Getting friendly with a person who does not live in obedience to the Word of God, always brings trouble.
V.1-3 This king Jehoram only partly turns away from following idols. What a mistake this is for a believer! Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, is a God-fearing man, and should never have allowed himself to be friendly with Jehoram. He should have kept separate.
V.4-9 One compromise always leads to another. Now the wicked king Jehoram is joined with the God-fearing Jehoshaphat and the heathen king of Edom. No praying before they start out!
V.10 The God-fearing king isn’t the one who mentions the Lord first.
V.11 Rather late! Had he inquired earlier, no doubt he would not have been there! Here comes Elisha. What can he do?
V.12 Nice thing to have said about him!
V.1.3 Elisha speaks fearlessly and plainly.
V.15 There is such a mixture and so much confusion that Elisha cannot discern the Lord’s mind. He knew the evils around him, but he did not yet know the remedy. The minstrel playing music helps him to get the whole sad situation out of his mind, so that he can find out God’s thoughts.
V.16-27 Elisha discovers that God is going to be merciful and gracious. What a God we have!