King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:24 Mean?

2 Kings 3:24 in the King James Version says “And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 3:24 · KJV

Context

22

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:

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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.

Read 2 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּ֨בּוּ1 of 16

“And when they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה3 of 16

“to the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיָּקֻ֤מוּ5 of 16

“rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙6 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְהַכּ֖וֹת7 of 16

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מוֹאָֽב׃9 of 16

“the Moabites”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ10 of 16

“so that they fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 16

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיַּ֨בּוּ12 of 16

“And when they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְהַכּ֖וֹת13 of 16

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וְהַכּ֖וֹת14 of 16

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מוֹאָֽב׃16 of 16

“the Moabites”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 3:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 8:20-221 Thessalonians 5:3-4Judges 20:40-46

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in 2 Kings 3 →

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