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2 Kings 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The verses here in 2 Kings 3 really put into perspective just how evil Ahab and Jezebel really were. Their son, Jehoram (aka Joram), is now king over Israel. We read that he turned from the false god Baal, yet, he still did evil in the sight of God. Though he may have rejected one false god that his parents worshipped, he didn’t return to the Lord. He simply changed his devotion to a different false god.
In our modern-day political age, we complain about having two bad candidates to choose from during an election year, but Israel is currently on a streak of 9 evil kings in a row! Despite the evil leadership, God was still working. He was calling Godly men as His mouthpiece who led the way simultaneously alongside the darkness of Israel’s leadership.
Moab Rebels
Moab was under the authority of Israel and under king Ahab, they paid a tribute. Once Jehoram became king, Moab decided to stop paying them and Jehoram decided to go wring some necks. He recruited the good king Jehoshaphat from Judah to come along with him, most likely because the king of Judah had a lot more military experience. Jehoshaphat agrees, so they begin to travel through the dry desert of Edom.
Along the way, they recruit a military leader from the kingless nation of the Edomites to fight with them. So, we have Israel led by Jehoram, Judah led by Jehoshaphat, and a representative (called king) from Edom all moving their troops toward Moab. After 7 days, they run out of water. At this point, Scripture highlights two different ways that humans respond to chaos and tragedy.
Jehoram vs. Jehoshaphat
Then the king of Israel said, “Oh no, the LORD has summoned three kings, only to hand them over to Moab.” 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD here? Let’s inquire of Yahweh through him.” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah’s hands, is here.”
2 Kings 3:10-11 HCSB
Two opposite responses.
Jehoram doubts… Jehoshaphat hopes. Jehoram blames… Jehoshaphat believes. Jehoram looks at the circumstances… Jehoshaphat looks for God.
Two completely different responses, right? So, which of these sounds more like you these days? Are you a doubter… a blamer… a fatalistic thinker? Or are you looking for God even in dark places?
The difference, of course, was found in the fact that Jehoshaphat knew the Lord and Jehoram didn’t. Jehoshaphat had seen the works of God in the dead-end moments of life. He had witnessed the power and faithfulness of the Lord. He knew exactly where to do to find Him. In that time, seeking the Lord meant seeking His prophets. So, they summon for Elisha.
God Provides The Victory
There is so much I love in this chapter. I love how Elisha has picked up Elijah’s mantle and has inherited the same direct, convicting, borderline-snarky attitude. I can’t help but smirk when I read of Elisha turning to Jehoram and quipping, “We have nothing in common. Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!” Incredible truth.
But, I also love how God was faithful to deliver His people despite the fact that Jehoram had no faith and no interest in loving God. Incredible grace.
Does God still work in the same way today? Absolutely. Throughout history, believers and nonbelievers have mingled together in the busyness of our daily grind while God sits back and does His thing. The words and actions of Jehoshaphat and Elisha were treasured riches of grace that were attempting to speak directly to the heart of Jehoram despite his lack of spiritual interest. What happened in the end? All glory would go to God. The same is true for us.