2 Kings 3:19

“And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Verse: “And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.” (2 Kings 3:19, KJV)

Context:This verse is part of the account of the war between the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom against the Moabites. The three kings were in dire need of water for their armies and sought the help of the prophet Elisha. Elisha delivered a message from the Lord, foretelling their victory over the Moabites and providing instructions on how to achieve it.

Key Points and Lessons:

Trusting in God’s guidance:The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom turned to the Lord’s prophet, Elisha, seeking divine guidance. They acknowledged their need for God’s intervention in their circumstances. As believers, we should also trust in God’s guidance and seek His wisdom in every situation.

God’s unconventional strategies:The instructions given by Elisha seemed unconventional and drastic. The armies were instructed to attack and destroy the fortified cities, cut down the fruitful trees, stop the wells of water, and mar the land with stones. These actions were meant to weaken the Moabites and hinder their ability to sustain themselves. Sometimes, God’s methods may seem unusual or contrary to human wisdom, but He sees the bigger picture and knows what is necessary for ultimate victory.

Complete dedication to God’s commands:The armies were instructed to carry out their mission fully and without hesitation. They were to smite every city, fell every good tree, stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land. This highlights the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or contradictory to human reasoning.

Destruction and restoration:The destruction described in this verse symbolizes the judgment and consequences that awaited the Moabites due to their rebellion against God. However, it is essential to note that this verse does not endorse wanton destruction or harm to innocent people. God used this event as a means to fulfill His purposes and bring about a turning point in the situation.

God’s faithfulness and provision:Ultimately, the purpose behind these instructions was to provide water for the armies and secure victory over the Moabites. God promised to miraculously provide water for the armies and deliver the Moabites into their hands. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision for His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Application:

• Trust God in challenging situations:When faced with difficulties or battles in life, seek God’s guidance and trust in His wisdom, even if His methods seem unconventional.
• Obey God completely:In following God’s instructions, be committed to complete obedience, even when it requires sacrifice or goes against human reasoning.
• Recognize God’s faithfulness:Reflect on past instances of God’s provision and faithfulness in your life. Remember that He is with you and will guide you through your present challenges as well.
• Exercise discernment:While the specific instructions given to the armies in this verse were for a specific context, exercise discernment and seek wisdom to understand how the principles of obedience, trust, and God’s faithfulness apply to your own life and circumstances.

Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom and guidance, and it is beneficial to study and reflect upon its teachings.