‏ 2 Kings 3

* Jehoram, king of Israel. (1-5) War with Moab, The intercession

of Elisha. (6-19) Water supplied, Moab overcome. (20-27)

1-5 Jehoram took warning by God's judgment, and put away the

image of Baal, yet he maintained the worship of the calves.

Those do not truly repent or reform, who only part with the sins

they lose by, but continue to love the sins that they think to

gain by. 6-19 The king of Israel laments their distress, and the danger

they were in. He called these kings together, yet he charges it

upon Providence. Thus the foolishness of man perverteth his way,

and then his heart fretteth against the Lord, #Pr 19:3|. It was

well that Jehoshaphat inquired of the Lord now, but it had been

much better if he had done it before he engaged in this war.

Good men sometimes neglect their duty, till necessity and

affliction drive them to it. Wicked people often fare the better

for the friendship and society of the godly. To try their faith

and obedience, Elisha bids them make the valley full of pits to

receive water. Those who expect God's blessings, must dig pools

for the rain to fill, as in the valley of Baca, and thus make

even that a well, #Ps 84:6|. We need not inquire whence the

water came. God is not tied to second causes. They that

sincerely seek for the dew of God's grace, shall have it, and by

it be made more than conquerors. 20-27 It is a blessing to be favoured with the company of those

who have power with God, and can prevail by their prayers. A

kingdom may be upheld and prosper, in consequence of the fervent

prayers of those who are dear to God. May we place our highest

regard upon such as are most precious in his account. When

sinners are saying Peace, peace, destruction comes upon them:

despair will follow their mad presumption. In Satan's service

and at his suggestion, such horrid deeds have been done, as

cause the natural feelings of the heart to shudder; like the

king of Moab's sacrificing his son. It is well not to urge the

worst of men to extremities; we should rather leave them to the

judgment of God.