What can we learn about God's response to human sacrifices in 2 Kings 3:27? Setting the Scene • Israel, Judah, and Edom besiege Moab (2 Kings 3:4-26). • The siege tightens around Kir-hareseth; Moab’s king is desperate. The Shocking Act on the Wall “Then he took his firstborn son who was to succeed him as king, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And great wrath came upon Israel, and they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.” (2 Kings 3:27) What “Great Wrath” Tells Us • The phrase signals immediate, tangible backlash—fear, demoralization, and divine displeasure fall on Israel’s troops. • Scripture never credits the human sacrifice with power to sway God; instead, the text shows God lifting His favor from Israel’s coalition, forcing retreat. • The Lord’s holiness will not be used as a prop for pagan ritual; He distances Himself from any scene where innocent blood is shed. God’s Consistent Verdict on Human Sacrifice • Leviticus 18:21 – “You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech…” • Deuteronomy 12:31 – “They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices… every abomination which the LORD hates.” • Jeremiah 19:5 – “…something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.” • Psalm 106:37-38 – He calls the practice “the blood of their sons and daughters… the land was desecrated.” • Genesis 22:12 – God halts Abraham, showing He never desires a child’s death. • Micah 6:7 – Even extravagant offerings, including a firstborn, do not satisfy Him. Key observations: 1. Human sacrifice is uniformly condemned—never accepted, never effective. 2. When it occurs, God’s response is wrath, withdrawal of blessing, and eventual judgment (cf. 2 Kings 21:6; 24:3-4). 3. Only one human life is presented in Scripture as an acceptable offering: Jesus Christ, who voluntarily gave Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:12-14). Why Israel’s Campaign Collapsed • Israel was led by Jehoram, a king who “clung to the sins of Jeroboam” (2 Kings 3:3). Mixed loyalties invite weakened protection. • God will not allow victory to be credited to a ghastly ritual; retreat prevents any appearance that pagan blood-magic triumphed. • The incident warns that partial obedience does not guarantee ongoing favor (Proverbs 14:34). Lessons for Believers Today • Guard against any compromise with practices God calls abominable; He will not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8). • Remember that evil may gain momentary advantage, but only within limits God sets for His larger purposes. • Rejoice that the only sacrifice God accepts for sin has already been made by His Son; cling to that finished work, not human effort or superstition. |
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