Jehoram took warning by God's judgment, and put away the image of Baal, yet he maintained
the worship of the calves. Those do not truly repent or reform, who only part with the sins they
lose by, but continue to love the sins that they think to gain by.
Verses 6–19
The king of Israel laments their distress, and the danger they were in. He called these kings
together, yet he charges it upon Providence. Thus the foolishness of man perverteth his way, and
then his heart fretteth against the Lord, Pr 19:3. It was well that Jehoshaphat inquired of the Lord
now, but it had been much better if he had done it before he engaged in this war. Good men
sometimes neglect their duty, till necessity and affliction drive them to it. Wicked people often fare
the better for the friendship and society of the godly. To try their faith and obedience, Elisha bids
them make the valley full of pits to receive water. Those who expect God's blessings, must dig
pools for the rain to fill, as in the valley of Baca, and thus make even that a well, Ps 84:6. We need
not inquire whence the water came. God is not tied to second causes. They that sincerely seek for
the dew of God's grace, shall have it, and by it be made more than conquerors.
Verses 20–27
It is a blessing to be favoured with the company of those who have power with God, and can
prevail by their prayers. A kingdom may be upheld and prosper, in consequence of the fervent
prayers of those who are dear to God. May we place our highest regard upon such as are most
precious in his account. When sinners are saying Peace, peace, destruction comes upon them:
despair will follow their mad presumption. In Satan's service and at his suggestion, such horrid
deeds have been done, as cause the natural feelings of the heart to shudder; like the king of Moab's
sacrificing his son. It is well not to urge the worst of men to extremities; we should rather leave
them to the judgment of God.
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Elisha multiplies the widow's oil. (1–7)
The Shunammite obtains a son. (8–17)
The Shunammite's son restored to life. (18–37)
The miracle of healing the pottage, and of (38–44)
feeding the sons of the prophets.Verses 1–7