2 KINGS 3

ISRAEL + JUDAH JOIN FORCE AGAINST MOAB

Joram, the son of Ahab, is ruler over Israel for twelve years. Overall, Joram is an evil king, but he righteously removes a pillar made for Baal worship.

Mesha, the king of Moab, a sheep farmer, owes Ahab 100,000 lambs. Once Ahab dies, the Moabites rebelled against the Israelites. Joram approaches Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, about teaming up against Moab.

The armies of Israel and Judah join together, but are unable to find water for seven days. Jehoshaphat wants to consult a godly man for advice, so he calls upon Elisha.

Elisha instructs them to dig trenches and God would fill them with water. Elisha also prophesies that they would be victorious over Moab.

When the trenches fill with water, the Moabites see them and think they are filled with the blood of their enemies. Bold assumption, Moab! While the Moabites celebrate, the armies of Israel and Judah attack them and overthrow the Moabites. God provides water and victory, just as Elisha predicted.

During the battle, the king of Moab offers up his oldest son as a child sacrifice. This is disgraceful to the Israelites who know this act was offensive to God.