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2 Kings 3

27 verses

TL;DR

Israel, Judah, and Edom form an alliance to confront Moab, guided by Elisha’s prophecy of divine water and victory, but Moab ultimately withdraws after a failed counterattack.

Summary

Jehoram begins his reign in Israel, but the country is still prone to sin. When Moab rebels, Jehoram seeks Judah’s help; Jehoshaphat agrees to join a joint campaign. The three kings travel through the wilderness of Edom, lacking water. They consult Elisha, who through a minstrel foretells a miraculous flood of water in the battlefield and divine victory over Moab. In the morning, water appears, deceiving the Moabites and enabling the Israelite forces to win, destroy cities, wells, and trees. The Moabite king attempts a desperate counterattack and even offers his son as a burnt offering, but the Israelite forces hold, and the Moabites ultimately retreat to their own land.

Outline
  1. Jehoram’s reign and Moab’s rebellion
  2. Alliance of Israel, Judah, and Edom and consultation with Elisha
  3. Prophetic water, battle, and Moab’s withdrawal
Themes
Divine intervention in warfarePolitical alliances and loyaltyRebellion and divine judgment
Keywords
MoabElishawaterprophecybattleallianceEdomIsraelJudahdrought
People
JehoramAhabJephthasMeshaElishaKing of Edom
Places
SamariaEdomWilderness of EdomKirharasethMoab
Things
Hundred thousand lambs and ramsWater from the heavensDitches and wellsStone blocksBurnt offering
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 3:8-9: Shows the alliance and the lack of water that sets up the need for divine intervention.
  • 2 Kings 3:15-18: Elisha’s prophetic use of the minstrel and the promise of water.
  • 2 Kings 3:20-23: The miraculous water appears and deceives the Moabites.
  • 2 Kings 3:25: Describes the thorough destruction of Moab’s resources, highlighting the battle’s scale.
Questions
  • Why did Elisha insist on a minstrel for his prophetic message?
  • How did the presence of water alter the psychological state of the Moabites?
  • What does this account reveal about the political relationships among Israel, Judah, and Edom?
  • In what ways does the narrative portray divine judgment against rebellion?
  • What might be the significance of the Moabite king offering his son as a burnt offering?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter presents both divine favor for Israel and condemnation of Moab, reflecting complex moral dynamics.