202401002

when the enemy rages

2 Kings 3:1-27 (JDV)

2 Kings 3:1 Joram son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria during the eighteenth year of Judah’s King Jehoshaphat, and he reigned twelve years.
2 Kings 3:2 He did what was evil in Yahveh’s sight, but not like his father and mother, because he removed the sacred pillar of Baal his father had made.
2 Kings 3:3 Nevertheless, Joram clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. He did not turn away from them.
2 Kings 3:4 King Mesha of Moab was a sheep breeder. He used to pay the king of Israel one hundred thousand lambs and the wool of one hundred thousand rams,
2 Kings 3:5 but when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
2 Kings 3:6 So King Joram marched out from Samaria at that time and mobilized all Israel.
2 Kings 3:7 Then he sent a message to King Jehoshaphat of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” Jehoshaphat said, “I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
2 Kings 3:8 He asked, “Which route should we take?” He replied, “The route of the Wilderness of Edom.”
2 Kings 3:9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or the animals with them.
2 Kings 3:10 Then the king of Israel said, “Ah! — Yahveh has summoned these three kings, only to hand them over to Moab.”
2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahveh here? Let’s inquire of Yahveh through him.” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah’s hands, is here.”
2 Kings 3:12 Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of Yahveh is with him.” So, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went to him.
2 Kings 3:13 However, Elisha said to King Joram of Israel, “What do we have in common? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!” But the king of Israel replied, “No, because it is Yahveh who has summoned these three kings to hand them over to Moab.”
2 Kings 3:14 Elisha responded, “By the life of Yahveh of Armies, before whom I stand: If I did not have respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I wouldn’t look at you; I would not take notice of you.
2 Kings 3:15 Now, bring me a musician.” While the musician played, Yahveh’s hand came on Elisha.
2 Kings 3:16 Then he said, “This is what Yahveh says: ‘Dig ditch after ditch in this wadi.’
2 Kings 3:17 Because Yahveh says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the wadi will be filled with water, and you will drink — you and your cattle and your animals.’
2 Kings 3:18 This is easy in Yahveh’s sight. He will also hand Moab over to you.
2 Kings 3:19 Then you will attack every fortified city and every choice city. You will cut down every good tree and stop up every spring. You will ruin every good piece of land with stones.”
2 Kings 3:20 About the time for the grain offering the next morning, water suddenly came from the direction of Edom and filled the land.
2 Kings 3:21 All Moab had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So, all who could bear arms, from the youngest to the oldest, were summoned and took their stand at the border.
2 Kings 3:22 When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and the Moabites saw that the water across from them was red like blood.
2 Kings 3:23 “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have crossed swords and their men have killed one another. So, to the spoil, Moab!”
2 Kings 3:24 However, when the Moabites came to Israel’s camp, the Israelites attacked them, and they fled from them. So, Israel went into the land attacking the Moabites.
2 Kings 3:25 They would destroy the cities, and each of them would throw a stone to cover every good piece of land. They would stop up every spring and cut down every good tree. This went on until only the buildings of Kir-hareseth were left. Then men with slings surrounded the city and attacked it.
2 Kings 3:26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too strong for him, he took seven hundred swordsmen with him to try to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not do it.
2 Kings 3:27 So he took his firstborn son, who was to become king in his place, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. Great wrath was on the Israelites, and they withdrew from him and returned to their land.

when the enemy rages

The combined armies of Israel, Judah and Edom accomplish all that Elisha predicts, but stops short of eliminating Moab altogether. It appears that the Moabite king’s sacrifice of his oldest son changes things. We must be careful not to assume that God honored this act, because he condemns it elsewhere. Instead, the wrath that came was the rage felt by the Moabites. Not only were they losing the battle, but they had just lost their future king. They would have fought ferociously to the last man. The LORD’s armies – sensing this – appropriately chose to retreat.

LORD, give us wisdom to settle for incomplete victories until Christ returns and his kingdom is restored.

Books by Jefferson Vann

• 148 Days with the Coming King is a compelling devotional journey designed to inspire spiritual growth and reflection over a period of 148 days. Throughout this transformative experience, readers will engage with profound insights, reflective prompts, and meditative practices aimed at deepening their understanding of faith. It includes a full new translation of Matthew’s Gospel.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 1) – This book is the first volume in a comprehensive series exploring the doctrinal foundations and theological interpretations of the Advent Christian denomination, aiming to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of its unique beliefs and practices as they relate to systematic theology. This volume introduces the study, and answers questions about God and how he has revealed things to humans. It also includes an appendix of selected articles on the exclusive immortality of God.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 2) – A comprehensive exploration of doctrines and theological concepts within the Advent Christian tradition, this volume offers readers insights into historical context, biblical references, and practical applications for contemporary faith practice. Whether for personal study or academic research, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and richness of Advent Christian theology. This volume specifically covers the doctrine humanity and sin. It also includes an appendix on human mortality and on the intermediate state.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 3) – This volume is part of a comprehensive series that delves deeper into the systematic theology from an Advent Christian perspective, providing insightful analysis and interpretation of theological concepts, offering both historical context and contemporary relevance for readers interested in the rich tradition of Advent Christian beliefs and practices. This volume treats the doctrines concerning Christ, the Holy Spirit, Angels and Demons, Salvation and the Church.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 4) – This volume represents a comprehensive exploration of the theological tenets unique to the Advent Christian denomination. It delves deeply into topics such as salvation, the nature of God, and eschatology, offering readers an in-depth understanding of Advent Christian beliefs. Essential for both scholars and laypeople interested in systematic theology, this work is a crucial addition to any theological library. This volume treats the doctrine of eschatology and includes indices on the resurrection and final punishment.

• Another Bible Commentary – This commentary offers insightful interpretations and detailed analysis of all the biblical texts, making it valuable for both scholars and readers seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture. The author, Jefferson Vann, has crafted a resource that blends traditional biblical scholarship with contemporary relevance, appealing to a broad audience interested in theological studies and practical application of biblical principles in everyday life.

• Devotions from Exodus – A profound collection that offers rich reflections and spiritual insights, ideal for both personal contemplation and group study, leading readers through the important themes and lessons within the Book of Exodus, promoting a deeper understanding of faith and divine guidance. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Leviticus – A comprehensive devotional that deeply explores themes found in the book of Leviticus, offering insights and reflections to guide personal spiritual growth and understanding of biblical principles in everyday life. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Mark’s Gospel – A comprehensive and inspiring collection of spiritual reflections and meditations based on the Gospel of Mark, aimed at deepening one’s faith and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. This work can serve as a valuable resource for personal study, group discussions, or devotional reading, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the scriptures and apply their lessons to daily life. It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• finding gold in Genesis – This fascinating book delves deep into the transformative messages within the Book of Genesis, providing readers with practical insights and a fresh perspective on biblical stories, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• The Coming King – This book offers a profound insight into the themes and messages found within the text of Matthew’s Gospel. It serves not only as a translation but also as an illuminating commentary that guides readers through the intricate layers of meaning and interpretation, making it an essential read for anyone interested in biblical studies and spiritual growth. . It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #1 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through years within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from October 2019 to October 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #2– This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from September to December 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #3 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from January to April 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #4 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from April to August 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #5 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from August to November 2021.

• Words from the Collector is a captivating exploration of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes. It includes a new translation and devotional commentary of the book. The Collector is Solomon as an old man, who collected wisdom to pass on to the next generation. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

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