Background and Context:

Jehoram, the son of Ahab, was the king of Israel, reigning in the northern kingdom during a tumultuous period marked by idolatry and conflict. His reign is noted for its continuation of the policies of his father, Ahab, and mother, Jezebel, which included the worship of Baal and other pagan practices. Jehoram's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his interactions with the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Jehoshaphat, are highlighted.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was known for his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to bring religious reform to his kingdom. Despite his piety, Jehoshaphat made several alliances with the northern kingdom, which were often criticized due to the idolatrous practices prevalent in Israel.

The Alliance:

The alliance between Jehoram and Jehoshaphat is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 3. Jehoram sought Jehoshaphat's help in a military campaign against Moab. The Moabites, under King Mesha, had rebelled against Israel following the death of Ahab, refusing to pay tribute. Jehoram, recognizing the strategic and military prowess of Jehoshaphat, sought his assistance to subdue the Moabite rebellion.

2 Kings 3:7 states, "Then he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: 'The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?' Jehoshaphat replied, 'I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.'"

Jehoshaphat's response indicates a willingness to support Jehoram, despite the spiritual and moral differences between their kingdoms. This alliance underscores the complex political landscape of the time, where survival often necessitated cooperation between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

The Campaign Against Moab:

The joint campaign against Moab involved a strategic march through the wilderness of Edom, which was under the control of Judah. The alliance also included the king of Edom, making it a three-pronged coalition against Moab. However, the campaign faced immediate challenges, including a lack of water for the troops and animals.

In a moment of crisis, Jehoshaphat sought divine guidance, demonstrating his reliance on God even in political and military matters. The prophet Elisha, who was present, was consulted. Despite his disdain for Jehoram, Elisha agreed to seek the Lord's counsel out of respect for Jehoshaphat.

2 Kings 3:14-15 records Elisha's words: "As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you. But now, bring me a harpist.' And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha."

Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without rain or wind, and that the coalition would achieve victory over Moab. The prophecy was fulfilled, and the Moabites were defeated, although the campaign did not result in a complete subjugation of Moab.

Theological Implications:

The alliance between Jehoram and Jehoshaphat highlights the tension between political expediency and spiritual fidelity. Jehoshaphat's willingness to ally with a king who did not follow the ways of Yahweh raises questions about the compromises leaders make in the pursuit of political goals. The narrative also underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis, as exemplified by Jehoshaphat's reliance on the prophet Elisha.

The episode serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the power of prophetic intervention, even amidst human alliances and conflicts. It illustrates the complexities faced by the kings of Israel and Judah as they navigated the challenges of leadership in a divided and often hostile world.