Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Kings 3

Ahab likely set up the sacred pillar (or stela) of Baal when he started Baal worship (see 1 Kings 16:32–33). People also erected similar stones for pagan gods in Judah (1 Kings 14:23). Jehu (2 Kings 10:26–27) and Josiah (23:13–15) later removed these pillars.

One of Elisha's miracles took place during the war between Israel, Judah, and Moab.

The Moabite rebellion (see 2 Kings 1:1) started when they stopped paying their yearly tribute. The Moabite Stone (Mesha Stela) describes how Israel controlled northern Moab during the time of Omri and Ahab. This control continued under the rule of Ahaziah and Joram.

Jehoshaphat quickly agreed to Joram's request, which was common for him when dealing with the northern kings (1 Kings 22:4; 2 Chronicles 20:35–37). Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, married Ahab's daughter, Athaliah (2 Chronicles 18:1; 21:6), which deepened Jehoshaphat's involvement with Israel.

the king of Edom set out: At this time, Edom was likely under Judah's control. Later, during Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram's reign, Edom rebelled and gained independence from Judah (2 Kings 8:20–22). The southern route through Edom bypassed strong Moabite defenses, but it was risky due to limited water.

Is there no prophet of the LORD here?: Diviners or prophets often traveled with armies to understand the divine will. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from a true prophet to know the Lord’s plans for the battle (see 1 Kings 22:7). However, this time he waited until the campaign had started before asking the Lord.

Elisha joined because Jehoshaphat was there, even though he was involved with the pagan Joram.

But now, bring me a harpist: Music inspired the prophetic spirit (see Psalm 49:4).

The supply of water was easy for the Lord. It signaled that God would help the allies defeat Moab's army.

The army of Israel destroyed the towns. Elisha's prophecy came true, but Kir-hareseth was not completely destroyed.

The Moabite king might have tried to break through enemy lines to get revenge on the Edomite king or to escape through a weak spot in the allied lines.

there was great fury against the Israelites: The Hebrew phrase translated as intense anger is also used to describe the Lord’s fury against Israel for breaking their covenant (Jeremiah 21:5; 32:37; Zechariah 7:12).