Moab Rebels Against Israel
July 19, 2020
Commentary
Jehoram, the second son of Ahab began reigning over Israel in the eighteenth year after Jehoshaphat began reigning as sole king of Judah. Moab’s rebellion during this time did not affect only Israel but was also a threat to the kingdom of Judah. Edom at this time was under Judah so this also drew them into the battle.Traveling into the wilderness the three above kings were hopeful of finding a well to quench the thirst of their armies and their livestock. When they didn’t find water, Jehoram said, “The Lord has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab” (v. 10). Jehoshaphat’s response was similar to what he had said to Ahab years earlier (I kings 22:7): “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here?”
Then one of Jehoram’s servants mentioned that Elisha was available. Elisha was hesitant to act in their behalf, and only because of Jehoshaphat did he agree to consult the Lord. The Lord answered that He would not only supply the water but would also bring a great victory to the three-king alliance. He instructed them to dig trenches and that the powerful hand of God would provide water without wind or rain. When the Moabites saw the reflection of the water in the trenches, they mistakenly concluded that the Israelites, Judahites and Edomites had a falling out and had slaughtered each other. Rather than advancing ready to fight, they came to plunder the spoils. As a result Israel chased and killed many.
Application
God is preparing a way for His people to travel to heaven, and He will walk with us. God never stops at simply pointing the way, but He is always beside me as I go. All I need to do is trust Him to lead me each step of the way.
Isaiah 35:1– 10 (NET)
1 Let the wilderness and desert be happy; let the arid rift valley rejoice and bloom like a lily!
2 Let it richly bloom; let it rejoice and shout with delight! It is given the grandeur of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the grandeur of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the hands that have gone limp, steady the knees that shake.
4 Tell those who panic, “Be strong! Do not fear! Look, your God comes to avenge; with divine retribution he comes to deliver you.”
5 Then blind eyes will open, deaf ears will hear.
6 Then the lame will leap like a deer, the mute tongue will shout for joy; for water will burst forth in the wilderness, streams in the arid rift valley.
7 The dry soil will become a pool of water, the parched ground springs of water. Where jackals once lived and sprawled out, grass, reeds, and papyrus will grow.
8 A thoroughfare will be there— it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it; it is reserved for those authorized to use it — fools will not stray into it.
9 No lions will be there, no ferocious wild animals will be on it — they will not be found there. Those delivered from bondage will travel on it,
10 those whom the Lord has ransomed will return that way. They will enter Zion with a happy shout. Unending joy will crown them, happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and suffering will disappear.