2 Kings 3:1-10 ▼

1 In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat’s (YHWH has judged) reign over Judah (praised), Jehoram (Joram) son of Ahab (father's brother) became king of Israel (he wrestles with God), and he reigned in Samaria (watch mountain) twelve years.

2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD {YHWH}, but not as his father and mother had done. He removed the sacred pillar of Baal (lord) that his father had made.

3 Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam (the people will contend) son of Nebat (aspect) had caused Israel (he wrestles with God) to commit; he did not turn away from them.

4 Now Mesha (deliverance) king of Moab (of his father) was a sheep breeder (sheepherder), and he would render to the king of Israel (he wrestles with God) a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.

5 But after the death of Ahab (father's brother), the king of Moab (of his father) rebelled against the king of Israel (he wrestles with God).

6 So at that time King Jehoram (YHWH is exalted) set out from Samaria (watch mountain) and mobilized all Israel (he wrestles with God).

7 And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) king of Judah (praised): “The king of Moab (of his father) has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”

8 Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom (red),” replied Joram.

9 So the king of Israel (he wrestles with God), the king of Judah (praised), and the king of Edom (red) set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.

10 “Alas,” said the king of Israel (he wrestles with God), “for the LORD {YHWH} has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab (of his father)!”