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Commentary on 2 Kings 3 verses 20–27
I. We have here the divine gift of both those things which God had promised by Elisha - water and victory, and the former not only a pledge of the latter, but a means of it. God, who created, and commands, all the waters, both above and beneath the firmament, sent them an abundance of water on a sudden, which did them double service.
1.It relieved their armies, which were ready to perish, Kg2 3:20. And, which was very observable, this relief came just at the time of the offering of the morning sacrifice upon the altar at Jerusalem, a certain time, and universally known. That time Elisha chose for his hour of prayer (it is likely looking towards the temple, for so there were to do in their prayers when they were going out to battle and encamped at a distance, Kg1 8:44), in token of his communion with the temple-service, and his expectation of success by virtue of the great sacrifice. We now cannot pitch upon any hour more acceptable than another, because our high priest is always appearing for us, to present and plead his sacrifice. That time God chose for the hour of mercy to put an honour upon the daily sacrifice, which had been despised. God answered Daniel's prayer just at the time of the evening sacrifice (Dan 9:21); for he will acknowledge his own institutions.
2.It deceived their enemies, who were ready to triumph, into the destruction. Notice was given to the Moabites of the advances of the confederate army, to oppose which all that were able to put on armour were posted upon the frontiers, where they were ready to give the Israelites a warm reception (v. 21), promising themselves that it would be easy dealing with an army fatigued by so long a march through the wilderness of Edom. But see here,
(1.)How easily they were drawn into their own delusions. Observe the steps of their self-deceit. [1.] They saw the water in the valley where the army of Israel encamped, and conceited it was blood (Kg2 3:22), because they knew the valley to be dry, and (there having been no rain) could not imagine it should be water. The sun shone upon it, and probably the sky was red and lowering, a presage of foul weather that day (Mat 16:3), and so it proved to them. But, this making the water look red, their own fancies, which made them willing to believe what made for them, suggested, This is blood, God permitting them thus to impose upon themselves. [2.] If their camp was thus full of blood, they conclude, "Certainly the kings have fallen out (as confederates of different interests are apt to do) and they have slain one another (Kg2 3:23), for who else should slay them?" And, [3.] "If the armies have slain one another, we have nothing to do but to divide the prey. Now therefore, Moab, to the spoil." These were the gradual suggestions of some sanguine spirits among them, that thought themselves wiser and happier in their conjectures than their neighbours; and the rest, being desirous it should be so, were forward to believe it was so. Quod volumus facile credimus - What we wish we readily believe. Thus those that are to be destroyed are first deceived (Rev 20:8), and none are so effectually deceived as those that deceive themselves.
(2.)How fatally they thereby ran upon their own destruction. They rushed carelessly into the camp of Israel, to plunder it, but were undeceived when it was too late. The Israelites, animated by the assurances Elisha had given them of victory, fell upon them with the utmost fury, routed them, and pursued them into their own country (Kg2 3:24), which they laid waste (Kg2 3:25), destroyed the cities, marred the ground, stopped up the wells, felled the timber, and left only the royal city standing, in the walls of which they made great breaches with their battering engines. This they got by rebelling against Israel. Who ever hardened his heart against God and prospered?
II. In the close of the chapter we are told what the king of Moab did when he found himself reduced to the last extremity by the besiegers, and that his capital city was likely to fall into their hands. 1. He attempted that which was bold and brave. he got together 700 choice men, and with them sallied out upon the intrenchments of the king of Edom, who, being but a mercenary in this expedition, would not, he hoped, make any great resistance if vigorously attacked, and so he might make his escape that way. But it would not do; even the king of Edom proved too hard for him, and obliged him to retire, Kg2 3:26. 2. This failing, he did that which was brutish and barbarous; he took his own son, his eldest son, that was to succeed him, than whom nothing could be more dear to himself and his people, and offered him for a burnt-offering upon the wall, Kg2 3:27. He designed by this, (1.) To obtain the favour of Chemosh his god, which, being a devil, delighted in blood and murder, and the destruction of mankind. The dearer any thing was to them the more acceptable those idolaters thought it must needs be if offered in sacrifice to their gods, and therefore burnt their children in the fire to their honour. (2.) To terrify the besiegers, and oblige them to retire. Therefore he did it upon the wall, in their sight, that they might see what desperate courses he resolved to take rather than surrender, and how dearly he would sell his city and life. He intended hereby to render them odious, and to exasperate and enrage his own subjects against them. This effect it had: There was great indignation against Israel for driving him to this extremity, whereupon they raised the siege and returned. Tender and generous spirits will not do that, though just, which will drive any man distracted, or make him desperate.
When the Moabites came to plunder the camp, they convinced themselves that its ruins had been abandoned by their guards. Instead, Jehoshaphat and the kings with him suddenly rose up with drawn swords when they realized that their enemies were approaching and almost upon them. But the Moabites did not persist in their attack. They turned around and ran away because they had come unarmed. They had not come to fight, but to plunder. Therefore they scattered the army of their enemies by simply turning their weapons against them. Then they destroyed and laid waste the land bordering [the Moabites]. And finally, like an overflowing stream, they rushed in to attack Moab, cutting down their trees according to Elisha’s order, stopping up the flowing springs, destroying the villages, and demolishing all their houses until they brought down their walls. They surrounded and demolished their fortresses, that is, knocked down the walls and scattered the rubble of the demolition.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:24 vividly recounts the dramatic and divinely orchestrated reversal of fortune for the allied forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom, as they decisively routed the Moabite army. This verse marks the climactic moment after a miraculous provision of water appeared as blood to the Moabites, leading them to believe the allied kings had destroyed each other. It depicts the Israelite coalition rising from their camp to launch a devastating counter-attack, transforming what the Moabites anticipated as an an easy plundering expedition into their own catastrophic defeat. The Israelites not only repelled the initial assault but relentlessly pursued their fleeing enemies deep into their own territory, inflicting heavy losses and securing a comprehensive victory.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 3:24 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological significance. Irony is paramount, as the Moabites, anticipating easy plunder from what they believed was a self-annihilated enemy, instead stumble into a divinely empowered ambush. Their confident advance is met with a devastating defeat, a stark reversal of expectations orchestrated by God. The Repetition of the verb "smote" (Hebrew nâkâh) in "smote the Moabites" and "smiting the Moabites" underscores the intensity, persistence, and thoroughness of the Israelite offensive. This repetition emphasizes the relentless nature of the pursuit and the comprehensive destruction inflicted upon the Moabite forces. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as a powerful demonstration of Divine Providence or Divine Intervention, where God actively manipulates circumstances (the miraculous water appearing as blood) to deceive the enemy and secure victory for His people, transforming a desperate situation into a triumphant display of His power and faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of God's active intervention on behalf of His people, particularly when they are in desperate circumstances and turn to Him in faith. The victory over Moab was not achieved through superior military strategy or strength alone, but through a miraculous, divinely orchestrated deception and empowerment. This highlights God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to turn seemingly insurmountable odds into opportunities for His glory. It underscores His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to fight for those who trust in Him, even when their own resources are exhausted. The comprehensive nature of the victory, extending into Moabite territory, speaks to the completeness of God's deliverance and His righteous judgment against those who oppose His people and His purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic turnaround in 2 Kings 3:24 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even when our resources are depleted, our circumstances seem dire, and the enemy appears to have the upper hand, God's power is not limited by human impossibilities or the logic of our situations. Just as the allied armies faced severe dehydration and a seemingly overwhelming foe, we too encounter "wilderness" periods in our lives—moments of spiritual dryness, overwhelming challenges, or formidable opposition. This narrative encourages us to seek God's guidance through His Word and prayer, trusting that He can provide miraculous solutions and strategic breakthroughs where none seem possible. It calls us to move from a posture of despair to one of faith, knowing that God can turn the tide of any battle, transforming our defensive stands into victorious advances. Our role is to be prepared, to obey His leading, and to participate in the victory He secures, recognizing that true strength comes from His divine intervention, not merely our own efforts or ingenuity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the Moabites think the water was blood, and how did this lead to their defeat?
Answer: The Moabites were deceived by a miraculous phenomenon orchestrated by God. After Elisha prophesied that God would fill the valley with water without wind or rain, the water appeared at sunrise. The red soil of the region, combined with the rising sun's reflection on the water, made the water appear like blood to the Moabites from a distance. They concluded that the allied kings (Israel, Judah, and Edom) had fallen into internal strife and slaughtered each other, leaving their camp vulnerable and ripe for plunder. This misperception, driven by their own greed and a common understanding of ancient Near Eastern political treachery, led them to rush carelessly into the Israelite camp expecting an easy victory, only to be met by a prepared and divinely empowered army, resulting in their catastrophic defeat (see 2 Kings 3:22-23).
What was the significance of the Israelites pursuing the Moabites "even in their country"?
Answer: The pursuit of the Moabites "even in their country" signifies the completeness and decisiveness of the Israelite victory. In ancient warfare, merely repelling an attack was often not enough to secure lasting peace or assert dominance. Pursuing the fleeing enemy into their own territory allowed the victorious army to inflict maximum damage, prevent the enemy from regrouping, and destroy their resources and infrastructure. This comprehensive pursuit, which continued in the following verses with the destruction of Moabite cities and fields (2 Kings 3:25), ensured that Moab's rebellion was thoroughly crushed and that they would not pose an immediate threat again. It was a clear demonstration of the allied forces' overwhelming power and God's fulfillment of His promise of a decisive victory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic victory in 2 Kings 3:24, orchestrated by divine deception and power, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as the Moabites rushed into what they thought was an easy triumph, only to encounter a prepared and divinely empowered force, so too did the powers of sin, death, and the devil believe they had triumphed at the cross. Yet, the crucifixion, far from being a defeat, was God's ultimate strategic maneuver, where the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). The Israelites' relentless pursuit of the Moabites into their own land prefigures Christ's comprehensive victory over our spiritual enemies, not merely repelling them but conquering their very domain. Through His glorious resurrection, Christ pursued death into its own territory and emerged victorious, offering us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that our true struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), and our ultimate and eternal victory is secured in the one who has already triumphed over all.