So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land. So he took his firstborn sonThe phrase "firstborn son" is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where the firstborn held a place of prominence and was often seen as the heir to the throne. The Hebrew term for "firstborn" is "bekor," which denotes the eldest child who inherits the father's position and blessings. This act of taking the firstborn son underscores the desperation and extreme measures taken by the king of Moab. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the tragic consequences of idolatry and pagan practices, contrasting with the Biblical view of the sanctity of life and the abhorrence of child sacrifice. who was to succeed him as king
The succession of kingship was a critical aspect of ancient monarchies, ensuring the continuity of a dynasty. The Hebrew word "malak" refers to reigning or ruling as king. This phrase emphasizes the gravity of the king's decision, as he sacrificed not only his son but also the future of his lineage. From a Biblical standpoint, this act is a stark reminder of the futility of human plans when they are not aligned with God's will, as well as the destructive nature of sin. and offered him as a burnt offering on the wall
The act of offering a human as a "burnt offering" is a direct violation of God's commandments, as seen in the Hebrew word "olah," which typically refers to a sacrificial offering that is completely consumed by fire. This horrific act was performed "on the wall," likely as a public display meant to invoke the favor of the Moabite god Chemosh. Archaeological findings and historical records indicate that such practices were not uncommon among Israel's neighbors, yet they were strictly forbidden in Israelite law. This serves as a powerful illustration of the moral and spiritual decline that occurs when societies turn away from the one true God. And there was great wrath against Israel
The "great wrath" mentioned here can be understood as a divine or supernatural response to the events that transpired. The Hebrew word "qetseph" denotes a fierce anger or indignation. In the context of the narrative, this wrath could be interpreted as the Moabite god's response, or more fittingly, as a reflection of the spiritual consequences of Israel's own disobedience and failure to fully trust in God. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with pagan practices and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands. so they withdrew and returned to their own land
The withdrawal of the Israelite forces signifies a retreat and an acknowledgment of defeat. The Hebrew verb "shub" means to turn back or return, indicating a reversal of their military campaign. This outcome highlights the limitations of human strength and strategy when not accompanied by divine favor. For believers, it is a reminder of the necessity of seeking God's guidance and relying on His power rather than solely on human efforts. The return to their own land symbolizes a retreat to safety but also a missed opportunity for victory due to a lack of faithfulness and reliance on God. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of Moab (Mesha)The ruler of Moab who, in desperation, sacrificed his firstborn son to appease his gods and turn the tide of battle. 2. IsraelThe nation led by King Jehoram, allied with Judah and Edom, engaged in battle against Moab. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom, allied with Israel in this military campaign. 4. EdomA neighboring nation also allied with Israel and Judah in the conflict against Moab. 5. City WallThe location where the king of Moab made the sacrifice, symbolizing a public and desperate act. Teaching Points The Desperation of IdolatryThe king of Moab's act of sacrificing his son illustrates the extreme measures people may take when relying on false gods. It serves as a warning against idolatry and the futility of trusting in anything other than the one true God. The Consequences of SinThe wrath against Israel following the sacrifice suggests that even when God's people are in the right, they can face consequences due to the actions of others. It reminds us to remain vigilant and faithful, understanding that sin has far-reaching effects. The Importance of ObedienceThe Israelites' withdrawal can be seen as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Engaging in alliances or actions that lead to unintended consequences should prompt self-examination and a return to God's guidance. Cultural Influence and CompromiseThe passage highlights the danger of cultural influence and compromise. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining distinctiveness in faith and practice. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the king of Moab's sacrifice reveal about the nature of idolatry and its impact on decision-making? 2. How can we guard against the influence of cultural practices that contradict our faith, as seen in the Israelites' experience? 3. In what ways does this passage challenge us to consider the consequences of our actions, both individually and collectively? 4. How does the response of Israel to the king of Moab's sacrifice inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and reliance on God? 5. Reflecting on the connections to other scriptures, how can we apply the lessons of obedience and faithfulness in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 18:21This verse condemns child sacrifice, highlighting the abomination of such practices in the eyes of God. Deuteronomy 12:31Reinforces the prohibition against adopting pagan practices, including child sacrifice, which was common among Israel's neighbors. Psalm 106:37-38Describes the Israelites' later fall into similar practices, showing the danger of cultural assimilation and disobedience to God. Micah 6:7Questions the value of sacrifices, emphasizing that God desires justice, mercy, and humility over ritualistic offerings. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics Ascend, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Causeth, Departed, Eldest, First-born, Fury, Indignation, Journey, Offered, Offering, Oldest, Reign, Reigned, Reigneth, Returned, Sacrifice, Stead, Succeed, Taketh, Turn, Wall, Withdrew, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:27 5061 sanctity of life
5604 walls
7332 child sacrifice 2 Kings 3:21-27 5214 attack 2 Kings 3:26-27 7435 sacrifice, in OT 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links 2 Kings 3:27 NIV2 Kings 3:27 NLT2 Kings 3:27 ESV2 Kings 3:27 NASB2 Kings 3:27 KJV
2 Kings 3:27 Commentaries
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