2 Kings 3:1-27

3:1-3 | Jehoram was the second son of Ahab to rule Israel. He reigned from 852-841 BC. Although Jehoram put away the sacred pillar – a cultic object used in Baal worship – he was sympathetic to idolatry in Israel and continued the religious policies of his parents as well as his predecessor, Jeroboam (1 Kgs. 12:26-33; 13:33).

3:4-5 | The Mesha Stele (or Moabite Stone) is a witness to historical accuracy. Found in Jordan in 1868 and dating to about 840 BC, this inscribed stone provides King Mesha of Moab’s description of how he was oppressed by Israel’s King Omri.

3:9-14 | The biblical writer consistently refers to the king of Israel without naming him, perhaps to keep Elisha as the real focus o the narrative. Poured water on the hands of Elijah denotes selfless service to another, which Elisha committed to in 1 Kings 19:21.

3:15-19 | Calling for a musician reflects one of the various ways God disclosed His word to His prophets – through music (1 Sam. 10:5), visions (Isa. 21:2; Dan. 1:17; 2:19), or personal reflection (Jer. 11:18-23).

3:19 | These four points of attack on both natural and human resources would not only defeat the Moabites in the moment but disable them long-term.

3:20-25 | Events unfolded as Elisha predicted, proving him a true prophet of God. To “deliver the Moabites into [Israel’s] hand” was indeed “a simple matter” for the Lord, but no one would have imagined that God would use the blood-like reflection of the sun on the water to do so. Kir Haraseth was the capital of Moab (Isa. 16:7; Jer. 48:36).

3:27 | Despite Israel’s success, the Moabites rallied and forced Israe3l to return home without complete victory. God graciously meets the needs of His people, but He will not be coerced, manipulated, or used by those who, like Jehoram, do not obey Him.