Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Kings Ch.3 / 25 Ch.s
2KI: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.