had gathered four hundred court prophets who told him to go up to battle.
Theological
On what ground did Elisha consent to seek the LORD for the allied kings (2 Kings 3:13-14)?
Answer: He had regard for Judah’s king Jehoshaphat
Elisha rebuffed Jehoram, directing him to his parents’ prophets (3:13), the court prophets of Ahab’s house: Baal’s and Asherah’s prophets fed at Jezebel’s table (1 Kings 18:19) plus the four hundred men Ahab consulted before Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:6). When Jehoram repeated his complaint against the LORD, Elisha swore by the LORD of Hosts, in whose service he stood, that only his regard for Jehoshaphat of Judah moved him even to look at Jehoram (3:14). The blessing that follows comes to the whole alliance for the sake of the king who sought the LORD.
- 2 Kings 3:13-14 (BSB)“Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.”Elisha tells Jehoram to go to his parents’ prophets and swears that only regard for Jehoshaphat makes him even look at him.
- 1 Kings 18:19 (BSB)“Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.””Ahab’s house had supported hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah who ate at Jezebel’s table.
- 1 Kings 22:6 (BSB)“So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.””Ahab had gathered four hundred court prophets who told him to go up to battle.
General
True or False: Elisha called for someone to play the harp, and as the music played, the LORD’s hand came on Elisha and he spoke the LORD’s word.
Answer: True
This is true. Elisha asked for someone to play the harp, and as the music sounded, the LORD’s hand, meaning His power, came on him and he began to speak what the LORD said (3:15-16). Music and prophecy appear together elsewhere in the Old Testament: Samuel told Saul he would meet a band of prophets prophesying to the sound of harps and other instruments (1 Samuel 10:5-6), and David appointed musicians to prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 25:1). The power came from the LORD, not from the music, and the message Elisha gave was the LORD’s.
- 2 Kings 3:15 (BSB)“But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha”Elisha calls for a harpist, and as the music plays the LORD’s hand comes on him.
- 1 Samuel 10:5-6 (BSB)“After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.”Samuel told Saul he would meet prophets prophesying with harps and other instruments.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 (BSB)“Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:”David set apart musicians to prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals.
Theological
True or False: Elisha called for a harpist, and during the playing, the LORD’s hand came on Elisha and he declared the LORD’s word.
Answer: True
This is true. At Elisha’s request a harpist played, and the LORD’s hand came on him, after which he delivered the LORD’s message (3:15-16). Music accompanies prophecy elsewhere in Scripture, in the band of prophets Saul met (1 Samuel 10:5-6) and in the Levitical musicians David appointed to prophesy with instruments (1 Chronicles 25:1). The text attributes the revelation to the LORD’s hand, not to the music; the harp accompanied what God Himself gave.
- 2 Kings 3:15 (BSB)“But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha”Elisha calls for a harpist, and as the music plays the LORD’s hand comes on him.
- 1 Samuel 10:5-6 (BSB)“After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.”Samuel told Saul he would meet prophets prophesying with harps and other instruments.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 (BSB)“Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:”David set apart musicians to prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals.
General
True or False: Elisha’s word that the Israelites would ruin Moab’s cities, fields, springs, and trees came to pass in the campaign.
Answer: True
This is true. Elisha had said that the allies would strike every fortified city, cut down the good trees, stop up the springs, and ruin the good fields with stones (3:19). After the Moabites fled, the Israelites did exactly these things: they destroyed the towns, threw stones on the fields until they were covered, blocked the springs, and felled the trees, until only Kir-haraseth remained (3:25). Every part of the prophet’s word came true. As with the LORD’s promises in Joshua’s day, not one of them failed (Joshua 21:45), for the LORD foretells the outcome from the start and His purpose stands (Isaiah 46:10).
- 2 Kings 3:19 (BSB)“And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.””Elisha foretells that the allies will strike Moab’s cities, fell its trees, stop its springs, and ruin its fields with stones.
- 2 Kings 3:25 (BSB)“They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.”The Israelites destroy the cities, cover the fields with stones, stop the springs, and cut down the trees.
- Joshua 21:45 (BSB)“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.”None of the LORD’s promises to Israel failed; all came to pass.
- Isaiah 46:10 (BSB)“I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’”The LORD declares the end from the beginning, and His purpose stands.
Theological
True or False: Elisha’s prediction that the Israelites would ruin Moab’s cities, fields, springs, and trees was carried out in the campaign.
Answer: True
This is true. Elisha’s oracle specified the conquest of fortified cities, the felling of good trees, the stopping of springs, and the spoiling of fields with stones (3:19), and the narrative records each element carried out as Israel pressed into Moab, leaving only Kir-haraseth standing (3:25). The detailed correspondence underlines the reliability of the LORD’s word: as in Joshua’s day, none of His good promises failed (Joshua 21:45), because He announces the outcome from the start and accomplishes His purpose (Isaiah 46:10).
- 2 Kings 3:19 (BSB)“And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.””Elisha foretells that the allies will strike Moab’s cities, fell its trees, stop its springs, and ruin its fields with stones.
- 2 Kings 3:25 (BSB)“They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.”The Israelites destroy the cities, cover the fields with stones, stop the springs, and cut down the trees.
- Joshua 21:45 (BSB)“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.”None of the LORD’s promises to Israel failed; all came to pass.
- Isaiah 46:10 (BSB)“I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’”The LORD declares the end from the beginning, and His purpose stands.
General
When the three armies ran out of water, what did Israel’s king Jehoram conclude (2 Kings 3:9-10)?
Answer: The LORD had brought the three kings out to hand them to Moab
The rulers of Israel, Judah, and Edom took a long, winding route through Edom’s wilderness, and after seven days there was no water for the army or the animals (3:9). Jehoram cried out that the LORD had called these three kings together only to give them over to Moab (3:10), and he said the same thing again to Elisha (3:13). He saw the LORD’s hand only as being against him and did not turn to seek Him. His complaint sounds like Israel in the wilderness, who, when water ran out, accused Moses of bringing them out to die of thirst (Exodus 17:3; Numbers 20:4).
- 2 Kings 3:9-10 (BSB)“So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!””After a seven-day march the armies have no water, and the king of Israel concludes that the LORD has called the kings out to give them to Moab.
- Exodus 17:3 (BSB)“But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?””When Israel lacked water in the wilderness, the people accused Moses of bringing them out to die of thirst.
- Numbers 20:4 (BSB)“Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?”At Meribah the people again complained that they had been brought into the wilderness to die.
Theological
How did Israel’s king interpret the army’s lack of water in 2 Kings 3:10?
Answer: The LORD had brought the three kings out to hand them to Moab
After a seven-day circuit through Edom’s wilderness, the allied armies were without water for men or animals (3:9). Jehoram read the crisis as the LORD’s hostility: the LORD had summoned three kings only to hand them to Moab (3:10), a complaint he repeats before Elisha (3:13). He acknowledges the LORD’s sovereignty yet makes no move to seek Him, interpreting providence as a trap. His words echo Israel’s grumbling in the wilderness, when lack of water became an accusation that they had been brought out to die (Exodus 17:3; Numbers 20:4).
- 2 Kings 3:9-10 (BSB)“So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!””After a seven-day march the armies have no water, and the king of Israel concludes that the LORD has called the kings out to give them to Moab.
- Exodus 17:3 (BSB)“But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?””When Israel lacked water in the wilderness, the people accused Moses of bringing them out to die of thirst.
- Numbers 20:4 (BSB)“Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?”At Meribah the people again complained that they had been brought into the wilderness to die.
General
How does the text sum up the reign of Ahab’s son Jehoram, king of Israel (2 Kings 3:2-3)?
Answer: He did evil, though less than his parents, and kept Jeroboam’s sins
The narrator judges Jehoram’s reign evil in the LORD’s sight, though not as evil as his father Ahab and his mother. He took down Ahab’s sacred pillar for Baal, a stone pillar used in idol worship (3:2). Yet he held on to the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat led Israel into and never gave them up (3:3). Jeroboam, the first king of northern Israel, had set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan for the people to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). Ahab had gone further, serving Baal and building him a temple in Samaria (1 Kings 16:30-33). Jehoram stepped back from Baal, but he never turned away from Jeroboam’s sins.
- 2 Kings 3:2-3 (BSB)“And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done. He removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.”Jehoram does evil, though less than Ahab and Jezebel; he removes Baal’s sacred pillar but holds to Jeroboam’s sins.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam son of Nebat set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and this became a sin for Israel.
- 1 Kings 16:30-33 (BSB)“However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.”Ahab went beyond Jeroboam’s sins by serving Baal and building him an altar and temple in Samaria.
Theological
What is the narrator’s verdict on Ahab’s son Jehoram in 2 Kings 3:2-3?
Answer: He did evil, though less than his parents, and kept Jeroboam’s sins
Jehoram receives a qualified verdict: evil in the LORD’s sight, though not like his parents, and he took down Ahab’s sacred pillar for Baal (3:2). Yet he held fast to the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat led Israel into (3:3), the state worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan that had become Israel’s defining sin (1 Kings 12:28-30). Ahab had compounded that sin with Baal worship (1 Kings 16:30-33). Jehoram’s partial reform removed the worst excess but left the calf worship in place, so the verdict remains evil.
- 2 Kings 3:2-3 (BSB)“And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done. He removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.”Jehoram does evil, though less than Ahab and Jezebel; he removes Baal’s sacred pillar but holds to Jeroboam’s sins.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam son of Nebat set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and this became a sin for Israel.
- 1 Kings 16:30-33 (BSB)“However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.”Ahab went beyond Jeroboam’s sins by serving Baal and building him an altar and temple in Samaria.
General
In the crisis, what did Jehoshaphat ask for, and whom did one of Jehoram’s servants say was there (2 Kings 3:11-12)?
Answer: One of the LORD’s prophets; Elisha son of Shaphat
Unlike Jehoram, Jehoshaphat asked whether one of the LORD’s prophets was present through whom they could ask the LORD what to do (3:11). He had asked the same thing earlier at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:7). One of Jehoram’s servants answered that Elisha son of Shaphat was there, the man who had poured water over Elijah’s hands. That is, Elisha had been Elijah’s personal attendant ever since he left his farm to follow him (1 Kings 19:21). Jehoshaphat answered that the LORD’s word was with Elisha, and the three kings went to consult him (3:12).
- 2 Kings 3:11-12 (BSB)“But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.”Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of the LORD; a servant names Elisha, and Jehoshaphat affirms that the LORD’s word is with him.
- 1 Kings 22:7 (BSB)“But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?””At Ramoth-gilead Jehoshaphat had likewise asked whether a prophet of the LORD was there to consult.
- 1 Kings 19:21 (BSB)“So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.”Elisha had left everything to follow and serve Elijah.
Theological
What did Jehoshaphat request in the crisis, and whom did one of Jehoram’s servants say was present (2 Kings 3:11-12)?
Answer: One of the LORD’s prophets; Elisha son of Shaphat
Where Jehoram despaired, Jehoshaphat sought the LORD’s word, asking whether one of the LORD’s prophets was present (3:11), the same instinct he had shown at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:7). One of Jehoram’s servants named Elisha son of Shaphat, identified as the one who had poured water over Elijah’s hands, that is, Elijah’s attendant, the role Elisha took up when he left his oxen to follow him (1 Kings 19:21). Jehoshaphat affirmed that the LORD’s word was with Elisha, and the three kings went to consult him (3:12).
- 2 Kings 3:11-12 (BSB)“But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.”Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of the LORD; a servant names Elisha, and Jehoshaphat affirms that the LORD’s word is with him.
- 1 Kings 22:7 (BSB)“But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?””At Ramoth-gilead Jehoshaphat had likewise asked whether a prophet of the LORD was there to consult.
- 1 Kings 19:21 (BSB)“So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.”Elisha had left everything to follow and serve Elijah.
General
When Jehoram asked Judah’s king Jehoshaphat to join the war against Moab, how did Jehoshaphat answer (2 Kings 3:7)?
Answer: He agreed at once, pledging his people and horses as one
Mesha, Moab’s king, had paid Israel a heavy tribute of lambs and wool, but after Ahab died he rebelled (3:4-5; see also 1:1). Jehoram gathered Israel’s army and asked Judah’s king Jehoshaphat to join him. Jehoshaphat agreed at once, saying that he, his people, and his horses were as one with Jehoram’s (3:7). These are almost the same words he had used earlier when he joined Ahab to fight at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:4). After that earlier alliance, the seer Jehu son of Hanani had confronted Jehoshaphat, asking whether he should aid evil men and love the LORD’s enemies (2 Chronicles 19:2).
- 2 Kings 3:7 (BSB)“And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.””Jehoram asks Jehoshaphat to join him against Moab, and Jehoshaphat agrees, offering his people and horses.
- 1 Kings 22:4 (BSB)“So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.””Jehoshaphat had used the same words when he agreed to fight alongside Ahab at Ramoth-gilead.
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 (BSB)“Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.”After the alliance with Ahab, the seer Jehu son of Hanani rebuked Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked.
Theological
How did Jehoshaphat respond to Jehoram’s invitation to march against Moab (2 Kings 3:7)?
Answer: He agreed at once, pledging his people and horses as one
With Moab in revolt after Ahab’s death and its heavy tribute withheld (3:4-5; 1:1), Jehoram mobilized Israel and invited Jehoshaphat to join him. Jehoshaphat consented immediately, identifying himself, his people, and his horses with Jehoram’s (3:7), language nearly identical to his pledge to Ahab before Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:4). That earlier alliance had drawn a prophetic rebuke from Jehu son of Hanani for aiding the wicked and loving the LORD’s enemies (2 Chronicles 19:2), yet Jehoshaphat again bound himself to Ahab’s house.
- 2 Kings 3:7 (BSB)“And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.””Jehoram asks Jehoshaphat to join him against Moab, and Jehoshaphat agrees, offering his people and horses.
- 1 Kings 22:4 (BSB)“So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.””Jehoshaphat had used the same words when he agreed to fight alongside Ahab at Ramoth-gilead.
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 (BSB)“Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.”After the alliance with Ahab, the seer Jehu son of Hanani rebuked Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked.
General
When the battle went against him, what did Moab’s king do, and what followed (2 Kings 3:26-27)?
Answer: He offered his firstborn son on the wall, and Israel withdrew
Trapped at Kir-haraseth, Moab’s king led seven hundred swordsmen in an attempt to force a way to Edom’s king, but failed (3:26). He then sacrificed his firstborn son, the heir to his throne, atop the city’s wall. After this, great fury came against Israel, and the Israelites pulled back and went home (3:27). The text does not say whose fury it was; some read it as Moab’s rage stirred up by the sacrifice, others as dismay among the Israelites, others as God’s displeasure. Scripture plainly condemns such sacrifice. The LORD called the burning of children to false gods something He hates (Deuteronomy 12:31) and said He had never commanded it (Jeremiah 7:31).
- 2 Kings 3:26 (BSB)“When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail.”Facing defeat, the king of Moab tries with seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom and fails.
- Deuteronomy 12:31 (BSB)“You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.”The LORD forbade Israel to imitate the nations who burned their sons and daughters to their gods, which He hates.
- Jeremiah 7:31 (BSB)“They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.”The LORD says burning children in sacrifice was something He never commanded.
Theological
According to 2 Kings 3:26-27, what did Moab’s king do when the battle turned against him, and what was the result?
Answer: He offered his firstborn son on the wall, and Israel withdrew
Besieged at Kir-haraseth, Moab’s king failed in an attempt to force a way to Edom’s king with seven hundred swordsmen (3:26). He then sacrificed his firstborn son and heir atop the city’s wall, after which great fury came against Israel and the allies withdrew and went home (3:27). The text does not identify the source of the fury; interpreters variously read it as Moab’s inflamed resistance, Israel’s own horror and dismay, or divine displeasure. The sacrifice itself stands under the LORD’s condemnation as an abomination He hates (Deuteronomy 12:31), something He never commanded (Jeremiah 7:31).
- 2 Kings 3:26 (BSB)“When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail.”Facing defeat, the king of Moab tries with seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom and fails.
- Deuteronomy 12:31 (BSB)“You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.”The LORD forbade Israel to imitate the nations who burned their sons and daughters to their gods, which He hates.
- Jeremiah 7:31 (BSB)“They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.”The LORD says burning children in sacrifice was something He never commanded.
General
Why did the Moabites rush into the Israelite camp (2 Kings 3:22-24)?
Answer: They thought the red-looking water meant the kings had fought
At sunrise, with the sunlight on the new water, the Moabites watching from the other side saw it as red like blood. They concluded that the three kings had turned on each other and killed one another, and they hurried out to take the plunder (3:22-23). When they reached Israel’s camp, Israel’s soldiers sprang up and struck them, and the Moabites fled (3:24). The same water the LORD provided to save the allied armies also led Moab into defeat, as Elisha had said the LORD would hand Moab over (3:18). The LORD thwarts what the nations plan (Psalm 33:10), and no counsel can succeed against Him (Proverbs 21:30).
- 2 Kings 3:22-24 (BSB)“When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.”The Moabites see the sunlit water as red as blood, assume the kings have destroyed one another, and rush to plunder, only to be routed.
- Psalm 33:10 (BSB)“The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.”The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No wisdom or counsel can prevail against the LORD.
Theological
What led the Moabites to advance on the Israelite camp, according to 2 Kings 3:22-24?
Answer: They thought the red-looking water meant the kings had fought
At sunrise the water, catching the light, looked blood-red to the Moabites, who concluded that the allied kings had turned their swords on each other; they rushed to plunder and ran straight into the Israelites, who routed them (3:22-24). The provision that saved the allies became the means of Moab’s defeat, fulfilling the second half of Elisha’s word (3:18). God governs even the perceptions and miscalculations of His people’s enemies: He thwarts what the nations plan (Psalm 33:10), and no counsel prevails against Him (Proverbs 21:30).
- 2 Kings 3:22-24 (BSB)“When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.”The Moabites see the sunlit water as red as blood, assume the kings have destroyed one another, and rush to plunder, only to be routed.
- Psalm 33:10 (BSB)“The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.”The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No wisdom or counsel can prevail against the LORD.
General
What did the LORD promise through Elisha about water for the armies (2 Kings 3:16-18)?
Answer: The valley would fill with water though no rain was seen
Elisha told the kings to dig ditches all over the valley. The LORD promised that they would see neither wind nor rain, yet water would fill the valley for them and their animals. Elisha added that this was an easy thing in the LORD’s sight, and that He would also hand Moab over to them (3:16-18). The following morning, when the morning offering was made, water came flowing from Edom’s direction until the land was full (3:20). Nothing is too hard for the LORD (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17), the God who can turn dry wilderness into pools (Psalm 107:35).
- 2 Kings 3:16-18 (BSB)“and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.”Elisha tells the kings to dig ditches and promises water without wind or rain, calling it a simple matter for the LORD.
- 2 Kings 3:20 (BSB)“The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.”The next morning, at the time of the morning offering, water flows from the direction of Edom and fills the land.
- Jeremiah 32:17 (BSB)““Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!”Nothing is too difficult for the Lord GOD, who made heaven and earth.
- Genesis 18:14 (BSB)“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.””The LORD asks whether anything is too difficult for Him.
- Psalm 107:35 (BSB)“He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.”The LORD turns a desert into pools of water.
Theological
What did Elisha announce in the LORD’s name concerning water for the allied armies (2 Kings 3:16-18)?
Answer: The valley would fill with water though no rain was seen
Elisha commanded the kings to fill the valley with ditches and promised, in the LORD’s name, water without visible wind or rain, enough for men and animals; this was a light thing in the LORD’s sight, and He would give Moab into their hand besides (3:16-18). The fulfillment came the following morning at the hour of the morning offering, when water flowed in from Edom’s direction until the land was full (3:20). The episode displays the LORD’s effortless power over creation, for whom nothing is too hard (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17) and who turns desert into pools (Psalm 107:35).
- 2 Kings 3:16-18 (BSB)“and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.”Elisha tells the kings to dig ditches and promises water without wind or rain, calling it a simple matter for the LORD.
- 2 Kings 3:20 (BSB)“The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.”The next morning, at the time of the morning offering, water flows from the direction of Edom and fills the land.
- Jeremiah 32:17 (BSB)““Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!”Nothing is too difficult for the Lord GOD, who made heaven and earth.
- Genesis 18:14 (BSB)“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.””The LORD asks whether anything is too difficult for Him.
- Psalm 107:35 (BSB)“He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.”The LORD turns a desert into pools of water.