2 Kings 3:9

“So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.”

Context:To better understand this verse, let’s first establish the context. The events in 2 Kings 3 take place during the reign of Jehoram, the king of Israel. At this time, Moab rebelled against Israel, and Jehoram sought the assistance of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom to help him in battle against Moab.

Seeking Help:In verse 9, we see that the three kings, the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom, came together to form an alliance. They decided to take a route that required them to travel for seven days. However, as they journeyed, they encountered a significant problem‑there was no water for their armies and livestock.

A Crisis of Thirst:The lack of water presented a dire situation for the alliance. The scarcity of water in the arid desert region threatened their survival. Without water, the armies and their animals would become weak and vulnerable. This crisis highlighted the need for divine intervention.

Seeking Elisha:The following verses describe how the kings sought the help of the prophet Elisha. They recognised their need for God’s intervention and sought a word from Him through His prophet. Elisha agreed to help and spoke a word from the Lord, assuring them of victory over the Moabites and providing water in abundance.

Lessons from 2 Kings 3:9:

• Unity and Cooperation:The cooperation between the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom teaches us the value of unity in times of crisis. They set aside their differences and joined forces to face a common enemy. Similarly, as believers, we should strive for unity and work together, recognising that our strength lies in our collective effort.
• Dependence on God:The lack of water revealed the limitations of human strength and the need for divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that in times of difficulty, we must turn to God and seek His guidance and provision. We should depend on Him rather than relying solely on our own abilities.
• Seeking Godly Counsel:The kings sought the counsel of Elisha, a prophet of God. They recognised the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who walk closely with God. As believers, we should also seek godly counsel from mature and knowledgeable individuals who can provide spiritual insight and guidance in our lives.
• God’s Faithfulness:Despite the challenging circumstances, God remained faithful to His people. He provided them with water and assured them of victory over their enemies. This serves as a reminder that God is always faithful to His promises and can provide for our needs even in the midst of challenging situations.

In summary, 2 Kings 3:9 highlights the need for unity, dependence on God, seeking godly counsel, and God’s faithfulness in times of crisis. It reminds us of the importance of coming together, seeking God’s guidance, and trusting in His provision and faithfulness.