December 30, 2021
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Reading along with us in 2 Kings? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Kings 3 (NIV)
Moab Revolts
1 Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years. 2 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father and mother had done. He got rid of the sacred stone of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them........Continue Reading
Well I guess any righteousness fro a king of Israel is good to see, but Joram just not being as bad as Ahab doesn’t say much. It is surprising that Jehosophat would join a king of Israel in battle, knowing the disfavor God would have towards them because of their disobedience. Jehosophat was a righteous king in Judah and that is why Elisha is willing to say anything of God’s will in this situation. It is also why he asks for a prophet in the first place. Jehosophat, like all believers in God, know we need direction from the Lord all the time, but especially in challenging situations. So God gives them direction to provide water for their animals, but in the end it also brings victory over the king of Moab. It is just like God to provide in 2 ways, where obedience to Him just seems like it will resolve one problem. It is one of the beneficial and exciting parts of following God, as well see Him work His ways and His will. We also see here an example of how sometimes the evil person is blessed by association with the righteous person. It doesn’t always happen that way, but sometimes it does.
Well Joram should literally Thank God for Jehosophat! Not being as bad as his father and mother doesn’t speak volumes to his character so I was confused that Jehosophat would even join him, however, God always has a plan and we see Jehososphat looking for God’s plan and hopefully leading these other kings by example of obedience to God and it certainly works in their favor when God not only gives them their battle victory but provides for their physical needs as well.
Elisha won’t give Joram the time of day. He gives guidance only for the sake of Jehoshaphat.
The king of Moab is so desperate…and desperately wicked that he sacrifices his own son who is to reign. It makes me think of many who have “made a deal with the devil” for the sake of “victory.” What does it take to realize that Satan is a liar…and the father of lies.