2 Kings 3
McGeeCHAPTERS 3 AND 4THEME: Miracles of Elisha
2 Kings 3:1
Jehoram was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and successor of his brother Ahaziah, who died without having any children.
2 Kings 3:2
He did not sin as Ahab had sinned, but he did cleave “unto the sins of Jeroboam” which was calf worship.
2 Kings 3:4
Moab was in subjection to Israel and paid tribute. When Ahab died, Moab attempted to regain her freedom, refusing to pay the tribute. Jehoram, therefore, gathered his troops together and made an alliance with Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to bring Moab back into subjection. When they were unable to find water for their troops, their campaign not only was halted, but they were in danger of being conquered by the Moabites. King Jehoshaphat, being a God-fearing man, suggested they call a prophet of God to give them direction. (We could wish he had asked for God’s guidance before he formed this alliance with Israel’s godless king.) Elisha’s response is interesting and reveals his contempt for Jehoram.
2 Kings 3:16
WATER AND VICTORYThen God promises that there will be victorythey will be given water and they will completely subjugate Moab. Notice the remarkable way God accomplishes this. The ditches are pits to retain the water that is coming.
2 Kings 3:20
The Moabite troops which are mustered to defend their country against Israel now look out toward the advancing armies.
2 Kings 3:22
Thinking that the confederate kings had come to blows and the troops had destroyed each other, the Moabites forget about warfare and each man takes off to get his share of the spoil. This, of course, gives Israel a distinct advantage.
2 Kings 3:26
Human sacrifice was widely practiced by the Moabites. Undoubtedly he offered the sacrifice to his god Chemosh, hoping that by offering his heir, Chemosh would save him from the enemy. However, it was a signal victory for Israel, and certainly must have impressed them with the power and graciousness of the Lord God of Israel. Chapter 4 contains five miracles performed by Elisha. While there is a similarity between the miracles of Elisha and Elijah, the miracles performed by Elisha are more extensive.