mh_parser/vol_split/12 - 2Kings/Chapter 3.xml

<div2 id="iiKi.iv" n="iv" next="iiKi.v" prev="iiKi.iii" progress="62.93%" title="Chapter III">
<h2 id="iiKi.iv-p0.1">S E C O N D   K I N G S</h2>
<h3 id="iiKi.iv-p0.2">CHAP. III.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiKi.iv-p1">We are now called to attend the public affairs of
Israel, in which we shall find Elisha concerned. Here is, I. The
general character of Jehoram, king of Israel, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.1-2Kgs.3.3" parsed="|2Kgs|3|1|3|3" passage="2Ki 3:1-3">ver. 1-3</scripRef>. II. A war with Moab, in which
Jehoram and his allies were engaged, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.4-2Kgs.3.8" parsed="|2Kgs|3|4|3|8" passage="2Ki 3:4-8">ver. 4-8</scripRef>. III. The straits which the
confederate army were reduced to in their expedition against Moab,
and their consulting Elisha in that distress, with the answer of
peace he gave them, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.9-2Kgs.3.19" parsed="|2Kgs|3|9|3|19" passage="2Ki 3:9-19">ver.
9-19</scripRef>. IV. The glorious issue of this campaign (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.20-2Kgs.3.25" parsed="|2Kgs|3|20|3|25" passage="2Ki 3:20-25">ver. 20-25</scripRef>) and the barbarous
method the king of Moab took to oblige the confederate army to
retire, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.26-2Kgs.3.27" parsed="|2Kgs|3|26|3|27" passage="2Ki 3:26,27">ver. 26, 27</scripRef>. The
house of Ahab is doomed to destruction; and, though in this chapter
we have both its character and its condition better than before,
yet the threatened ruin is not far off.</p>
<scripCom id="iiKi.iv-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3" parsed="|2Kgs|3|0|0|0" passage="2Ki 3" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiKi.iv-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.1-2Kgs.3.5" parsed="|2Kgs|3|1|3|5" passage="2Ki 3:1-5" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Kgs.3.1-2Kgs.3.5">
<h4 id="iiKi.iv-p1.8">The Reign of Jehoram. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p1.9">b. c.</span> 895.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiKi.iv-p2">1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign
over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of
Judah, and reigned twelve years.   2 And he wrought evil in
the sight of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p2.1">Lord</span>; but not like
his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal
that his father had made.   3 Nevertheless he cleaved unto the
sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he
departed not therefrom.   4 And Mesha king of Moab was a
sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel a hundred
thousand lambs, and a hundred thousand rams, with the wool.  
5 But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab
rebelled against the king of Israel.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p3">Jehoram, the son of Ahab, and brother of
Ahaziah, is here upon the throne of Israel; and, though he was but
a bad man, yet two commendable things are here recorded of
him:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p4">I. That he removed his father's idols. He
did evil in many things, but not like his father Ahab or his mother
Jezebel, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.2" parsed="|2Kgs|3|2|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. Bad he
was, but not so bad, so <i>overmuch wicked,</i> as Solomon speaks,
<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.7.17" parsed="|Eccl|7|17|0|0" passage="Ec 7:17">Eccl. vii. 17</scripRef>. Perhaps
Jehoshaphat, though by his alliance with the house of Ahab he made
his own family worse, did something towards making Ahab's better.
Jehoram saw his father and brother cut off for worshipping Baal,
and wisely took warning by God's judgments on them, and <i>put away
the image of Baal,</i> resolving to worship the God of Israel only,
and consult none but his prophets. So far was well, yet it did not
prevent the destruction of Ahab's family, nay, that destruction
came <i>in his days,</i> and fell immediately <i>upon him</i>
(<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.9.24" parsed="|2Kgs|9|24|0|0" passage="2Ki 9:24"><i>ch.</i> ix. 24</scripRef>), though
he was one of the best of the family, for then the measure of its
iniquity was full. Jehoram's reformation was next to none; for, 1.
He only put away the image of Baal <i>which his father had
made,</i> and this probably in compliment to Jehoshaphat, who
otherwise would not have come into confederacy with him, any more
than with his brother, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.22.49" parsed="|1Kgs|22|49|0|0" passage="1Ki 22:49">1 Kings xxii.
49</scripRef>. But he did not destroy the worship of Baal among the
people, for Jehu found it prevalent, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.10.19" parsed="|2Kgs|10|19|0|0" passage="2Ki 10:19"><i>ch.</i> x. 19</scripRef>. It was well to reform his
family, but it was not enough; he ought to have used his power for
the reforming of his kingdom. 2. When he put away the image of
Baal, he adhered to the worship of the calves, that politic sin of
Jeroboam, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.3" parsed="|2Kgs|3|3|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. <i>He
departed not therefrom,</i> because that was the state engine by
which the division between the two tribes was supported. Those do
not truly, nor acceptably, repent or reform, who only part with the
sins that they lose by, but continue their affection to the sins
that they get by. 3. He only <i>put away</i> the image of Baal, he
did not break it in pieces, as he ought to have done. He laid it
aside for the present, yet not knowing but he might have occasion
for it another time; and Jezebel, for reasons of state, was content
to worship her Baal in private.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p5">II. That he did what he could to recover
his brother's losses. As he had something more of the religion of
an Israelite than his father, so he had something more of the
spirit of a king than his brother. Moab rebelled against Israel,
immediately upon the death of Ahab, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.1.1" parsed="|2Kgs|1|1|0|0" passage="2Ki 1:1"><i>ch.</i> i. 1</scripRef>. And we do not find that
Ahaziah made any attempt to chastise or reduce them, but tamely let
go his interest in them, rather than entertain the cares, undergo
the fatigues, and run the hazards, of a war with them. His folly
and pusillanimity herein, and his indifference to the public good,
were the more aggravated because the tribute which the king of Moab
paid was a very considerable branch of the revenue of the crown of
Israel: 100,000 <i>lambs, and</i> 100,000 <i>wethers,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.4" parsed="|2Kgs|3|4|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. The riches of kings then
lay more in cattle than coin, and they thought it not below them to
<i>know the state of their flocks and herds</i> themselves,
because, as Solomon observes, <i>the crown doth not endure to every
generation,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.27.23-Prov.27.24" parsed="|Prov|27|23|27|24" passage="Pr 27:23,24">Prov. xxvii. 23,
24</scripRef>. Taxes were then paid not so much in money as in the
commodities of the country, which was an ease to the subject,
whether it was an advantage to the prince or no. The revolt of Moab
was a great loss to Israel, yet Ahaziah sat still in sloth and
ease. But an upper chamber in his house proved as fatal to him as
the high places of the field could have been (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.1.2" parsed="|2Kgs|1|2|0|0" passage="2Ki 1:2"><i>ch.</i> i. 2</scripRef>), and the breaking of his
lattice let into his throne a man of the more active genius, that
would not lose the dominion of Moab without making at least one
push for its preservation.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiKi.iv-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.6-2Kgs.3.19" parsed="|2Kgs|3|6|3|19" passage="2Ki 3:6-19" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Kgs.3.6-2Kgs.3.19">
<h4 id="iiKi.iv-p5.6">The Expedition against Moab; Elisha
Consulted. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p5.7">b. c.</span> 895.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiKi.iv-p6">6 And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same
time, and numbered all Israel.   7 And he went and sent to
Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath
rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle?
And he said, I will go up: I <i>am</i> as thou <i>art,</i> my
people as thy people, <i>and</i> my horses as thy horses.   8
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way
through the wilderness of Edom.   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.   10 And the king
of Israel said, Alas! that the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.1">Lord</span>
hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the
hand of Moab!   11 But Jehoshaphat said, <i>Is there</i> not
here a prophet of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.2">Lord</span>, that we
may enquire of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.3">Lord</span> by him? And
one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here
<i>is</i> Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the
hands of Elijah.   12 And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.4">Lord</span> is with him. So the king of
Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
  13 And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to
do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the
prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay:
for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.5">Lord</span> hath called these three
kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.   14
And Elisha said, <i>As</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.6">Lord</span>
of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I
regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not
look toward thee, nor see thee.   15 But now bring me a
minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the
hand of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.7">Lord</span> came upon him.
  16 And he said, Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.8">Lord</span>, Make this valley full of ditches.  
17 For thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.9">Lord</span>, Ye shall
not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be
filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and
your beasts.   18 And this is <i>but</i> a light thing in the
sight of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p6.10">Lord</span>: he will deliver
the Moabites also into your hand.   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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p7">Jehoram has no sooner got the sceptre into
his hand than he takes the sword into his hand, to reduce Moab.
Crowns bring great cares and perils to the heads that wear them; no
sooner in honour than in war. Now here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p8">I. The concerting of this expedition
between Jehoram king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah.
Jehoram levied an army (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.6" parsed="|2Kgs|3|6|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>), and such an opinion he had of the godly king of
Judah that, 1. He courted him to be his confederate: <i>Wilt thou
go with me against Moab?</i> And he gained him. Jehoshaphat said,
<i>I will go up. I am as thou art,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.7" parsed="|2Kgs|3|7|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Judah and Israel, though
unhappily divided from each other, yet can unite against Moab a
common enemy. Jehoshaphat upbraids them not with their revolt from
the house of David, nor makes it an article of their alliance that
they shall return to their allegiance, though he had good reason to
insist upon it, but treats with Israel as a sister-kingdom. Those
are no friends to their own peace and strength who can never find
in their hearts to forgive and forget an old injury, and unite with
those that have formerly broken in upon their rights. <i>Quod
initio non vulvit, tractu temporis invalescit—That which was
originally destitute of authority in the progress of time acquires
it.</i> 2. He consulted him as his confidant, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.8" parsed="|2Kgs|3|8|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. He took advice of Jehoshaphat,
who had more wisdom and experience than himself, which way they
should make their descent upon the country of Moab; and he advised
that they should not march against them the nearest way, over
Jordan, but go round <i>through the wilderness of Edom,</i> that
they might take the king of Edom (who was tributary to him) and his
forces along with them If two be better than one, much more will
not a <i>three-fold cord be easily broken.</i> Jehoshaphat had like
to have paid dearly for joining with Ahab, yet he joined with his
son, and this expedition also had like to have been fatal to him.
There is nothing got by being yoked with unbelievers.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p9">II. The great straits that the army of the
confederates was reduced to in this expedition. Before they saw the
face of an enemy they were all in danger of perishing for want of
water, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.9" parsed="|2Kgs|3|9|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. This
ought to have been considered before they ventured a march through
the wilderness, the same wilderness (or very near it) where their
ancestors wanted water, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.20.2" parsed="|Num|20|2|0|0" passage="Nu 20:2">Num. xx.
2</scripRef>. God suffers his people, by their own improvidence, to
bring themselves into distress, that the wisdom, power, and
goodness of his providence may be glorified in their relief. What
is more cheap and common than water? It is <i>drink to every beast
of the field,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.104.11" parsed="|Ps|104|11|0|0" passage="Ps 104:11">Ps. civ.
11</scripRef>. Yet the want of it will soon humble and ruin kings
and armies. The king of Israel sadly lamented the present distress,
and the imminent danger it put them in of falling into the hands of
their enemies the Moabites, to whom, when weakened by thirst, they
would be an easy prey, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.10" parsed="|2Kgs|3|10|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>. it was he that had <i>called these kings
together;</i> yet he charges it upon Providence, and reflects upon
that as unkind: The Lord has <i>called them together.</i> Thus
<i>the foolishness of man perverteth his way,</i> and then <i>his
heart fretteth against the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.19.3" parsed="|Prov|19|3|0|0" passage="Pr 19:3">Prov. xix. 3</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p10">III. Jehoshaphat's good motion to ask
counsel of God in this exigency, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.11" parsed="|2Kgs|3|11|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. The place they were now in
could not but remind them of the <i>wonders of which their fathers
told them,</i> the waters fetched out of the rock for Israel's
seasonable supply. The thought of this, we may suppose, encouraged
Jehoshaphat to ask, <i>Is there not here a prophet of the Lord,</i>
like unto Moses? He was the more concerned because it was by his
advice that they fetched this compass through the wilderness,
<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.8" parsed="|2Kgs|3|8|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. It was well
that Jehoshaphat enquired of the Lord now, but it would have been
much better if he had done it sooner, before he engaged in this
war, or steered this course; so the distress might have been
prevented. Good men are sometimes remiss and forgetful, and neglect
their duty till necessity and affliction drive them to it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p11">IV. Elisha recommended as a proper person
for them to consult with <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.11" parsed="|2Kgs|3|11|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>. And here we may wonder, 1. That Elisha should follow
the camp, especially in such a tedious march as this, as a
volunteer, unasked, unobserved, and in no post of honour at all;
not in the office of <i>priest of the war</i> (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.20.2" parsed="|Deut|20|2|0|0" passage="De 20:2">Deut. xx. 2</scripRef>) or president of the council of
war, but in such obscurity that none of the kings knew they had
such a jewel in the treasures of their camp, nor so good a friend
in their retinue. We may suppose it was by special direction from
heaven that Elisha attended the war, as <i>the chariot of Israel
and the horsemen thereof.</i> Thus does God anticipate his people
with the blessings of his goodness and provide his oracles for
those that provide them not for themselves. It would often be bad
with us if God did not take more care of us, both for soul and
body, than we take for ourselves. 2. That a servant of the king of
Israel knew of his being there when the king himself did not.
Probably it was such a servant as Obadiah was to his father Ahab,
one that <i>feared the Lord;</i> to such a one Elisha made himself
known, not to the kings. The account he gives of him is that it was
he that <i>poured water on the hands of Elijah,</i> that is, he was
his servant, and particularly attended him when he washed his
hands. He that will be great, let him learn to minister: he that
will rise high, let him begin low.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p12">V. The application which the kings made to
Elisha. They went down to him to his quarters, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.12" parsed="|2Kgs|3|12|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. Jehoshaphat had such an esteem
for a prophet with whom the word of the Lord was that he would
condescend to visit him in his own person and not send for him up
to him. The other two were moved by the straits they were in to
make their court to the prophet. He that humbled himself was thus
exalted, and looked great, when three kings came to knock at his
door, and beg his assistance; see <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.3.9" parsed="|Rev|3|9|0|0" passage="Re 3:9">Rev.
iii. 9</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p13">VI. The entertainment which Elisha gave
them. 1. He was very plain with the wicked king of Israel
(<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.13" parsed="|2Kgs|3|13|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>): "<i>What
have I to do with thee?</i> How canst thou expect an answer of
peace from me? <i>Get thee to the prophets of thy father and
mother,</i> whom thou hast countenanced and maintained in thy
prosperity, and let them help thee now in thy distress." Elisha was
not imposed upon, as Jehoshaphat was, by his partial and
hypocritical reformation; he knew that, though he had put away the
image of Baal, Baal's prophets were still dear to him, and perhaps
some of the were now in his camp. "Go," said he, "<i>go to them.
Get you to the gods whom you have served,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Judg.10.14" parsed="|Judg|10|14|0|0" passage="Jdg 10:14">Judg. x. 14</scripRef>. The world and the flesh have
ruled you, let them help you; why should God be <i>enquired of
by</i> you?" <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.3" parsed="|Exod|14|3|0|0" passage="Ex 14:3">Ezek. xiv. 3</scripRef>.
Elisha tells him to his face, in a holy indignation at his
wickedness, that he can scarcely find in his heart to <i>look
towards him</i> or to <i>see him,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.14" parsed="|2Kgs|3|14|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. Jehoram is to be respected as a
prince, but as a wicked man he is a vile person, and is to be
condemned, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.15.4" parsed="|Ps|15|4|0|0" passage="Ps 15:4">Ps. xv. 4</scripRef>.
Elisha, as a subject, will honour him, but as a prophet he will
cause him to know his iniquity. For those that had such an
extraordinary commission it was fit (though not for a common
person) to say to a king, <i>Thou art wicked,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Job.34.18" parsed="|Job|34|18|0|0" passage="Job 34:18">Job xxxiv. 18</scripRef>. Jehoram has so much
self-command as to take this plain dealing patiently; he cares not
now for hearing of the prophets of Baal, but is a humble suitor to
the God of Israel and his prophet, representing the present case as
very deplorable and humbly recommending it to the prophet's
compassionate consideration. In effect, he owns himself unworthy,
but let not the other kings be ruined for his sake. 2. Elisha
showed a great respect to the godly king of Judah, <i>regarded his
presence,</i> and, for his sake, would <i>enquire of the Lord</i>
for them all. It is good being with those that have God's favour
and his prophet's love. Wicked people often fare the better for the
friendship and society of those that are godly. 3. He composed
himself to receive instructions from God. His mind was somewhat
ruffled and disturbed at the sight of Jehoram; though he was not
put into a sinful heat or passion, nor had spoken unadvisedly, yet
his zeal for the present indisposed him for prayer and the
operations of the Spirit, which required a mind very calm and
sedate. He therefore called for a musician (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.15" parsed="|2Kgs|3|15|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), a devout musician, one
accustomed to play upon his harp and sing psalms to it. To hear
God's praises sweetly sung, as David had appointed, would cheer his
spirits, and settle his mind, and help to put him into a right
frame both to speak to him and to hear from him. We find a company
of prophets prophesying with <i>a psaltery and a tabret before
them,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.5" parsed="|1Sam|10|5|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:5">1 Sam. x. 5</scripRef>.
Those that desire communion with God must keep their spirits quiet
and serene. Elisha being refreshed, and having the tumult of his
spirits laid by this divine music, <i>the hand of the Lord came
upon him,</i> and his visit did him more honour than that of three
kings. 4. God, by him, gave them assurance that the issue of the
present distress would be comfortable and glorious. (1.) They
should speedily be supplied with water, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.9" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.16-2Kgs.3.17" parsed="|2Kgs|3|16|3|17" passage="2Ki 3:16,17"><i>v.</i> 16, 17</scripRef>. To try their faith and
obedience, he bids them <i>make the valley full of ditches</i> to
receive the water. Those that expect God's blessings must prepare
room for them, <i>dig the pools</i> for the rain to fill, as they
did in the valley of Baca, and so made even that a well, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.10" osisRef="Bible:Ps.84.6" parsed="|Ps|84|6|0|0" passage="Ps 84:6">Ps. lxxxiv. 6</scripRef>. To raise the wonder, he
tells them they shall have water enough, and yet there shall be
<i>neither wind nor rain.</i> Elijah, by prayer, obtained water out
of the clouds, but Elisha fetches it nobody knows whence. The
spring of these waters shall be as secret as the head of the Nile.
God is not tied to second causes. Ordinarily it is by a plentiful
rain that God <i>confirms his inheritance</i> (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.11" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.9" parsed="|Ps|68|9|0|0" passage="Ps 68:9">Ps. lxviii. 9</scripRef>), but here it is done without
rain, at least without rain in that place. Some of the <i>fountains
of the great deep,</i> it is likely, <i>were broken up</i> on this
occasion; and, to increase the miracle, <i>that valley</i> only (as
it should seem) <i>was filled with water,</i> and no other place
had any share of it. (2.) That supply should be an earnest of
victory (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.12" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.18" parsed="|2Kgs|3|18|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>):
"<i>This is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord;</i> you
shall not only be saved from perishing, but shall return in
triumph." As God gives freely to the unworthy, so he gives richly,
like himself, more than we are <i>able to ask or think.</i> His
grants out-do our requests and expectations. Those that sincerely
seek for the dew of God's grace shall have it, and by it be made
<i>more than conquerors.</i> It is promised that they shall be
masters of the rebellious country, and they are permitted to lay it
waste and ruin it, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.13" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.19" parsed="|2Kgs|3|19|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:19"><i>v.</i>
19</scripRef>. The law forbade them to fell fruit-trees to be
employed in their sieges (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p13.14" osisRef="Bible:Deut.20.19" parsed="|Deut|20|19|0|0" passage="De 20:19">Deut. xx.
19</scripRef>), but not when it was intended, in justice, for the
starving of a country that had forfeited its fruits, by denying
<i>tribute to those to whom tribute was due.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iiKi.iv-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.20-2Kgs.3.27" parsed="|2Kgs|3|20|3|27" passage="2Ki 3:20-27" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Kgs.3.20-2Kgs.3.27">
<h4 id="iiKi.iv-p13.16">The Defeat of the Moabites. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiKi.iv-p13.17">b. c.</span> 895.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiKi.iv-p14">20 And it came to pass in the morning, when the
meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the
way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.   21 And
when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight
against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour,
and upward, and stood in the border.   22 And they rose up
early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the
Moabites saw the water on the other side <i>as</i> red as blood:
  23 And they said, This <i>is</i> blood: the kings are surely
slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to
the spoil.   24 And when they came to the camp of Israel, the
Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before
them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in
<i>their</i> country.   25 And they beat down the cities, and
on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled
it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the
good trees: only in Kir-haraseth left they the stones thereof;
howbeit the slingers went about <i>it,</i> and smote it.   26
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him,
he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break
through <i>even</i> unto the king of Edom: but they could not.
  27 Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in
his stead, and offered him <i>for</i> a burnt offering upon the
wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they
departed from him, and returned to <i>their own</i> land.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p15">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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p16">1. It relieved their armies, which were
ready to perish, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.20" parsed="|2Kgs|3|20|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>. And, which was very observable, this relief came
just at the time of the <i>offering of the morning sacrifice</i>
upon the altar at Jerusalem, a certain time, and universally known.
That time Elisha chose for his <i>hour of prayer</i> (it is likely
<i>looking towards the temple,</i> for so there were to do in their
prayers when they were <i>going out to battle</i> and encamped at a
distance, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.8.44" parsed="|1Kgs|8|44|0|0" passage="1Ki 8:44">1 Kings viii.
44</scripRef>), 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 <i>time of the evening
sacrifice</i> (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Dan.9.21" parsed="|Dan|9|21|0|0" passage="Da 9:21">Dan. ix. 21</scripRef>);
for he will acknowledge his own institutions.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p17">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
<i>all that were able to put on armour</i> were posted upon the
frontiers, where they were ready to give the Israelites a warm
reception (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.21" parsed="|2Kgs|3|21|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>),
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,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p18">(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 (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.22" parsed="|2Kgs|3|22|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:22"><i>v.</i>
22</scripRef>), 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 <i>the sky was red and lowering,</i> a
presage of <i>foul weather that day</i> (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.16.3" parsed="|Matt|16|3|0|0" passage="Mt 16:3">Matt. xvi. 3</scripRef>), 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, <i>This is
blood,</i> 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 <i>slain one another</i> (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.23" parsed="|2Kgs|3|23|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>), 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. <i>Now therefore, Moab,
to the spoil.</i>" 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.
<i>Quod volumus facile credimus—What we wish we readily
believe.</i> Thus those that are to be destroyed are first deceived
(<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.20.8" parsed="|Rev|20|8|0|0" passage="Re 20:8">Rev. xx. 8</scripRef>), and none are
so effectually deceived as those that deceive themselves.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p19">(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 (<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.24" parsed="|2Kgs|3|24|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>), which they laid waste
(<scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.25" parsed="|2Kgs|3|25|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>), 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 <i>hardened his
heart against God and prospered?</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiKi.iv-p20">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, <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.26" parsed="|2Kgs|3|26|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. 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 <i>offered him for a burnt-offering
upon the wall,</i> <scripRef id="iiKi.iv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.27" parsed="|2Kgs|3|27|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:27"><i>v.</i>
27</scripRef>. 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 <i>upon
the wall,</i> 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: <i>There was great indignation against
Israel</i> 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.</p>
</div></div2>