What can we learn about decision-making from the king's choice in 2 Kings 3:8? Setting the Scene • Moab has rebelled against Israel. • King Jehoram of Israel seeks military help from King Jehoshaphat of Judah. • After agreeing to join forces, Jehoram asks, “Which way shall we go up?” Jehoshaphat answers, “By way of the Wilderness of Edom” (2 Kings 3:8). • The chosen desert route soon leaves the armies without water (vv. 9–10), exposing flaws in their decision. The King’s Question and Answer (2 Kings 3:8) “Then he asked, ‘Which way shall we go up?’ ‘By way of the Wilderness of Edom,’ replied Joram.” Principles for Our Decisions • Seek the Lord first, not merely human counsel – Jehoram posed his question to another king, not to God. – Contrast: “Inquire of the LORD” (v. 11) happens only after crisis hits. • Weigh the consequences, not just the convenience – The Edom route seemed strategic (avoiding Moab’s fortifications) yet led through waterless terrain. – Proverbs 14:12; Luke 14:28–30. • Choose allies wisely – Jehoshaphat was a godly king yet still followed Jehoram’s lead, repeating an error similar to 1 Kings 22. – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20. Foolishness of Human-First Planning • Depending on human strategy can exhaust resources and morale (2 Kings 3:9). • Panic follows when plans collapse (v. 10). • James 4:13–16 warns against presuming on tomorrow without the Lord’s will. God’s Grace in Course Corrections • When they finally seek prophetic guidance, God responds through Elisha (vv. 11–20). • The Lord provides water and victory, showing mercy even after flawed choices—Romans 8:28; Psalm 103:10. Putting It into Practice 1. Begin every decision with prayer and the Word. 2. Test advice against Scripture’s wisdom. 3. Evaluate potential outcomes instead of impulsively choosing the quickest route. 4. Surround yourself with counselors who fear God (Proverbs 11:14). 5. If you discover you’ve chosen poorly, humble yourself, seek God’s direction afresh, and trust Him to redeem the situation. The king’s desert march reminds us that decisions made apart from earnest reliance on the Lord can drain us quickly, yet God stands ready to guide and restore all who turn back to Him. |
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