2 Kings 3:9

So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.

Study Bible

So the king of Israel set out
The phrase begins with the king of Israel, who at this time was Jehoram, son of Ahab. His reign was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices of his parents, though he did remove the sacred stone of Baal. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a deliberate departure or journey, often used in the context of the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. This sets the stage for a journey that is both physical and spiritual, as the kings embark on a path that will test their faith and leadership.

with the king of Judah
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is noted for his faithfulness to God, contrasting with Jehoram. His alliance with Israel, despite their differing spiritual paths, reflects the complex political and familial ties of the time. Historically, Judah and Israel were often at odds, but external threats like Moab necessitated cooperation. This alliance underscores the theme of unity in the face of common challenges, a principle that resonates with the Christian call for unity in the body of Christ.

and the king of Edom
Edom, a nation descended from Esau, often had a contentious relationship with Israel. The inclusion of the king of Edom in this alliance is significant, as it highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Edom was a vassal state under Judah at this time, which explains their participation. This cooperation among diverse leaders can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, a theme that is fully realized in the New Testament.

After a roundabout march of seven days
The "roundabout march" suggests a journey that was not straightforward, possibly due to the terrain or strategic considerations. The number seven in Hebrew culture often symbolizes completeness or divine intervention. This period of wandering without water echoes the Israelites' wilderness experience, serving as a reminder of dependence on God for provision. It invites reflection on the spiritual journey, where trials and detours are part of the process of growth and reliance on divine guidance.

the army had no water for themselves
Water, a symbol of life and sustenance, is a recurring motif in Scripture. The lack of water here is a crisis that underscores human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. In a spiritual sense, it represents the thirst for righteousness and the living water that only God can provide, as Jesus later articulates in the Gospels. This physical need becomes a catalyst for seeking God's help, illustrating the principle that our deepest needs can lead us to deeper faith.

or for the animals with them
The mention of animals highlights the comprehensive nature of the crisis. In ancient times, animals were essential for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. Their well-being was directly tied to the success of any military campaign. This detail emphasizes the severity of the situation and the interconnectedness of all creation. It serves as a reminder of stewardship and the responsibility to care for all of God's creation, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of harmony between humanity and nature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King of Israel (Jehoram)
The son of Ahab, Jehoram was the king of Israel during this time. He was known for continuing the idolatrous practices of his father, though he did remove the sacred stone of Baal.

2. King of Judah (Jehoshaphat)
A godly king who sought the Lord, Jehoshaphat was known for his reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh.

3. King of Edom
Although not named in this passage, the king of Edom was a vassal under the king of Judah and joined the coalition against Moab.

4. The March
The armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom embarked on a seven-day journey through the desert, which led to a crisis due to the lack of water.

5. The Desert
The harsh environment of the desert symbolizes the challenges and trials faced by the coalition, highlighting their dependence on God for provision.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
Just as the armies were in desperate need of water, we must recognize our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance.

Seeking God in Crisis
In times of crisis, like the lack of water, turning to God should be our first response. Jehoshaphat's presence reminds us of the importance of seeking godly counsel and guidance.

Unity in Purpose
The coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom shows the power of unity in facing common challenges. As believers, we are called to work together in unity for God's purposes.

God's Provision
The account reminds us that God is aware of our needs and is able to provide in miraculous ways, even when the situation seems dire.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the coalition of the three kings reflect the importance of unity among believers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we seek God first in times of crisis, as Jehoshaphat did?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a seemingly impossible situation. How did it strengthen your faith?

4. How can the physical thirst of the armies in the desert help us understand our spiritual thirst for God?

5. What steps can we take to cultivate a deeper dependence on God in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The Israelites faced a similar situation of lacking water in the desert, which led to God providing water from a rock. This connection emphasizes God's provision in times of need.

Psalm 63
David's psalm reflects a spiritual thirst for God, paralleling the physical thirst experienced by the armies, and underscores the importance of seeking God in times of desperation.

John 4
Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about living water, which provides a spiritual parallel to the physical need for water in this passage, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of life.