King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:7 Mean?

2 Kings 3:7 in the King James Version says “And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go w...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 3:7 · KJV

Context

5

But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.

6

And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.

7

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.

8

And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.

9

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

Read 2 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 24 words
וַיֵּ֡לֶךְ1 of 24
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּשְׁלַח֩2 of 24

“and sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֨ט4 of 24

“to Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

מֶ֤לֶךְ5 of 24

“The king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֜ה6 of 24

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר7 of 24

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֤לֶךְ8 of 24

“The king”

H4428

a king

מוֹאָ֖ב9 of 24

“of Moab”

H4124

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

פָּשַׁ֣ע10 of 24

“hath rebelled”

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

בִּ֔י11 of 24
H0
הֲתֵלֵ֥ךְ12 of 24
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אִתִּ֛י13 of 24
H854

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

אֶל14 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוֹאָ֖ב15 of 24

“of Moab”

H4124

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

לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה16 of 24

“to battle”

H4421

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר17 of 24

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽעֱלֶ֔ה18 of 24

“I will go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כָּמ֧וֹנִי19 of 24
H3644

as, thus, so

כָמ֛וֹךָ20 of 24
H3644

as, thus, so

כְעַמֶּ֖ךָ21 of 24

“I am as thou art my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כְעַמֶּ֖ךָ22 of 24

“I am as thou art my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כְּסוּסֶֽיךָ׃23 of 24

“and my horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

כְּסוּסֶֽיךָ׃24 of 24

“and my horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 22:42 Chronicles 22:10-122 Chronicles 18:32 Chronicles 22:3-42 Chronicles 18:29-322 Chronicles 19:2

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 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes