Berean Study Bible Moab’s RebellionJehoshaphat had strengthened Judah through religious reforms, judicial order, and military preparation. His long reign brought relative stability to Judah, though his alliance with Ahab’s house entangled him in the affairs of Israel. 1Ki 22:41-42 In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel,… Jehoram son of Ahab became king of Israel, Jehoram, also called Joram, succeeded his brother Ahaziah in the Omride dynasty. Though he removed Ahab’s pillar of Baal, he continued the sins of Jeroboam and did not lead Israel back to faithful worship of Yahweh. His reign was marked by conflict with Moab and by Elisha’s prophetic ministry. 2Ki 8:16 In the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab… and he reigned in Samaria twelve years. Samaria, founded by Omri, remained the capital of the northern kingdom and the center of its royal power. Jehoram’s twelve-year rule ended when Jehu overthrew Ahab’s dynasty in accordance with the judgment pronounced against his house. 2Ki 1:17 So Ahaziah died according to the word of the LORD… And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, Joram’s reign remained marked by disobedience to God. Though he differed from Ahab and Jezebel in some respects, he did not lead Israel back to wholehearted covenant faithfulness. 1Ki 16:30 However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight… but not as his father and mother had done. Ahab and Jezebel had openly established Baal worship and opposed the worshipers and prophets of the LORD. Joram did not equal their depth of apostasy, yet he continued the sinful patterns that had weakened Israel spiritually. 1Ki 21:25-26 Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself… He removed the sacred pillar of Baal The pillar erected under Ahab was an enduring symbol of Baal’s official place in Israel. Its removal ended one visible expression of that idolatry and showed that Joram did not fully follow his parents’ policies. 2Ki 10:26-28 They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal… that his father had made. Ahab’s support of Baal had left a damaging legacy in the northern kingdom. Joram rejected that particular monument but failed to remove the broader idolatry that remained among the people. 1Ki 16:32 First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in Samaria.… Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; Jehoram removed the pillar of Baal established by his father Ahab, but he retained the state-sponsored calf worship introduced by Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan. These rival worship centers kept the northern kingdom separated from the temple in Jerusalem and continued Israel’s rebellion against the Lord. 1Ki 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves… he did not turn away from them. Jehoram’s partial reform did not amount to repentance. By preserving Jeroboam’s idolatrous system, he upheld the sin that had shaped Israel’s spiritual decline and led the nation away from covenant faithfulness. 2Ki 13:2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD… Now Mesha king of Moab Moab lay east of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan. Its people descended from Lot and often stood in conflict with Israel. Mesha is also known from the Mesha Stele, which records Moab’s struggle against Israel’s rule. Jdg 3:12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD.… was a sheep breeder, Moab’s land supported large flocks, making sheep a major source of wealth through meat, milk, and wool. Mesha’s occupation reflects the resources and economic strength of his kingdom. Amo 1:1 These are the words of Amos, who was among the… and he would render to the king of Israel Moab had been brought under Israel’s control and was required to pay tribute as a sign of submission to the northern kingdom. 2Sa 8:2 David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down… a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. The enormous tribute demonstrates both Moab’s prosperity and the heavy demands Israel placed upon its vassal. 1Ch 29:21 The next day they offered sacrifices to the LORD… But after the death of Ahab, Ahab’s death weakened Israel’s control over surrounding nations. Though his reign was marked by idolatry and opposition to the Lord, he had maintained military strength and regional influence. His successors inherited a kingdom facing instability and external challenges. 1Ki 22:37-38 So the king died and was brought to Samaria,… the king of Moab Moab lay east of the Dead Sea and had been subject to Israel during Ahab’s reign. Mesha, king of Moab, had paid substantial tribute in livestock, acknowledging Israel’s authority. Num 22:2-4 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done… rebelled against the king of Israel. With Ahab gone, Mesha seized the opportunity to throw off Israel’s rule and end the tribute. His rebellion led to the campaign recorded in the following chapter, as Jehoram sought to restore Israel’s authority over Moab. 2Ki 1:1 After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. So at that time After Moab rebelled against Israel following Ahab’s death, Jehoram prepared to restore Israelite control over the vassal nation. 1Ki 22:37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria,… King Jehoram Ahab’s son ruled the northern kingdom from Samaria. Though he removed Baal’s pillar, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam and did not lead Israel back to faithful worship of the Lord. 2Ki 1:17 So Ahaziah died according to the word of the LORD… set out from Samaria Israel’s king left the capital to direct the campaign against Moab. 2Ki 8:28 Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight… and mobilized all Israel. Jehoram summoned Israel’s fighting men for a military expedition, seeking to suppress Moab’s rebellion and recover the tribute it had formerly paid to Israel. 1Sa 15:4 So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim… And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: Israel’s king sought help from Judah in response to a serious regional threat. Jehoshaphat had previously allied himself with Ahab’s house, linking Judah’s strength to Israel’s unstable northern monarchy. 1Ki 22:4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me… “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Moab had been subject to Israel and paid substantial tribute, but Israel’s weakness after Ahab’s death gave King Mesha opportunity to assert independence. The rebellion threatened Israel’s control east of the Jordan and its economic resources. 2Ki 1:1 After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” The campaign required Judah’s military support, showing that Israel could not easily restore control over Moab alone. The request also reflects the continuing political ties between the divided kingdoms. Jdg 3:30 So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel… “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat quickly agreed, honoring his alliance with Israel. His willingness to join the campaign would bring Judah into the consequences of Israel’s conflict. 1Ki 22:29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah… “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.” Jehoshaphat pledged Judah’s full support, including its soldiers and military resources. Though Israel and Judah were separate kingdoms, both descended from the covenant people and faced common enemies. 1Ki 20:4 And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say,… Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” Jehoshaphat sought Joram’s judgment as the allied kings prepared to attack Moab. The route would determine their approach, supply needs, and ability to catch the Moabites off guard. 2Sa 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, … “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram. Joram chose a southern approach through Edomite territory, where the king of Edom joined the campaign. The difficult march around the southern end of the Dead Sea avoided Moab’s stronger northern defenses but soon left the armies without water. Num 20:14-21 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom,… So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, Jehoram of Israel joined Jehoshaphat of Judah and Edom’s king to suppress Moab’s rebellion. Edom was subject to Judah, making its participation part of Jehoshaphat’s support for Israel. Though Israel and Judah were divided kingdoms, the threat from Moab brought them together in a temporary military alliance. 1Ki 22:29-30 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah… and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, The allied armies approached from the south, likely intending to enter Moab through Edomite territory and gain an advantage over the Moabites. The route carried them through difficult wilderness country, where travel was slow and water sources were scarce. Deu 2:1-3 Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness… they had no water for their army or for their animals. The campaign was endangered by a serious failure of supply. Without water, the soldiers and animals could not continue, leaving the kings dependent on the Lord’s provision before they could face Moab. Num 20:2-5 Now there was no water for the congregation,… “Alas,” said the king of Israel, Jehoram, son of Ahab, faced disaster after the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom found no water in the wilderness of Edom. His alarm revealed the weakness of Israel’s king in a crisis. 2Ki 6:15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out… “for the LORD has summoned these three kings Jehoram recognized that the Lord ruled over the outcome of the campaign, though he did not respond with the faith and confidence shown by Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The alliance had marched against Moab after King Mesha rebelled against Israel. 1Ki 22:20-23 And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to march up…’… to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” Moab lay east of the Dead Sea and had been subject to Israel since David’s reign. Its rebellion was a serious threat, and the exhausted armies appeared helpless before it. The crisis would soon lead Jehoshaphat to seek the counsel of Elisha. Jdg 3:12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD.… But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Jehoshaphat refused to proceed without seeking the LORD’s direction. Though he had joined Israel’s king in the campaign against Moab, he recognized that military plans required God’s counsel. His concern contrasts with the spiritual compromise that marked much of the northern kingdom. 1Ki 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet… Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” Jehoshaphat expected God to reveal His will through a true prophet. Israel’s prophets were not merely advisers to kings; they spoke the word of the LORD and called rulers to obey Him. 1Ki 22:5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel,… And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, A servant in Israel’s court knew where Elisha could be found, showing that the prophet was known even within Ahab’s former sphere of influence. Though the nation had often rejected God’s word, the LORD had not left Himself without a faithful messenger. 2Ki 6:13 So the king said, “Go and see where he is,”… “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. Elisha had succeeded Elijah as the LORD’s prophet in Israel. His ministry continued God’s work of confronting idolatry, guiding His people, and demonstrating His power during a troubled period in the nation’s history. 1Ki 19:16 You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king… He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” Elisha had served Elijah personally, performing ordinary tasks with humility before receiving the larger responsibility of prophetic ministry. His close association with Elijah confirmed that he was a recognized successor to the prophet who had faithfully opposed Baal worship. 1Ki 19:21 So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen,… Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” Jehoshaphat recognized Elisha as a true prophet through whom the LORD gave reliable counsel. Unlike Jehoram’s inherited devotion to Israel’s false worship, Jehoshaphat sought the LORD’s direction when the armies faced destruction in the wilderness. 1Sa 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him,… So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom came together to seek Elisha after their march left the coalition without water. Their visit acknowledged that military strength and political alliance could not resolve the crisis without the LORD’s intervention. 1Ki 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet… Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, Elisha, Elijah’s successor, stood before Jehoram of Israel, the son of Ahab and Jezebel. Though Jehoram had removed Baal’s pillar, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam and remained far from wholehearted devotion to the LORD. 2Ki 6:32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders… “What have we to do with each other? Elisha refused to treat Jehoram as a faithful servant of God. The prophet’s calling and the king’s idolatrous rule stood in direct opposition. Mrk 1:24 “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”… Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” Ahab and Jezebel had promoted the prophets of Baal and Asherah, leading Israel into open rebellion against the LORD. Elisha pointed Jehoram back to the gods his family had served, exposing their inability to help in the present crisis. 1Ki 18:19 Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel,… “No,” replied the king of Israel, Jehoram did not turn to Baal’s prophets because he recognized that they could offer no deliverance. His distress drove him to seek the LORD’s prophet, though his words still revealed fear rather than faith. 2Ki 6:33 While Elisha was still speaking with them,… “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings Israel, Judah, and Edom had joined forces against Moab after Mesha rebelled against Israel’s rule following Ahab’s death. Jehoram understood that their circumstances were under the LORD’s control. 1Ki 22:19-23 Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD:… to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” Lacking water in the wilderness, Jehoram concluded that the campaign would end in defeat. Rather than seeking the LORD with confidence, he assumed that God had brought the allied armies together for judgment. 1Sa 12:9 But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them… Then Elisha said, Elisha, Elijah’s successor, served as the LORD’s prophet in Israel and spoke with divine authority to kings and nations. 2Ki 5:8 Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel… “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, Elisha invokes the living God, the sovereign ruler over all powers, to affirm the seriousness and certainty of his words. Jer 46:18 As surely as I live, declares the King… before whom I stand, Elisha identifies himself as the LORD’s servant, accountable to God and sent to speak His will. 1Ki 18:15 Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives.”… were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoshaphat had sought to follow the LORD, though his alliance with Israel had brought him into a dangerous campaign. Elisha’s willingness to minister reflects regard for the faithful king rather than favor toward Israel’s ruler. 1Ki 22:5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel,… I would not look at you or acknowledge you. The rebuke is directed at Joram, king of Israel, whose family had led the northern kingdom into idolatry. Elisha refuses to treat him as one deserving counsel from the LORD apart from Jehoshaphat’s presence. Isa 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer… But now, bring me a harpist.” Elisha, disturbed by Jehoram’s presence yet willing to help because of Jehoshaphat, called for a musician before seeking the Lord. Music was closely associated with worship and prophetic ministry in Israel, helping set apart the moment from the tension and disorder of the military crisis. 1Sa 16:16 Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone… And while the harpist played, As the musician played, Elisha prepared himself to receive God’s direction. The king’s armies faced thirst and likely defeat in the wilderness, but the answer would come by the Lord’s revelation rather than human strategy. 1Sa 18:10 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God… the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha God empowered Elisha to speak His word concerning the campaign. The message that followed would reveal both God’s mercy toward Judah and His judgment against Moab. 1Ki 18:46 And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah,… and he said, Elisha addressed the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom as they faced disaster in the wilderness. As Elijah’s successor, he spoke with the authority entrusted to him by the LORD. 1Ki 22:14 As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak… “This is what the LORD says: Elisha did not offer military advice or human strategy, but delivered God’s command and promise to the allied armies. 1Ki 13:2 And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD,… ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ In the dry valley, the soldiers were to prepare channels for water before any rain or natural source was visible. Their labor would make ready for the LORD’s provision, which would sustain both the armies and their animals. 1Ki 18:32-35 And with the stones, Elijah built an altar… For the LORD says, Elisha delivers God’s decree with full prophetic authority. The promised provision rests on the Lord’s word rather than on military resources or natural conditions. 1Ki 17:14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:… ‘You will not see wind or rain, The armies would receive no visible sign of an approaching storm. God would supply water apart from the ordinary means expected in the wilderness. 1Ki 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers… but the valley will be filled with water, The dry valley, a wadi or dry riverbed, would become a source of abundant water, preserving the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom when their campaign against Moab had reached a crisis. Isa 41:18 I will open rivers on the barren heights,… and you will drink— God’s provision would meet the immediate need that threatened the army’s survival. Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb.… you and your cattle and your animals.’ The water would sustain the soldiers and the livestock needed for transport, labor, and provisions, showing that the Lord’s deliverance extended to the entire force. Isa 43:20 The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals… This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, God’s provision of water for the allied armies was no obstacle to Him, even in the dry wilderness. Their desperate circumstances did not limit His power or His purpose. Jer 32:17 Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth… and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. The Lord promised victory over Moab, whose rebellion had threatened Israel’s rule. The campaign would succeed because God gave the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom the victory, not because of their military strength. Jdg 3:28 So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan… And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. Israel, Judah, and Edom were to press the campaign beyond a single victory, taking both Moab’s defensive strongholds and its principal settlements. The judgment announced through Elisha was intended to break Moab’s military power and remove places from which resistance could continue. 2Ki 19:25 Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it;… You shall cut down every good tree, The invading armies were to destroy productive trees that supplied food, timber, and shade, weakening the land’s ability to support its people after the battle. Deu 20:19-20 When you lay siege to a city for an extended time… stop up every spring, Springs were essential in Moab’s dry terrain for drinking water, livestock, and farming. Blocking them would make towns and fields difficult to sustain. 2Ch 32:3-4 he consulted with his leaders and mighty men… and ruin every good field with stones.” Stones scattered across good, fertile fields would prevent cultivation and leave the land damaged long after the armies had passed. The command describes a severe and comprehensive judgment against Moab for its rebellion. Isa 5:2 He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes… The next morning, After Elisha announced the Lord’s provision, the armies remained in the dry valley awaiting God’s action. The next morning, water flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land. Gen 19:27 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned… at the time of the morning sacrifice, At the time of the morning sacrifice, Israel’s daily worship ordinarily focused on fellowship with God and the need for atonement. At that significant moment, the Lord acted on behalf of the coalition. Exo 29:39 Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight. water suddenly flowed Without rain or wind, water flowed from Edom at the time of the morning sacrifice, fulfilling Elisha’s word and supplying the desperate armies and their animals. Num 20:11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice… from the direction of Edom Though the land was dry and the water’s source was unseen, God directed it from the direction of Edom into the valley where it was needed. Num 20:21 So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through… and filled the land. The abundant supply preserved the armies from perishing and prepared the way for Israel’s victory over Moab. Ezk 47:1-5 Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple,… Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. Moab, descended from Lot, had long been entangled with Israel in conflict and tribute. After King Mesha rebelled against Israel’s rule, the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom marched against him. News of their approach spread quickly, bringing the threat of invasion to a nation occupying the highlands east of the Dead Sea. Mesha’s own inscription, known as the Moabite Stone, confirms the struggle between Moab and Israel during this period. 2Ch 20:1-4 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some… So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. Moab gathered every available fighting man, showing the urgency of the crisis. The nation prepared to meet the invading armies at its border rather than allow them to advance into its territory. The full mobilization reveals both Moab’s fear of defeat and its determination to resist the coalition. 2Ch 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah… When they got up early in the morning, When the Moabites rose early the next morning, they prepared to face the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom. Gen 19:27 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned… the sun was shining on the water, As the sun rose, it shone on the water God had provided during the night in the dry valley. Exo 7:20-21 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded;… and it looked as red as blood At sunrise, the Moabites saw the water opposite them appearing red like blood. They concluded that the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom had turned on one another and destroyed themselves. Isa 63:2-3 Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments… to the Moabites across the way. Their mistaken conclusion drew them into a reckless attack, setting the stage for Israel’s victory. Num 22:3-4 and Moab was terrified of the people… “This is blood!” At sunrise, the water in the valley reflected red, and the Moabites mistook its appearance for blood. God had provided water for the allied armies without rain, while using the same sight to draw Moab into defeat. Exo 7:20-21 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded;… they exclaimed. Their swift agreement showed how readily they accepted what they hoped was true. Expecting confusion among Israel, Judah, and Edom, they assumed the alliance had collapsed. 1Sa 4:6-7 On hearing the noise of the shout, the Philistines asked,… “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Believing the three armies had turned against each other, the Moabites saw an opportunity to escape their subjection to Israel and recover wealth from the camp. 2Ch 20:22-23 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD… Now to the plunder, Moab!” Confident that no resistance remained, they rushed forward to seize the spoils. Instead, they advanced into the prepared Israelite forces and suffered defeat. 2Ch 20:25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off… But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, Believing the allied forces had destroyed one another, the Moabites came expecting to seize the spoils. Instead, they found the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom prepared for battle. 2Ch 20:1-2 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some… the Israelites rose up and attacked them, The Israelites caught the Moabites unprepared, turning their confidence into panic. Jdg 7:21-22 Each Israelite took his position around the camp… and they fled before them. The Moabite advance collapsed, and the allies gained the initiative. Jos 10:10-11 And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel,… So the Israelites invaded their land They pursued the retreating Moabite army into its territory, carrying the war beyond Israel’s border. Jdg 3:28-30 So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan… and struck down the Moabites. The victory opened the way for the broader campaign that followed, in which the allies devastated Moab’s cities, fields, wells, and trees. 2Ch 20:22-24 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD… They destroyed the cities, Israel, Judah, and Edom carried out Elisha’s command after the Lord gave them victory over Moab. The campaign struck Moab’s settlements and defenses, leaving the nation unable to recover easily. Deu 2:34 At that time we captured all his cities… and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. The soldiers deliberately ruined productive farmland by spreading stones across it. This made cultivation difficult and damaged the economic strength on which Moab depended. Mic 3:12 Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field… They stopped up every spring Springs were essential in Moab’s dry terrain for drinking water, livestock, and irrigation. Sealing them off deprived surviving communities and armies of a basic necessity. Gen 26:15 So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up… and cut down every good tree. Valuable trees supplied fruit, wood, shade, and material for construction. Their removal extended the devastation beyond the immediate fighting. Deu 20:19-20 When you lay siege to a city for an extended time… Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, Kir-haraseth was Moab’s chief fortified city, protected by strong stone defenses. Though the surrounding land and other cities had been devastated, this stronghold remained. Isa 16:7 Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab.… but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well. Slingers could strike defenders from a distance while the allied army pressed the siege. Moab’s defeat was nearly complete as the coalition closed in on its capital. 2Ch 26:14 Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears,… When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, Moab’s king, likely Mesha, realized that the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom had gained the advantage. His rebellion against Israel had brought him into a conflict he could no longer control. 2Ch 14:11 Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD,… he took with him seven hundred swordsmen He gathered a select force of armed men for a decisive effort. The number suggests a concentrated assault by troops capable of fighting at close range. Jdg 20:16 Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers… to break through to the king of Edom, He apparently targeted the Edomite position, perhaps believing it offered the best opportunity to divide the coalition or strike one of its leaders directly. 2Sa 5:20 So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated… but they could not prevail. The attempt failed, leaving Moab trapped under the pressure of the advancing armies and unable to reverse the course of the battle. 2Ch 13:15 and the men of Judah raised the battle cry.… So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, Mesha, king of Moab, gave up his heir when defeat appeared imminent. The loss of the future king showed the extremity of Moab’s crisis and the king’s determination to secure deliverance. Mic 6:7 Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,… and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. He publicly sacrificed his son before the besieging armies, likely appealing to Chemosh, Moab’s god. The act was intended to stir Moab’s defenders and demonstrate that the king would spare nothing to save the city. Jdg 11:31 then whatever comes out the door of my house… And there was great fury against the Israelites, A powerful outbreak of wrath followed the sacrifice, turning the campaign against Israel. The account does not identify its source, but its effect was decisive. 2Ki 17:18 So the LORD was very angry with Israel… so they withdrew and returned to their own land. Israel, Judah, and Edom ended the siege and departed. Though they had devastated Moab’s land and cities, they did not complete the conquest. 1Ki 22:36 As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army:… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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