Joram of Israel, son of Ahab, puts away his father's Baal pillar but clings to Jeroboam's sins. When Moab's king rebels and withholds his wool tribute, Joram allies with Jehoshaphat of Judah and Edom's king to attack via Edom's wilderness. After seven days without water, they seek a prophet; Elisha agrees to inquire for Jehoshaphat's sake. The LORD's hand comes upon him with music, and he promises the valley will fill with pools—water will come from Edom, they will defeat Moab, cut down good trees, stop springs, and ruin fields with stones. Water comes from Edom; the Moabites see the sun-reddened water, think the kings have killed each other, and rush to plunder, but Israel routs them. Besieged, Moab's king sacrifices his firstborn heir on the wall; great wrath comes upon Israel and they withdraw.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 3 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
King of Israel, Husband of Jezebel
Righteous King of Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Prophet of Fire
Places in This Chapter
Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Lot's son Moab. Ruth was a Moabite who famously left her homeland to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. Israel often had conflict with Moab, though King David entrusted his parents to the king of Moab for protection.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Position in Book
Elijah taken to heaven, Elisha succeeds him, performs miracles, and influences kings.