But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. But after the death of AhabAhab was a significant king of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into further sin. His death marked a turning point for the kingdom. The political landscape shifted, as Ahab's strong influence and alliances were no longer in place. This period was one of instability and transition, as Ahab's successors struggled to maintain control and authority. The death of a king often led to political upheaval, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., 1 Kings 22:37-40). the king of Moab
Moab was a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, sometimes subjugated and at other times rebelling. The Moabite Stone, an archaeological artifact, provides historical context for Moab's interactions with Israel, confirming biblical accounts of conflict and tribute. rebelled against the king of Israel
Rebellion was a common occurrence in the ancient Near East when a powerful ruler died. Moab had been subjugated under Ahab, paying tribute to Israel (2 Kings 3:4). With Ahab's death, Moab saw an opportunity to assert independence. This rebellion is a reflection of the political instability and the challenges faced by Ahab's successors. The rebellion also sets the stage for the subsequent military campaign led by Jehoram, Ahab's son, and highlights the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. The theme of rebellion and its consequences is echoed throughout Scripture, illustrating the cyclical nature of sin and conflict (e.g., Judges 2:11-19). Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe former king of Israel, known for his idolatry and wickedness, whose death marks a significant turning point in Israel's political landscape. 2. King of MoabThe ruler of Moab who decides to rebel against Israel following Ahab's death, indicating a shift in power dynamics and political alliances. 3. King of IsraelAt this time, Jehoram, Ahab's son, is the king of Israel. He inherits the challenges of his father's reign, including the rebellion of Moab. 4. MoabA neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with Israel. The rebellion signifies Moab's attempt to assert independence and challenge Israel's dominance. 5. RebellionThe act of Moab breaking away from Israelite control, which sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and military campaign described in the chapter. Teaching Points The Consequences of LeadershipAhab's reign left a legacy of instability. Leaders must consider the long-term impact of their actions on their successors. The Nature of RebellionMoab's rebellion illustrates how shifts in power can lead to challenges and conflicts. Believers should be prepared for spiritual battles when there are changes in leadership or direction. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite political upheavals, God remains in control. Christians can find peace in God's unchanging nature amidst worldly instability. The Importance of Faithful LeadershipJehoram's response to Moab's rebellion reflects his leadership qualities. Believers are called to lead with integrity and reliance on God, especially in times of crisis. Historical Context and Spiritual LessonsUnderstanding the historical context of Israel and Moab's relationship can provide deeper insights into God's dealings with His people and the importance of obedience and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Ahab's leadership contribute to the political instability faced by his successor, Jehoram? 2. In what ways can the rebellion of Moab be seen as a test of Jehoram's leadership and faith in God? 3. How does the historical relationship between Israel and Moab inform our understanding of the challenges faced by God's people today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the rebellion of Moab about the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God? 5. How can we apply the principles of faithful leadership and reliance on God in our personal lives and communities, especially during times of change or conflict? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:7Provides background on Moab's idolatrous practices, which were a source of conflict with Israel. 2 Kings 1:1Mentions Moab's rebellion after Ahab's death, highlighting the ongoing tension between Israel and Moab. Judges 3:12-30Describes an earlier period of Moabite oppression and Israel's deliverance, showing the cyclical nature of conflict between these nations. Psalm 60:8Symbolically refers to Moab as a "washbasin," indicating Israel's historical dominance over Moab. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics Ahab, Authority, Dead, Death, Died, Free, Got, Moab, Pass, Rebelled, TransgressethDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:4-7 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Library Sight and Blindness
'Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that them pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881 The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 3:5 NIV2 Kings 3:5 NLT2 Kings 3:5 ESV2 Kings 3:5 NASB2 Kings 3:5 KJV
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