2 Kings 3: God Desires to Save

Verse 17:

For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you and your cattle and your other animals will drink.

◇ Judah, Israel, and the king of Edom formed an alliance to wage war against Moab. On the seventh day of their journey through the wilderness of Edom, they found themselves without water for both the people and the animals. They searched desperately but could not find any. The three kings were plunged into despair by the lack of water in the wilderness. At that point, King Jehoshaphat of Judah sought the Lord. He looked for a man of God to reveal the Lord's will.

The three kings went to Elisha, but Elisha refused to consult with King Joram of Israel, suggesting he inquire of the gods of Baal and Asherah, whom his father Ahab had served. Joram then pleaded earnestly with Elisha.

Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you" (Verse 14).

Elisha was willing to inquire of God not for Joram's sake, but because he respected Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah.

But why for Jehoshaphat's sake? Was Jehoshaphat a king who served God well? Would a king who served God well join forces with the son of Ahab and the foreign king of Edom to wage war? In verse 3, it is said that Jehoshaphat did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit. Jeroboam was a king who led Northern Israel into idolatry, often depicted as the originator of such worship. Jehoshaphat, following Jeroboam, Joram, or the king of Edom, were not much different from each other.

So why did Elisha inquire of God for Jehoshaphat's sake? And why did God help this alliance of kings to victory? In 2 Chronicles 17:3-9, there is an assessment of Jehoshaphat. He removed the high places and idols, appointed prophets and Levites, and taught the Law to the people. Perhaps God remembered these good deeds and showed them grace. Could it be that, despite his current flaws, God gave him another chance because of the good heart and actions he had shown in the past?

God is not one who desires to judge and destroy, but to save and give life.

♧ Lord, do not forget a mother's prayer! Remember the tears she shed and the prayers she offered for her son! Thank you, God, who desires to save rather than destroy. Holy Spirit, lead us into the truth!