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June 27, 2024 17 mins

In this Bible Story, we learn about the three kings battling against the Moabite rebellion. God honors Israel solely because they aligned themselves with Judah who remained faithful. This story is inspired by 2 King 3. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.

Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 3:16 from the King James Version.

Episode 130: As the prophet Elisha was teaching in the towns of Israel, and caring for the people, he experienced miracle after miracle. God used him to help oversee the freeing of a widow and her sons, and the healing of a poisoned stew. And the miracles continued with the feeding of 100 men with only 20 loaves of bread, and the miraculous recovery of a sunken axe head. Each of these events showed how God cares about the everyday life and struggles of his people. Something you and I can take comfort in even today.

Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.

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Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard

Producer: Ben Gammon

Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham

Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith

Bible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn

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Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray, and he said, thus, saith the Lord,
make this valley full of ditches. Second Kings three sixteen,
Heavenly Father, as I take my new breath to day,
I am also taking in today's reading of Second King's three.

(00:21):
I am taking in the fact that the completion of
my assignment has everything to do with my alignment. When
moments arise in my life when I have to fight
for the territory you've given me, surround me with men
and women who have faith to help me stand tall
and conquer the obstacles in front of me. Like Elisha

(00:44):
and Jehosaphat, I will turn to prayer and worship to
receive to day's marching orders, for I know that in
your presence is the plan to overcome the enemy that
stands in the way of my promise. I declare that
I will not worry or be dismayed because you are
with me in the battlefields of life. You are with

(01:08):
me through the ups and downs of walking out my calling.
With this as my truth, I will not retreat, but
will move forward and take the land and opportunities you
have for me. In Jesus name, Amen, thank you for

(01:28):
making prayer a priority. In your day. To learn more
about the Bible, stay tuned for today's story, brought to
you by Bible in a Year dot Com.

Speaker 2 (01:47):
Three Kings versus the Moabites. In our last story, we
learned about the departure of Elijah, the faithful Prophet was
taken up into the clouds by chariots of fire. Elisha,
his faithful student, took his place as prophet over Israel.
Now he watches over the people, ministering to them in

(02:09):
times of trouble. Now we witness the rebellion of the
Moabites against Israel. The new King of Israel bands together
with other nations to crush the rebellion, and for the
first time witnesses the faithfulness of God. Inspired by the
Book of Second Kings.

Speaker 3 (02:30):
This is Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible
in a Year. In yesterday's episode, we heard how God
took Elijah home to Heaven in a whirlwind and chariot
of fire. Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit,
the spirit of God that was upon Elijah. Knowing that
the task at hand would require a great measure of

(02:51):
God's strength, his power, and his presence, the Lord gave
him his request, and now Elijah takes on the mantle
and the ministry of Elijah. Today we'll hear about the
rebellion of the Moabites, who had lived under Israel's protection
since the time of David. As they rebel and strike
against Israel. We'll see how Joram, Israel's new king, will

(03:15):
join with other nations to fight the Moabites, and in
the midst of it, despite his wayward heart, we will
witness God's faithfulness. Let's listen now to today's reading.

Speaker 2 (03:27):
Sadly, the nation of Israel was given yet another king
that pursued selfish desire and greed over the needs of
his people. King Ahab's son Jurom, began his rule over
the land for twelve years. He established his kingdom in
his own name. Although he tore down a few pillars
of bel erected by his father, he replaced them with

(03:51):
institutions of self importance. His darkened soul was a stench
to the lord, and he led his people astray towards
the coastlands of the Jordan. A stirring in Moab was
taking place. They had rebelled against Israel during the rule
of Aziah. They were once again under the care of

(04:11):
King David and a unified Israel. However, in the past
few generations they had grown restless towards Israel. Now was
their time to rise up as their own nation and
press against the people of God. A shepherd by the
name of Misha rose up as a leader of men
in Mohab. His charismatic demeanor stirred up the Moabites, and

(04:34):
they eventually made him their king. There was nothing noble
about either kingdom. Both were determined to establish their own
rule apart from the leading of God. Only the king
of Judah remained as a faithful pillar in an otherwise
evil land. King Yuram knew that it was only a
matter of time before the Moabite army organized itself as

(04:56):
a legitimate threat. He decided to call upon their neighbors
in Judah to fight alongside them. At that time, the
faithful King Jehosaphat was still ruling in Judah. King Joram
sent a message to him saying, the King of Moab
has rebelled against me. We are in need of assistance
in battle. Will you join us. Jehosephat still felt a

(05:19):
deep connection to the people of Israel, although they had
strayed away from the Lord. They were still family under
the promises of God. The King of Judah sent word
back to Uram, saying, of course we will come to
your aid. You and I are as one. What root
shall we take to meet you for battle? We will
attack from the wilderness outside Edom. The king of Edom

(05:41):
has agreed to march with us. Uram replied, So the
three armies Israel, Judah, and Edom all met in the
wilderness and prepared themselves for battle against the rebels in Moab.
For seven days they marched and prepared, and resources were
wearing thin. Water was scarce. Israel had neglected to provide

(06:02):
the proper rations for such a large army. Confused and scared,
Uram complained to the other kings, saying, the Lord has
brought the three of us out here to be killed
by the Moabites. We will surely die here. King Jejosephad
did not share the King of Israel's concern. He was
a faithful man. He knew that God would never forsake him.

(06:24):
He was faithful and the commander of his armies. He
was the chief shepherd and guardian over their souls. Jehosephad
stood up and grabbed the panicking Uram by the shoulders.
His eyes met his, and Yuram felt himself beginning to
calm down. Is there any prophet among you that can
speak with us and to God? Jehosephad asked. King Joram

(06:47):
shook his head, unable to think of any man of
God in their midst He was ignorant to how God worked.
His ways were selfish and uninterested in spiritual things. One
of your AM's guards coughed to get the king's attention.
There is Elisha, my lord. He travels with us, he suggested.
Jehoseph had nodded to him in thanks. Yes, I know Elisha.

(07:12):
The Lord speaks to him and through him. So the
three kings went to go meet Elisha. The three kings
went to the outskirts of camp, where Elisha stayed distant.
They came to his camp, where he was tending to
his fire. Without looking at them, his eyes fixed on
the flames, he said, why have you come to me?
He then looked up at r Am. Don't you have

(07:34):
pagan prophets given to you by your father and mother?
Uram did his best to feign ignorance. He shook his
head and said, no, the Lord has called us here
to the wilderness, only to be defeated by Moab. Panic
could be heard in Yurahm's voice. His throat quivered when
he spoke, and his hands shook in their place. Elisha

(07:56):
could sense his nervous energy. I would not even speak
to you if it were not for King Jehosaphat, who
stands next to you. He is the only faithful king
in this land, Elisha said, matter of factly, go get
me the best harpist you can find. Luckily, King Jehosephad
always had a harpist traveling with him. He found the

(08:17):
music to be soothing and helpful. During prayer, the harpist
played next to Elisha. The music seemed to make the
fire dance. It was a beautifully peaceful sight beside the
three kings. Elisha prayed, his brow furrowed and his forehead
began to sweat slightly. Although he was praying intensely, he

(08:37):
seemed at peace. The harp continued to play, and the
power of the Lord met Elisha in prayer. Elishah stirred
slightly and then looked up at the kings. This dry
valley will soon be filled with pools of water. Elishah whispered.
The cracks of the fire popped as the harp continued
to play. You won't see rain wind. Nevertheless, water will

(09:02):
emerge and you will have plenty to drink. The three
kings sighed in relief and laughed. God will give you victory,
Elisha continued, Be sure to conquer the land he gives you.
The next day, as the sun was beginning its rise
above the distant hills, Elisha made a sacrifice to the law.

(09:22):
As the darkness of the land was filled with new light,
pools of water emerged from the ground. The water was
fresh and still. They reflected the rising sun above them
and glistened for all the people to see. Soon, the
water was flowing in every direction, and the soldiers of
the three armies had their fill. In the distance, the

(09:43):
armies of Moab were growing larger. Every able bodied man
was assembled to wage war against the three armies. They
stationed themselves at the border and awaited their attack. In
the distance, they could see the red sun rising. However,
something different caught their eye. Red pools filled the once
dried valleys. The morning sun reflected against the waters and

(10:06):
made the pools look like a deep red its blood.
The Moabites exclaimed, the three armies have killed one another.
We should go and collect the spoils of war. So
the Moabites ran towards the valley with no battle plan
or expectation of fighting. When the Moabites drew closer, the
Israelite armies launched their first attack. They ambushed them and

(10:31):
sent them into a mass confusion. Hundreds of Moabites fell
before tucking tail and running back for their city. Israel
chased them, destroying everything in their path. They burned the towns,
blocked the springs, and chopped the trees. Then the king
of Moab sent seven hundred of his swordsmen to break

(10:52):
through enemy lines. They were thwarted by the army of
Edom that was lying in wait. Skulls cracked and flesh
was torn under the swords of Edom. It was an
all out slaughter. The Moabid king watched as the three
armies demolished his land. In a fury of desperation, the
king retreated back to the religion of his ancestors. He

(11:14):
turned around to find his son standing behind him. He
drew him in close and slid his throat. He dragged
his son's lifeless and bloodied body to an altar and
burnt him for the gods to see. He hoped to
gain their favor for battle. However, he was only met
with the righteous hand of God as his army was

(11:37):
crushed into the dirt.

Speaker 3 (11:42):
As we begin today's reading, Israel is still plagued with
idle worship and self seeking leadership. Following the death of
a Haziah who had no sons Ahab sons, Joram rose
to the throne. He wasn't nearly as evil as his parents,
but he was not seeking God, and although he tore

(12:03):
down pillars of bail, he was said to repeat the
sins of Jeroboam. The decisions he made were not meant
to honor God and lead the people of the Lord. Rather,
he acted in his own self interests, trying to gain power,
and as far as God is concerned, there's no such
things as righteousness. By comparison, sin is sin, and his

(12:24):
actions and attitudes were sinful. Joram was rejecting God just
as much as his predecessors. This lack of leadership was
fertile ground for unrest and chaos, and soon the Moabites,
who had lived peacefully under Israel. Since David's reign began
to rise up against Israel, they appointed their own king, Misha,

(12:45):
who was no righteous man either. He too acted in
his own selfish interests. And so we see a conflict
brewing between two very unwise kings, sinful kings, neither one
following God. It's a recipe for violence, chaos, bloodshed, and suffering.

(13:05):
King Joram was unwise, but not blind. He could see
that Joab would soon attack, so he sought help from
the king Jehasaphat to the south. The righteous King of
Judah was not interested in warfare, but he understood the
need to assist God's people, his Jewish brothers and sisters
in Israel, so he agrees to help, reminding Joram that

(13:28):
Israel and Judah are as one. Joram had also enlisted
the King of Edom to aid, and is from that
direction that he plans to attack Moeb. Together. The three
armies prepare for battle in the wilderness, but they are
growing tired and thirsty and hungry, and just like the
Israelites did with Moses, Joram began to show his lack

(13:50):
of faith. He was certain God had brought him there
to die but Jehosephat did not lack faith, and he
was not worried. He asked if there was a prophet
of God, someone they could talk to. One of Joram's
guards remembered Elisha and suggested that they seek him out.
It's notable that the king himself did not think of

(14:12):
Elisha because he was so far from God and the
voice of God or the true people of God. So
they did go to Elisha, and his first response was
to send them away. Joram had his own false prophets,
why not seek them? But then we see God's grace
extended to Israel and King Joram. As Elisha responds in

(14:35):
Second Kings three fourteen, and Elishah said, as the Lord
of Hosts lives before men, I stand. Were it not
that I have regard for Jehosaphat, the King of Judah,
I would neither look at you or see you. Jehosaphat's
righteousness enabled Joram to experience God's blessing and protection. And

(14:56):
this would be a good place to stop and reflect
and remember that one day the King of Eternity, the
Lord Jesus Christ, would come from Judah. The tribe of
Judah and his righteousness would open the door for all
of us to experience God's presence, salvation, blessing, and life.
Elisha then call a musician to play, and as he did,

(15:18):
God's word came to Elisha, who prophesied that the armies
would be provided water in a miraculous way, as the
pools of water would form without wind or rain to
fill them. Not only would God meet their physical needs,
he would give them great victory over Moab. The next morning,
Elishah offered a sacrifice to the Lord and remind her

(15:39):
that the good favor of these kings did not come
from the prophet, but the one who spoke through him.
And just as the Lord had promised, their needs were
met and the Moabite army was soundly defeated. Mesha, the
Moabite king, saw the defeat that was coming, but rather
than turn to God, he turned to his own false

(15:59):
gods and even say sacrificed his son to try to
gain this idol's favor. But it was a feudal effort,
and God's power prevailed, as he always prevails in the end. God,
thank you for your purposes and plans in our lives.
The way you lead us and guide us every single day.

(16:19):
We thank you for Jesus Christ, the righteous King who
leads us from victory unto victory. Thank you for your
faithfulness and your favor upon our lives today and every
day in Jesus' name. Amen, Thank you for listening to
today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham
from Dallas, Texas. Let me encourage you to download Theprey

(16:43):
dot com app and always make Bible reading and Bible
study a priority in your life along with prayer. If
you enjoyed this podcast, share it with someone you love.
Let someone know because by sharing this podcast, you can
truly make a difference in someone's life. If you want
more resources from me, Jack Graham as to how you

(17:03):
can grow in your Christian life, then go to Jack
Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you.
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