◄ 2 Kings 3:8 ►
Then he asked, "Which way shall we go up?" "By way of the Desert of Edom," replied Joram.
Study Bible
By which route shall we go up?
This phrase reflects a strategic military decision. In the Hebrew context, the word "route" (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, derek) often signifies a path or way, not just physically but also metaphorically, indicating a course of action or life. The inquiry here is not just about geography but also about seeking wisdom and guidance for the journey ahead. In a spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the importance of seeking God's direction in all endeavors, acknowledging that the path chosen can significantly impact the outcome.

he asked
The act of asking signifies humility and the recognition of the need for counsel. In the biblical narrative, asking questions is often a precursor to divine revelation or guidance. This reflects the importance of seeking wisdom from God and others, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. It underscores the value of community and counsel in decision-making, reminding believers that seeking guidance is a strength, not a weakness.

By way of the Desert of Edom
The "Desert of Edom" is a significant geographical and historical reference. Edom, located south of the Dead Sea, was a region known for its harsh, arid conditions. The choice to travel through this desert indicates a strategic military maneuver, possibly to surprise the enemy or avoid direct confrontation. Historically, Edom was inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and often had a contentious relationship with Israel. This choice of route may also symbolize the trials and challenges faced in obedience to God's plans, reminding believers that the path of faith often leads through difficult terrain, requiring trust and perseverance.

replied Joram
Joram, the king of Israel, is the one making the decision here. His role as a leader is crucial, and his response indicates a level of authority and responsibility. In the biblical narrative, leaders are often judged by their decisions and their faithfulness to God's commands. Joram's reply reflects his leadership style and decision-making process. For believers, this highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of decisions made by those in authority. It serves as a reminder to pray for leaders and to seek God's wisdom in positions of influence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoram (Joram) of Israel
The king of Israel who sought to join forces with Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom to fight against Moab.

2. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God, who agreed to assist Jehoram in the battle against Moab.

3. King of Edom
An unnamed king who allied with Israel and Judah in their campaign against Moab.

4. Moab
A neighboring nation that rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab, Jehoram's father.

5. Desert of Edom
The route chosen for the military campaign, a challenging and arid region that tested the faith and resolve of the allied kings.
Teaching Points
Seeking Godly Counsel
Jehoshaphat's involvement reminds us of the importance of seeking counsel from those who are faithful to God. Aligning with godly leaders can provide wisdom and guidance in difficult situations.

The Challenge of the Desert
The choice to go through the Desert of Edom symbolizes the difficult paths we sometimes must take in obedience to God's plans. It teaches us perseverance and reliance on God in challenging circumstances.

The Consequences of Alliances
The alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom serves as a reminder to carefully consider our partnerships and the spiritual implications of our alliances.

God's Sovereignty in Battles
This passage encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all situations, including conflicts and challenges, knowing that He can bring victory even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's decision to ally with Jehoram, and how does this apply to our own decision-making processes regarding partnerships?

2. How does the choice of the Desert of Edom as a route reflect the spiritual journeys we face, and what biblical principles can guide us through our own "deserts"?

3. In what ways does this passage challenge us to seek God's guidance before embarking on significant endeavors or battles in our lives?

4. How do the historical tensions between Israel, Judah, and Edom inform our understanding of the complexities of human relationships and God's overarching plan?

5. Reflecting on Psalm 60, how can we find comfort in God's sovereignty when facing our own battles, and what practical steps can we take to trust Him more fully?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 20
This chapter provides additional context on Jehoshaphat's reign and his reliance on God, contrasting his faithfulness with Jehoram's more secular approach.

Numbers 20:14-21
The Israelites' earlier encounter with Edom during their wilderness journey, highlighting the historical tensions and alliances between these nations.

Psalm 60
A psalm attributed to David during a time of conflict with Edom, reflecting on God's sovereignty over nations and battles.
Sermons
Forgetting God, and its ResultsC.H. Irwwin 2 Kings 3:4-12
The Alliance of the Three KingsJ. Orr 2 Kings 3:6-8
Worldly Rulers - Men in Trial Seeking Help from a Godly ManD. Thomas 2 Kings 3:6-12
People
Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, Shaphat
Places
Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, Samaria
Topics
Attack, Desert, Edom, Jeho'ram, March, Waste, Wilderness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 3:8

     4230   desert

Library
Sight and Blindness
'Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that them pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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