2 Kings 3:16 …and he said, “This is what the LORD says: I will fill this valley with pools of water.” (NIV)
It has been my habit since I began in Genesis last October to read the NIV version of each day’s chapter and then read commentary. I was a bit confused today when commentary spent quite a bit of time talking about digging ditches, about doing the groundwork to be ready for God’s blessings to arrive. The NIV version has no mention of digging ditches or trenches. Zero.
2 Kings 3:16 …and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’” (BSB)
It seems a fairly significant oversight. The difference is in whether God is just rolling out blessings for humans to receive (which He does) or whether He is telling us to put some work in on the front end to be ready when His blessings come (which He also does). I guess the long and the short of it is that His blessings abound, but sometimes we have to do the work to prepare.
2 Kings 3:16 He said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’ (NASB)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder to read widely and well so that we don’t miss any of Your wisdom. Thank You for the reminder that sometimes You shower us with blessings and sometimes You ask us to put in the work so that we are ready when Your blessings come. Help us to pay attention. Draw us closer. Amen.
2 Kings 3:17 For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.