King James Version
2 Kings 3
27 verses with commentary
Moab Rebels
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic min...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
III.
THE REIGN OF JEHORAM OF ISRAEL, AND HIS EXPEDITION AGAINST MOAB, IN WHICH JEHOSHAPHAT OF JUDAH TAKES PART.
(1) **Began to reign.**—Literally, *reigned.*
**The eighteenth year.**—Comp. Note on 2Kings 1:17; 2Kings 8:16.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Jehoram, king of Israel.(1-5)
War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha.(6-19)
Water supplied, Moab overcome.(20-27)
**Verses 1-5**
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...
Read full commentary →And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical event...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Wrought evil.**—*Did the evil in the eyes, &c., i.e.*, maintained the illicit worship of the bullock at Beth-el (2Kings 3:3).
**Like his mother.**—Jezebel lived throughout his reign (2Kings 9:30), which explains why he did not eradicate the Baal-worship (2Kings 10:18-28).
**For he put away.**—*And he removed,* scil., from its place in the temple of Baal. (Comp. 1Kings 16:31-32.) It must have...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-13. his mother's name was Maachah--**She was properly his grandmother, and she is here called "the king's mother," from the post of dignity which at the beginning of his reign she possessed. Asa, as a constitutional monarch, acted like the pious David, laboring to abolish the traces and polluting practices of idolatry, and in pursuance of his impartial conduct, he did not spare delinquents ev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Jehoram, king of Israel.(1-5)
War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha.(6-19)
Water supplied, Moab overcome.(20-27)
**Verses 1-5**
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...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Isr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **He cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam.**—1Kings 12:28, *seq.*, 1Kings 16:2; 1Kings 16:26.
**Therefrom.**—Heb., *from it* (a collective feminine). So in 2Kings 13:2; 2Kings 13:6; 2Kings 13:11.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-13. his mother's name was Maachah--**She was properly his grandmother, and she is here called "the king's mother," from the post of dignity which at the beginning of his reign she possessed. Asa, as a constitutional monarch, acted like the pious David, laboring to abolish the traces and polluting practices of idolatry, and in pursuance of his impartial conduct, he did not spare delinquents ev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Jehoram, king of Israel.(1-5)
War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha.(6-19)
Water supplied, Moab overcome.(20-27)
**Verses 1-5**
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...
Read full commentary →Joram Seeks Elisha's Help
And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prop...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) The revolt of Moab, continued from 2Kings 1:1. Ahaziah did not reign two full years, and his accident seems to have prevented any attempt on his part to reduce the Moabites.
**Mesha.**—The name means “deliverance, salvation,” and occurs on the monument set up by this king, describing his victories and buildings. (See Note on 2Kings 1:1.)
**A sheep-master.**—Heb., *nôqēd* (Amos 1:1). In Arabic,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-13. his mother's name was Maachah--**She was properly his grandmother, and she is here called "the king's mother," from the post of dignity which at the beginning of his reign she possessed. Asa, as a constitutional monarch, acted like the pious David, laboring to abolish the traces and polluting practices of idolatry, and in pursuance of his impartial conduct, he did not spare delinquents ev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Jehoram, king of Israel.(1-5)
War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha.(6-19)
Water supplied, Moab overcome.(20-27)
**Verses 1-5**
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...
Read full commentary →But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of cov...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **But.**—*And.*
**When.**—So some MSS. The ordinary text has, “about the time of Ahab’s death” (*ke* for *be*).
**Rebelled**—*i.e.*, refused payment of the annual tribute.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-13. his mother's name was Maachah--**She was properly his grandmother, and she is here called "the king's mother," from the post of dignity which at the beginning of his reign she possessed. Asa, as a constitutional monarch, acted like the pious David, laboring to abolish the traces and polluting practices of idolatry, and in pursuance of his impartial conduct, he did not spare delinquents ev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Jehoram, king of Israel.(1-5)
War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha.(6-19)
Water supplied, Moab overcome.(20-27)
**Verses 1-5**
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...
Read full commentary →And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, call...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The same time.**—Literally, *in that day;* which, in Hebrew, is a much less definite phrase than in English. The time intended is that when the Moabite refusal of tribute was received by Jehoram, who, on his accession, would demand it afresh.
**Numbered.**—*Mustered, made a levy of*.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to ki...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Wilt thou go.**—So Ahab asks Jehoshaphat in 1Kings 22:4, and he replies as here, “I am as thou art,” &c. This indicates that the present section was originally composed by the same hand as 1Kings 20:1-34; 1Kings 22:1-37 (*Thenius*) Jehoshaphat assented, in spite of the prophetic censures of his alliance with Ahab and Ahaziah (2Chronicles 19:2; 2Chronicles 20:37); perhaps because he was anxio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. he brought in the things which his father had dedicated--**Probably the spoils which Abijam had taken from the vanquished army of Jeroboam (see 2Ch 13:16).
**and the things which himself had dedicated--**after his own victory over the Cushites (2Ch 14:12).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And he said**—*i.e.*, Jehoram said.
**Which way.**—They might cross the Jordan, and attack the northern frontier of Moab, or they might round the southern end of the Dead Sea, and invade Moab from the side of Edom. The former was the shortest route for both kings. But Moab’s strongest defences were on the north frontier, and the allies would be liable to attacks from the Syrians in Ramoth-gi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days--**Asa enjoyed a ten years' peace after Jeroboam's defeat by Abijam, and this interval was wisely and energetically spent in making internal reforms, as well as increasing the means of national defense (2Ch 14:1-7). In the fifteenth year of his reign, however, the king of Israel commenced hostilities against him, and, inva...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them. that: Heb. at their feet
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **The king of Edom.**—A vassal king appointed by Jehoshaphat (1Kings 22:48).
**They fetched a compass.**—*Went round* (scil., the Dead Sea) *a journey of seven days.* The confederates appear to have lost their way among the mountains of Seir. They would, in any case, be greatly delayed by the cattle which it was necessary to take with them for subsistence. It is evident from the context that t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days--**Asa enjoyed a ten years' peace after Jeroboam's defeat by Abijam, and this interval was wisely and energetically spent in making internal reforms, as well as increasing the means of national defense (2Ch 14:1-7). In the fifteenth year of his reign, however, the king of Israel commenced hostilities against him, and, inva...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to king...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **That.**—Omit (*kî*, emphatically introducing the assertion).
**Together.**—Omit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the ... house of the Lord--**Asa's religious character is now seen to decline. He trusted not in the Lord (2Ch 16:7). In this emergency Asa solicited the powerful aid of the king of Damascene-Syria; and to bribe him to break off his alliance with Baasha, he transmitted to him the treasure lying in the temple and palace. The Syria...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Y...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **But** (*and*) **Jehoshaphat . . . by him?**—The same question is asked by Jehoshaphat in 1Kings 22:7.
**By him.**—Heb., *from with him* (*mē’ôthô for mē’ittô*, both here and in the parallel place—a mark of the same hand). Jehoshaphat is for “seeking Jehovah” through a prophet, in contrast with Jehoram, who at once despairs. (Comp. Amos 5:4; Amos 5:8; and Note on 1Chronicles 13:3; 2Chronicle...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the ... house of the Lord--**Asa's religious character is now seen to decline. He trusted not in the Lord (2Ch 16:7). In this emergency Asa solicited the powerful aid of the king of Damascene-Syria; and to bribe him to break off his alliance with Baasha, he transmitted to him the treasure lying in the temple and palace. The Syria...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat.**—All the versions except the Targum add, “the king of Judah.” Jehoshaphat said what follows either on the ground of *Elijah’s* reputation, or because the news of Elisha’s succession had already reached Judah.
The proper names, Shaphat and Jehoshaphat, are identical (He judgeth, *i.e.*, Jah judgeth). (Comp. Ahaz and Jehoahaz.)
**Went down to him.**—From t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the ... house of the Lord--**Asa's religious character is now seen to decline. He trusted not in the Lord (2Ch 16:7). In this emergency Asa solicited the powerful aid of the king of Damascene-Syria; and to bribe him to break off his alliance with Baasha, he transmitted to him the treasure lying in the temple and palace. The Syria...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfai...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Unto the king of Israel.**—As the leader of the confederacy; or as Elisha’s sovereign, who might be supposed to have brought the others to the prophet.
**The prophets of thy father**—*i.e.*, the Baal prophets (comp. 1Kings 18:19) and false prophets of Jehovah (1Kings 22:6; 1Kings 22:11). Elisha’s sarcasm indicates that the former had not been wholly rooted out.
**Nay.**—Heb., ‘*al*; Greek, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Before whom I stand.**—As a minister. (Comp. 1Kings 17:1; 1Kings 18:15.)
**Surely.**—Kî (for); used as in 2Kings 3:10 (“I cry, alas!” “I thus swear,” *for*, &c.). Jehoshaphat is accepted because of his faithful dependence on Jehovah (2Kings 3:11). Jehoram still maintained or tolerated the cultus of Bethel and Dan. (See 2Kings 3:3.)
**Regard the presence.**—Literally, *lift the face*. (Comp....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. Then king Asa made a proclamation--**The fortifications which Baasha had erected at Ramah were demolished, and with the materials were built other defenses, where Asa thought they were needed--at Geba (now Jeba) and Mizpeh (now Neby Samuil), about two hours' travelling north of Jerusalem.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Bring me a minstrel**.—*Mĕnaggēn*—*i.e.*, a harper, player on a stringed instrument (*nĕgînāh*). Elisha called for music as a natural means of calming his perturbed spirit (2Kings 3:13-14). Composure and serenity of soul were essential, if the prophet was to hear the voice of God within. Cicero tells us that the Pythagoreans were wont to tranquillise their minds after the strain of thought ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet--**(See on 2Ch 16:12, where an additional proof is given of his religious degeneracy.)
1Ki 15:25-34. Nadab's Wicked Reign.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, cal...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Make.**—Right (infinitive, equivalent to an energetic imperative).
**Valley.**—*Nahal*, wady, torrent-bed, gully. According to Thenius, “the brook Zered” of Deuteronomy 2:13 is meant; the present *Wady el-Ahsy*, (or *el-Hasa*) which forms the natural southern boundary of Moab, and from which several gorges lead up into the Moabite highlands. (See Isaiah 15:7.)
**Full of ditches.**—Literally...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Ye shall not see wind.**—Which in the east is the usual precursor of rain.
**Yet that valley.**—*And that wady.* He says “*that* (*hû’*) valley,” meaning “the one of which I spoke” (2Kings 3:16). Contrast “*this* (*zeh*) valley,” i.e., “the one in which we are” (2Kings 3:16).
**Your cattle.**—*Miqneh*: flocks and herds, as distinguished from “beasts” (*bĕhēmāh*), *i.e.*, probably, beasts of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign--**No record is given of him, except his close adherence to the bad policy of his father.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's prim...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Is but a light thing.**—*Will be a light thing* (1Kings 16:31).
**He will deliver the Moabites.**—The contrary of Jehoram’s expectation (2Kings 3:10; 2Kings 3:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones. mar: Heb. grieve
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **And ye shall smite . . . shall fell . . .**—These verbs are continuative of those in the last verse, *i.e.*, they do not *command* a course of action, but *foretell* it. (Comp. 2Kings 8:12-13.) Taken as *commands*, they appear to conflict with Deuteronomy 20:19, where the felling of an enemy’s *fruit trees* for the purposes of siege-works is forbidden. Keil, however, explains that the law r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. Baasha smote him at Gibbethon--**This town, within the tribe of Dan, was given to the Levites (Jos 19:44). It lay on the Philistine borders, and having been seized by that people, Nadab laid siege to recover it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 m...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20*)* **When the meat offering was offered.**—Comp. 1Kings 18:29; 1Kings 18:36. A more exact definition of the time. The reckoning by *hours* was unknown before the captivity. According to the Talmud, the morning sacrifice was offered in the Temple the moment it became light. (Ewald assumes that “the meat offering” was offered on this occasion in the camp.) That help came to the distressed army j...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →Moab's Defeat
And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. gathered: Heb. were cried together put on: Heb. gird himself with a girdle
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **And when** **. . . heard . . . they gathered.**—*Now all the Moabites had heard *. . . *and had gathered themselves: literally, had been summoned, called together* (Judges 7:23).
**All that were able to put on armour.**—*From every one girding on a girdle, and upwards*—*i.e.*, all of adult age, all who could bear arms. It was a levy *en masse* of the male population for the defence of the c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. when he reigned, he smote all the house of Jeroboam--**It was according to a barbarous practice too common in the East, for a usurper to extirpate all rival candidates for the throne; but it was an accomplishment of Ahijah's prophecy concerning Jeroboam (1Ki 14:10, 11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. Durin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **They rose up early.**—The Moabite camp on the frontier mountains.
**And the sun shone upon the water.**—A parenthesis (*now the sun had risen upon the water*). The red sunrise tinged the water with the same colour.
**On the other side.**—*Min-nèged*, “opposite,” “over against them” (2Kings 2:7; 2Kings 2:15). The sun rose behind the Moabites.
**Red.**—’*Adōm*. There may be an allusion to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. slain: Heb. destroyed
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The kings are surely slain.**—*Have surely fought with* (or *destroyed*) *one another*. LXX., ἐμαχέσαντο. The supposition was not improbable. Confederates of different races not seldom had been known to fall out among themselves (comp. Judges 7:22; 2Chronicles 20:23, and Note), and in this case the old enmity of Edom towards Israel, and the suppressed jealousies between Israel and Judah, ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country. they went: or, they smote in it even smiting
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, call...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Smote the Moabites.**—Who were unprepared for resistance.
**But they went forward smiting** **. . .** **country.**—The Hebrew text (*Kethib*) *has, and he went* (*way-yābô*, spelt defectively, as in 1Kings 12:12) *into it* (*i.e.,* the land of Moab), *and smote* (literally, *smiting* an infinitive for a finite form) Moab. This is better than the Hebrew margin (*Qeri*), *and they smote it* (...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it. only in: Heb. until he left its stones in Kirharaseth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kir-haraseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithf...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And they beat down the cities.**—Rather, *And the cities they would overthrow*, describing what happened again and again.
**On every . . . filled it.**—Literally, *And every good plot, they would cast each man his stone, and fill it; and every fountain of water they would stop, and every good tree they would fell. *All this as Elisha foretold, 2Kings 3:19*.*
**Only in Kir-haraseth left they...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **The battle was too sore for him.**—The garrison was giving way under the destructive fire of the slingers.
**To break through even unto the king of Edom.**—Because the Edomite contingent seemed to be the most vulnerable point in the allied army, or because he hoped that these unwilling allies of Israel would allow him to escape through their ranks.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The prophetic ministry served as God's pri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Then.**—*And*.
**His eldest son**—*i.e.*, the despairing king of Moab took his own son and heir.
**Offered him for a burnt offering.**—To Chemosh, without doubt, by way of appeasing that wrath of the god which seemed bent on his destruction. (Comp. the words of Mesha’s inscription: “Chemosh was angry with his ląnd.” Note, 2Kings 1:1.) There is a reference to such hideous sacrifices in Micah...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**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 wil...
Read full commentary →