It is concluded that Israel retreated in verse 27 because of an outbreak of Yahweh’s wrath in their war camp, likely in the form of a plague. Further textual and historical issues are discussed but do not negate the view taken in the thesis. 25) and Mesha’s desperate attempt to escape (v. This was fulfilled in verses 25–27, which describe the removal of Moab’s life support systems (v. 18) refers to a complete victory in a specific battle. Second, it is argued that the statement “ will give Moab into your hand” (v. First, it is observed that there are few differences in order and wording between prophecy and fulfillment in this passage. Chapter 3 will analyze Elisha’s prophecy in verses 18–19 and compare it to the potential fulfillment in verses 25–27. However, it is argued that the most compelling reason for Yahweh to be angry with Israel is their sin against his instructions for warfare found in Deuteronomy 20:19–20, specifically by felling all the trees of Moab.

The idolatry of Jehoram, and his reasons for fighting Moab, are relevant factors in this passage. Next, potential reasons for Yahweh to be angry with Israel will be discussed. It will be argued that 2 Kings 3 would not allow for the power of a god other than Yahweh, because the OT consistently mocks the power of other gods. Chapter 2 will discuss the possibilities of divine anger. A discussion of the usages of היה קֶצֶף עַל in the Hebrew Bible will exclude human-wrath views and will point toward the view that it was Yahweh’s wrath which came on Israel. It will be argued that the reading of MT (“great wrath”) in 2 Kings 3:27 is to be followed over that of LXX (“great regret”). Chapter 1 will discuss the text, lexemes, and grammar of 2 Kings 3:27.

Finally, the object of the wrath has needed clarification based on the grammar of the passage. Second is the reason for the wrath, be it one or more sins of Israel or the sacrifice of Mesha. First is the source of the wrath, whether from a god or group of men. This thesis endeavors to explain three aspects of the wrath which came on Israel in verse 27. The multitude of views on this passage throughout the ages indicates the difficulty in interpreting it accurately. 27) and its apparent clash with Elisha’s words (vv.

2 Kings 3:4–27 is a challenging text to interpret due to the brevity of the finale (v.

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