2 Kings 3
BSB1 In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, Jehoram son of Ahab became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twelve years. 2 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. 3 Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them. 4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. 5 But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel. 7 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 like you, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses." 8 Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram. 9 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. 10 “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!" 11 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. “ 12 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. 13 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." 14 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. 15 But now, bring me a harpist. " And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ 17 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.’ 18 This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19 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." 20 The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land. 21 Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. 22 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. 23 “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!" 24 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. 25 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. 26 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. 27 So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Kings 3
- Themes from 2 Kings 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Kings 3 begins with the introduction of Jehoram, the king of Israel, who faces a rebellion from Mesha, the king of Moab. Jehoram forms an alliance with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom to attack Moab. However, their military campaign is hindered by a lack of water, leading them to seek the counsel of Elisha. Elisha prophesies that God will provide water and give them victory over Moab, which comes to pass. The chapter concludes with the Moabites being defeated and their king making a desperate attempt to break through the Israeli lines, but ultimately failing.
Context for the Chapter
2 Kings 3 is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah, highlighting God's relationship with His people and His judgment on those who rebel against Him. The chapter fits into the broader context of the Old Testament, which points to the coming of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The events of 2 Kings 3 also have implications for the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. We are called to obey God's commands and trust in His power, just as Elisha and the Israelites did. By doing so, we can experience God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of how God helped the kings of Israel and Judah defeat the Moabites. The Israelites were in trouble because they didn't have enough water, but God sent a prophet named Elisha to help them. Elisha prophesied that God would provide water and give them victory over Moab, which came true. We can learn from this story that God is powerful and can help us in our times of need, just like He helped the Israelites (2 Kings 3:18).
Voices from the Church
“The Lord can make the most unlikely circumstances become the means of His people's deliverance. Let us trust in His power and provision, and not limit Him by our own understanding.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The story of Elisha and the Israelites reminds us that God's power is not limited by human weakness or circumstances. We must trust in His sovereignty and provision, and not rely on our own strength or wisdom.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the War (2 Kings 3:1-3) — The chapter begins with the introduction of Jehoram, the king of Israel, and the rebellion of Mesha, the king of Moab.
- The Alliance and the Problem (2 Kings 3:4-8) — Jehoram forms an alliance with Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, but they face a problem with a lack of water.
- Elisha's Prophecy (2 Kings 3:9-20) — Elisha prophesies that God will provide water and give them victory over Moab, which comes to pass.
- The Defeat of Moab (2 Kings 3:21-27) — The Moabites are defeated, and their king makes a desperate attempt to break through the Israeli lines.
- Conclusion (2 Kings 3:28-30) — The chapter concludes with the Moabites being defeated and the Israelites returning home.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- This chapter teaches that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of events to accomplish His purposes.
- Faith
- The story of Elisha and the Israelites demonstrates the importance of trust in God's power and promises.
- Obedience
- The chapter highlights the need to obey God's commands and follow His guidance, as seen in the Israelites' decision to seek Elisha's counsel.
- Judgment
- The defeat of the Moabites serves as an example of God's righteous judgment on those who rebel against Him.
Lessons from 2 Kings 3
- Trust in God's Power — We should trust in God's power and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
- Obey God's Commands — We must obey God's commands and follow His guidance, just as the Israelites did.
- God's Sovereignty — We should recognize God's sovereignty over all things and trust in His wisdom and guidance.
- Faith and Obedience — We should combine faith and obedience, trusting in God's power and following His commands.
- Consequences of Disobedience — We should be aware of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, as seen in the defeat of the Moabites.
Themes from 2 Kings 3
- God's Providence — The chapter highlights God's active involvement in the world, guiding and directing the course of events.
- Faith and Trust — The story of Elisha and the Israelites demonstrates the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promises.
- Obedience and Disobedience — The chapter contrasts the obedience of the Israelites with the disobedience of the Moabites, highlighting the consequences of each.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty over all things, including the rise and fall of nations.
- Redemption and Salvation — The chapter points to the greater redemption and salvation that God offers through Jesus Christ, who provides living water to those who trust in Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Elisha's faith and trust in God's power?
- How does the story of the Israelites and Moabites illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands?
- What role does God's sovereignty play in the events of this chapter?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and circumstances?
- What does the chapter teach us about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the War (2 Kings 3:1-3)
| 3:1 | Jehoram becomes king of Israel, and the Moabites rebel against him. |
| 3:2 | Jehoram's character is described, and his actions are contrasted with those of his father, Ahab. |
2. The Alliance and the Problem (2 Kings 3:4-8)
| 3:4 | Mesha, the king of Moab, rebels against Israel and refuses to pay tribute. |
| 3:5 | Jehoram forms an alliance with Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom to attack Moab. |
3. Elisha's Prophecy (2 Kings 3:9-20)
| 3:9 | The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom face a problem with a lack of water. |
| 3:10 | Jehoshaphat suggests seeking the counsel of Elisha, who prophesies that God will provide water and give them victory over Moab. |
4. The Defeat of Moab (2 Kings 3:21-27)
| 3:21 | The Moabites are defeated, and their king makes a desperate attempt to break through the Israeli lines. |
| 3:22 | The Israelites are given victory over Moab, and the Moabites are defeated. |
5. Conclusion (2 Kings 3:28-30)
| 3:28 | The Moabites are defeated, and the Israelites return home. |
| 3:30 | The chapter concludes with the Moabites being defeated and the Israelites returning home. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Elisha's faith and trust in God's power?
We can learn that God is powerful and can help us in our times of need, just like He helped the Israelites (2 Kings 3:18).
How does the story of the Israelites and Moabites illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands?
The story shows that obedience to God's commands is crucial, as seen in the Israelites' decision to seek Elisha's counsel and follow his instructions (2 Kings 3:10-12).
What role does God's sovereignty play in the events of this chapter?
God's sovereignty plays a significant role, as He guides and directs the course of events to accomplish His purposes (2 Kings 3:18-20).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 3:1 → 1 Kings 19:16-17 | The prophecy of Elijah regarding the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel is fulfilled in 2 Kings 9:1-13. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 3:4 → Numbers 25:1-9 | The Moabites' rebellion against Israel is reminiscent of their earlier rebellion in Numbers 25:1-9. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 3:9 → Exodus 17:1-7 | The Israelites' lack of water in the desert is a recurring theme, also seen in Exodus 17:1-7. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 3:10 → 1 Kings 19:15-16 | Elisha's role as a prophet is established in 1 Kings 19:15-16, where he is anointed by Elijah. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 3:18 → Psalm 107:35 | The provision of water in the desert is a motif also found in Psalm 107:35, where God turns the desert into a pool of water. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 3:20 → Isaiah 41:17-20 | The theme of God's provision of water in the desert is also found in Isaiah 41:17-20, where He promises to provide for His people. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 3:25 → Genesis 19:1-29 | The destruction of the land of Moab is reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:1-29. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 3:27 → Deuteronomy 12:31 | The Moabites' desperate attempt to break through the Israeli lines involves human sacrifice, a practice condemned in Deuteronomy 12:31. |
Sermons on 2 Kings 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And the Country Was Filled With Water by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker uses the story of three armies lacking water to illustrate the spiritual poverty that exists in the Christian church today. He emphasizes the need for b |
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Lacking One Thing by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Old Testament where three kings and their armies were lacking water, which would ensure victory in battle. The preacher draw |
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Dry Valleys Filled With Water by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of two young girls who had a conviction and a vision from God. The speaker recounts how he knelt beside one of the girls as she |
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How Deep Is Your Digging by Wesley H. Wakefield | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou |
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Sing Praises With Understanding by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of taking a pause from our daily activities and engaging in a time of worship. He shares the story of Elisha and h |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a king who sought the Lord's guidance through a minstrel's music. The Lord instructed the king to make a valley full of trenches, |
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Well and Ditches by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 25 years of ministry and the changes he has witnessed in the church. He highlights the development of wide-scale evangelism, which was b |
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Elijah and Elisha 03 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story in 2 Kings chapter 3 where the Israelite army is in a waterless land. The speaker emphasizes the importance of digging ditches to r |
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Make This Valley Full of Ditches by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being desperate for God and seeking Him wholeheartedly. He uses the story of the Israelites in 2 Kings 3 as an example of h |
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Ye Shall Not See Wind, Neither Shall Ye See Rain; by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's work often occurs without visible signs, as illustrated in 2 Kings 3:17, where the valley is filled without wind or rain. He points out that in bot |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 3
This chapter teaches us about the power and providence of God, who can turn the most unlikely circumstances into the means of His people's deliverance. We see the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, as well as the need to obey His commands. The story of Elisha and the Israelites also highlights the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, as seen in the defeat of the Moabites. Ultimately, the chapter points to the greater redemption and salvation that God offers through Jesus Christ, who provides living water to those who trust in Him (2 Kings 3:18, John 4:14). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Role of Prophets
Elisha's prophecy and guidance play a crucial role in the outcome of the battle, highlighting the importance of listening to God's voice through His prophets.
The Power of Faith
The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in God's promises, as seen in Elisha's confidence in God's provision and the subsequent victory over Moab.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The Moabites' rebellion against God and their refusal to submit to His sovereignty lead to their defeat and judgment.