2 Kings 3:1-15
Jehoram, the brother of Ahaziah, becomes king over Israel. Although he too does what is evil in the sight of the LORD, some improvement is noted over the conduct of his father and mother. He officially renounces the worship of Baal.
The first verse of our book has already mentioned the rebellion of Moab. This proves the occasion for Jehoram to mount an offensive against this people, relying on his nearest allies: the king of Judah and the king of Edom. Alas! Jehoshaphat has not learnt the serious lesson of Ramoth-gilead. He gives the same reply to Jehoram’s suggestion as formerly he had given Ahab (v. 7; 1 Kings 22:4).
The expedition is on the point of turning out badly. Jehoram blames the LORD, although he himself was responsible for the whole enterprise. Many people are like that. They accuse God for their misfortunes, instead of repenting. As for Jehoshaphat, he is in the end concerned about the Word of the LORD. Elisha is uneasy as he stands before the three kings, so wrongly associated. This reminds us of the unequal yoke with unbelievers, against which Christians are seriously warned (2 Corinthians 6:14).