The Coalition Against Moab refers to the alliance formed by the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom to confront the rebellion of Moab against Israelite dominance. This event is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 3, where the narrative details the political and military maneuvers of the coalition and the divine intervention that led to their victory.

Historical Context

The coalition arose during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, the son of Ahab. After the death of Ahab, Mesha, the king of Moab, rebelled against Israelite control. Moab had been a vassal state, paying tribute in the form of sheep and wool, as noted in 2 Kings 3:4: "Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he used to pay the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams."

Formation of the Coalition

In response to Moab's rebellion, Jehoram sought the assistance of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. Jehoshaphat agreed to join forces, demonstrating the political alliance between the two kingdoms. The king of Edom, whose territory was strategically located, also joined the coalition. This tripartite alliance set out to subdue Moab, taking a circuitous route through the Desert of Edom to surprise the Moabites.

Divine Intervention

The coalition faced a significant challenge when they ran out of water in the desert. In their desperation, Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of a prophet of the Lord. Elisha, the prophet, was present and, despite his disdain for Jehoram, agreed to seek the Lord's guidance because of his respect for Jehoshaphat. Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without wind or rain, and that the Lord would deliver Moab into their hands (2 Kings 3:16-18): "And he said, 'This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. For the LORD says, You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you and your cattle and your animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; He will also deliver Moab into your hands.'"

The Battle and Aftermath

The next morning, water miraculously filled the valley, providing relief to the coalition forces. When the Moabites saw the water, it appeared red like blood, leading them to believe that the allied kings had turned against each other. This misinterpretation prompted the Moabites to attack, only to be met with a prepared and united coalition. The ensuing battle resulted in a decisive victory for Israel, Judah, and Edom. The coalition devastated the land of Moab, fulfilling the prophecy given by Elisha.

Theological Significance

The Coalition Against Moab highlights several theological themes, including the sovereignty of God over nations, the importance of seeking divine guidance, and the fulfillment of prophetic words. The narrative underscores the belief that God can use natural phenomena to achieve His purposes and that He remains faithful to His promises, even in the face of human rebellion and political turmoil.

Cultural and Political Implications

This coalition reflects the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, where alliances were often formed out of necessity rather than shared values. The cooperation between Israel, Judah, and Edom illustrates the pragmatic nature of ancient diplomacy, where common threats could unite even disparate kingdoms. The event also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of political power and the ever-present potential for rebellion among vassal states.