2 Kings 3:4-27 is a war story — and a pretty exciting one, at that! It starts with the Moabites in servitude to Israel (v. 4). Then, there’s a regime change, and they try declaring independence (v. 5). Naturally, the overlords prepare to go to war to preserve their position of dominance. A military census is taken (v. 6), and alliances are formed (v. 7). There is some strategizing (v. 8), then a disastrous miscalculation (v. 9). The king of Israel was desperate (v. 10). But his ally, the king of Judah, had a good idea: “Let’s ask God for help!” (v. 11). The prophet Elisha was in the camp (maybe he was serving as a chaplain?). Here’s where the story gets interesting!
The three kings head for the chaplain’s tent (v. 12). I’m impressed that they didn’t issue orders for him to be brought to them! Elisha was blunt in his assessment of the king of Israel (vv. 13-14). I’m amazed that he didn’t lose his head then and there for that sermon! Then, he made a very interesting request (v. 15). Evidently, he didn’t want to preach without first having some music!
Elisha’s sermon accurately predicted how the battle would proceed (vv. 16-19). The rest of the story details the fulfillment of this prophecy (vv. 20-25). A brief postscript relates the shocking aftermath (vv. 26-27).
Are you, today, facing a spiritual battle as daunting as the one that Jehoram and Jehoshaphat faced in 852 BC? Do what they did: ask God for help! Listen to the Word of God, as expounded in your place of worship, and trust that God will fulfill his promises to you, even as he did the promises he made to them!
John H. Roller
Extended Scripture: 2 Kings 3–5
