King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:9 Mean?

2 Kings 3:9 in the King James Version says “So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 3:9 · KJV


Context

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

10

And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

11

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 · 18 words
וַיֵּלֶךְ֩1 of 18
H1980

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

וּמֶ֣לֶךְ2 of 18

So the king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל3 of 18

of Israel

H3478

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

וּמֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 18

So the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָה֙5 of 18

of Judah

H3063

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

וּמֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 18

So the king

H4428

a king

אֱד֔וֹם7 of 18

of Edom

H123

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

וַיָּסֹ֕בּוּ8 of 18

and they fetched a compass

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

דֶּ֖רֶךְ9 of 18

journey

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שִׁבְעַ֣ת10 of 18

of seven

H7651

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

יָמִ֑ים11 of 18

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְלֹֽא12 of 18
H3808

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

הָיָ֨ה13 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מַ֧יִם14 of 18

and there was no water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֛ה15 of 18

for the host

H4264

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

וְלַבְּהֵמָ֖ה16 of 18

and for the cattle

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּרַגְלֵיהֶֽם׃18 of 18

that followed

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda


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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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