Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, valleys often serve as significant settings for divine interventions and miraculous events. One such notable miracle involving valleys is the account of ditches being filled with water, as recorded in the Second Book of Kings.Context and Background The event takes place during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, who allied with King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom to wage war against Moab. The coalition of these three kings found themselves in a dire situation as they marched through the desert of Edom. After seven days, they faced a severe shortage of water for their armies and animals, leading to a crisis that threatened their campaign against Moab. The Miracle of Water in the Valley In their desperation, the kings sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. Elisha, after initially expressing reluctance due to King Jehoram's idolatrous practices, agreed to seek the Lord's guidance because of his respect for King Jehoshaphat. The prophet delivered a message from God, instructing the kings to dig ditches throughout the valley. The divine promise was clear: "You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle, and your other animals will drink" (2 Kings 3:17). This promise was a test of faith, as the natural expectation of rain or wind was absent. The kings and their armies obeyed the prophetic word, and the miracle unfolded as promised. Fulfillment of the Miracle The following morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom, filling the valley and the ditches that had been dug. The miraculous provision of water not only saved the allied armies and their animals from perishing but also played a strategic role in their victory over Moab. The Moabites, observing the water from a distance, mistook it for blood, assuming that the allied kings had turned against each other. This misinterpretation led them to attack prematurely, resulting in their defeat at the hands of the rejuvenated Israelite, Judahite, and Edomite forces. Significance This miracle in the valley underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative. It highlights God's sovereignty and ability to provide for His people in seemingly impossible situations. The event also emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine instructions, even when they defy human logic or expectation. Furthermore, it serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, reinforcing the belief that His ways and thoughts are higher than those of humanity. The account of the ditches filled with water in the valley remains a powerful reminder of God's provision and the miraculous ways in which He can intervene in the lives of His people, turning potential disaster into victory. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 3:16,17And he said, Thus said the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Valleys: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Valleys of Israel Well Tilled and Fruitful Valleys of the Church of Christ Valleys: (Dark) of Affliction and Death Valleys: (Filling up of) of Removing all Obstructions to the Gospel Valleys: (Fruitful and Well Watered) of the Tents of Israel Valleys: Abounded With: Fountains and Springs Valleys: Abounded With: Lily of the Valley Valleys: Abounded With: Ravens Valleys: Abounded With: Rocks and Caves Valleys: Called: Fat Valleys, when Fruitful Valleys: Called: Rough Valleys, when Uncultivated and Barren Valleys: Jehoshaphat or Decision Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Ditches In, Filled With Water Valleys: Miracles Connected With: The Moon Made to Stand Still Over Ajalon Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Water In, Made to Appear to the Moabites Like Blood Valleys: Moab where Moses Was Buried Valleys: Often the Scenes of Great Contests Valleys: Often the Scenes of Idolatrous Rites Valleys: Passengers or Hamongog Valleys: Shaveh or King's Dale Valleys: The Canaanites Held Possession of, Against Judah Valleys: The Heathen Supposed That Certain Deities Presided Over Valleys: To be Filled With Hostile Chariots, Threatened As A Valleys: Tracts of Land Between Mountains Valleys: Watered by Mountain Streams Related Terms |
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