What lessons on obedience can we learn from the actions in 2 Kings 3:25? Setting the Scene • Israel, Judah, and Edom marched against Moab. • The armies were desperate for water until God miraculously filled the valley (2 Kings 3:16-20). • Through Elisha, God then gave clear battle instructions (v. 19). Verse 25 records the troops carrying them out to the last detail. The Key Verse “ ‘They destroyed the cities, and on every good piece of land each man threw a stone, until it was covered; they stopped up every spring of water and cut down every good tree. Only the stones of Kir-hareseth were left intact, but the slingers surrounded it as well.’ ” (2 Kings 3:25) Observations on Obedience • Complete, not selective – The soldiers obey “every” part of God’s directive (compare v. 19). Obedience that withholds nothing pleases Him (1 Samuel 15:22). • Immediate, not delayed – As soon as victory is assured, they act. Delayed obedience is functionally disobedience (Psalm 119:60). • Corporate, not merely individual – “Each man” throws stones; every soldier joins in. Obedience is contagious when leaders and people participate together (Nehemiah 4:6). • Trusting, not second-guessing – Cutting down trees and blocking springs seems harsh, yet the troops accept God’s wisdom over their own reasoning (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Prophetic, not accidental – Their actions fulfill the word spoken by Elisha, proving God’s promises sure (Joshua 21:45). • Thorough, not partial – Only Kir-hareseth’s stones remain because God did not order their removal. True obedience stops where God stops (Deuteronomy 12:32). Applications for Today • Practice wholehearted obedience. Leave no “good field” of the heart unturned; remove every foothold of sin (Romans 6:12-13). • Obey promptly. When Scripture speaks, act rather than postpone (James 1:22). • Obey together. Families, churches, and ministries strengthen obedience when everyone “throws a stone” in unity (Philippians 1:27). • Trust God’s commands even when they clash with cultural sentiment. His wisdom surpasses ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Let fulfilled Scripture build confidence. The God who kept His word in Moab keeps it in every promise to His people today (2 Corinthians 1:20). Supporting Scriptures • 2 Kings 3:19 – God’s instruction that verse 25 fulfills. • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Psalm 119:60 – “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Romans 6:12-13 – Present every part of yourself to God in obedience. |
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