2 Kings 3:1-27

At this point the history goes back and describes the beginning of the war with Moab, to which reference was made at the opening of the book. It was a combined movement of Israel and Judah and Edom against Moab.

Elisha's capacity for sternness was manifested in the refusal to deal with the king of Israel. The armies lacked water, and appealed to him. His answer immediately called into prominence the fact of the divine government, that God is still able, in supernatural ways, to make provision for the needs of His people if they will but trust Him. Their faith was called into activity in digging the trenches. The coming of the water was by the act and will of God. Thus the prophet stood for the righteousness of God in his refusal to deal with the king of Israel, and for the beneficent purpose of God in providing water for the armies. He thus stood before them as a veritable prophet, and called them back, if they would but hear it, into true relationship to their one King, Jehovah.