King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:26 Mean?

2 Kings 3:26 in the King James Version says “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,... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 3:26 · KJV


Context

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.

27

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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, 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 · 20 words
וַיַּרְא֙1 of 20

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מֶ֥לֶךְ2 of 20

And when the king

H4428

a king

מוֹאָ֔ב3 of 20

of Moab

H4124

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

כִּֽי4 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָזַ֥ק5 of 20

was too sore

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ6 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה7 of 20

that the battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיִּקַּ֣ח8 of 20

for him he took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

א֠וֹתוֹ9 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שְׁבַע10 of 20

with him seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵא֨וֹת11 of 20

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִ֜ישׁ12 of 20

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שֹׁ֣לֵֽף13 of 20

that drew

H8025

to pull out, up or off

חֶ֗רֶב14 of 20

swords

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

לְהַבְקִ֛יעַ15 of 20

to break through

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

אֶל16 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֥לֶךְ17 of 20

And when the king

H4428

a king

אֱד֖וֹם18 of 20

of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וְלֹ֥א19 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹֽלוּ׃20 of 20

but they could

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)


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 3:26 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 3:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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