2 Kings 3:19

And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones."

Study Bible

And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance.
This command reflects the ancient Near Eastern warfare practices where conquering armies targeted fortified cities, which were centers of power and defense. Fortified cities often had walls and strongholds, making them strategic military targets. The phrase indicates a comprehensive military campaign against Moab, emphasizing the totality of the destruction intended. Historically, this reflects the common practice of ensuring that no place of refuge or resistance remains for the enemy. This command also echoes the divine instructions given to Israel in earlier conquests, such as the conquest of Canaan, where complete destruction was often mandated to prevent future threats and idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

You shall cut down every good tree,
Cutting down trees was a tactic used to deprive the enemy of resources and to demoralize them. Trees provided food, shade, and materials for building and fuel. The destruction of "good" trees, likely fruit-bearing ones, would have a long-term impact on the land's productivity and the people's sustenance. This act also symbolizes the complete devastation intended for Moab, leaving the land barren and uninhabitable. In Deuteronomy 20:19-20, Israel was instructed not to cut down fruit trees during a siege, indicating the severity of this command against Moab, highlighting the totality of the judgment.

stop up every spring,
Water sources were vital for survival, agriculture, and sustaining a population. Stopping up springs would effectively cripple the enemy's ability to sustain themselves, leading to their eventual surrender or demise. This tactic ensured that the land could not support life, forcing the inhabitants to abandon it. The strategic importance of water in the arid regions of the Near East cannot be overstated, and this action would have been a significant blow to Moab. This mirrors the spiritual symbolism of water in the Bible, often representing life and blessing, and its removal signifies judgment and desolation.

and ruin every good field with stones.
Scattering stones on fields was a method to render the land unproductive, as it would hinder plowing and planting. This act of salting the earth, metaphorically speaking, ensured that the land could not be easily restored to fertility, prolonging the devastation. The phrase "good field" suggests that these were fertile and valuable lands, crucial for the sustenance of the Moabite economy and population. This destruction of agricultural resources reflects the thoroughness of the campaign against Moab, leaving no means for recovery. This action can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment, as the land itself bears the consequences of the people's rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoram (Joram)
- The king of Israel during this time, son of Ahab and Jezebel. He sought help from Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to fight against Moab.

2. Jehoshaphat
- The king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God, who allied with Jehoram to fight against the Moabites.

3. Moabites
- The people of Moab, led by King Mesha, who rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.

4. Elisha
- The prophet of God who provided guidance and assurance of victory to the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom.

5. Edom
- A region and its king who joined the alliance with Israel and Judah against Moab.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The command to destroy Moab's resources demonstrates God's control over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His will.

The Role of Prophetic Guidance
Elisha's involvement underscores the importance of seeking God's direction through His prophets or, in contemporary terms, through Scripture and prayer.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Moab's rebellion against Israel serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning against God's chosen people and His ordained order.

Unity Among God's People
The alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom illustrates the strength found in unity, especially when facing common threats.

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions given to the allied forces highlight the necessity of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem harsh or difficult.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom reflect the importance of unity among believers today?

2. In what ways can we seek and discern God's guidance in our lives, similar to how the kings sought Elisha's counsel?

3. What lessons can we learn from the severe judgment against Moab regarding the consequences of rebellion against God?

4. How does the command to destroy Moab's resources challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's instructions was difficult. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:19-20
This passage provides instructions on warfare, specifically regarding the treatment of trees during a siege. The command in 2 Kings 3:19 to cut down every good tree contrasts with the earlier instruction, highlighting the severity of the judgment against Moab.

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters prophesy the downfall of Moab, providing a broader context for the conflict and God's judgment against Moab.

Psalm 83:6-8
Lists Moab among the nations conspiring against Israel, showing the longstanding enmity and God's ultimate plan for Israel's enemies.