collapse all  

Text -- 2 Kings 3:18-27 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
3:18 This is an easy task for the Lord; he will also hand Moab over to you. 3:19 You will defeat every fortified city and every important city. You must chop down every productive tree, stop up all the springs, and cover all the cultivated land with stones.” 3:20 Sure enough, the next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water came flowing down from Edom and filled the land. 3:21 Now all Moab had heard that the kings were attacking, so everyone old enough to fight was mustered and placed at the border. 3:22 When they got up early the next morning, the sun was shining on the water. To the Moabites, who were some distance away, the water looked red like blood. 3:23 The Moabites said, “It’s blood! The kings are totally destroyed! They have struck one another down! Now, Moab, seize the plunder!” 3:24 When they approached the Israelite camp, the Israelites rose up and struck down the Moabites, who then ran from them. The Israelites thoroughly defeated Moab. 3:25 They tore down the cities and each man threw a stone into every cultivated field until they were covered. They stopped up every spring and chopped down every productive tree. Only Kir Hareseth was left intact, but the slingers surrounded it and attacked it. 3:26 When the king of Moab realized he was losing the battle, he and 700 swordsmen tried to break through and attack the king of Edom, but they failed. 3:27 So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him as king, and offered him up as a burnt sacrifice on the wall. There was an outburst of divine anger against Israel, so they broke off the attack and returned to their homeland.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Edom resident(s) of the region of Edom
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Israelite a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Kir-Hareseth a town of Moab 20 km east of the southern end of the Dead Sea
 · Kir-hareseth a town of Moab 20 km east of the southern end of the Dead Sea
 · Moab resident(s) of the country of Moab
 · Moabite a female descendant of Moab


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zoar | Stone | SIEGE | Moabite Stone | MESHA | Jehoshaphat | Jehoram | Israel | Girdle | GOOD | FORTIFICATION; FORT; FORTIFIED CITIES; FORTRESS | ELISHA | DEAD SEA, THE | Colour | CHEMOSH | BREAK | Assyria | Armies | ASTRONOMY, I | ARMOR; ARMS | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

Other
Critics Ask

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 2Ki 3:19 - -- And if this command seem severe, it must be considered, that the Moabites were a very wicked people, perfidious, cruel, implacable enemies to God's pe...

And if this command seem severe, it must be considered, that the Moabites were a very wicked people, perfidious, cruel, implacable enemies to God's people upon all occasions, and now in a state of rebellion.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:20 - -- That is, the morning sacrifice: which doubtless was attended with the solemn prayers of God's people. At this time Elisha joined his prayers with the ...

That is, the morning sacrifice: which doubtless was attended with the solemn prayers of God's people. At this time Elisha joined his prayers with the prayers of God's people, especially those at Jerusalem. And this time God chose to answer their prayers, and to work this miracle, that thereby he might determine the controversy between the Israelites and the Jews, about the place and manner of worship, and give a publick testimony from heaven for the Jews, and against the Israelites. God that commands all the waters both above and beneath the firmament, sent them abundance of water on a sudden.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:21 - -- Of their country, to defend the passage.

Of their country, to defend the passage.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:25 - -- haraseth - This was the royal city of the Moabites, into which the remnant of the Moabites were gathered, where also their king was with them.

haraseth - This was the royal city of the Moabites, into which the remnant of the Moabites were gathered, where also their king was with them.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:25 - -- The walls and buildings of this city only were left; their whole country being destroyed.

The walls and buildings of this city only were left; their whole country being destroyed.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:25 - -- Such as slung great stones against the walls to break them down, according to the manner of those times. Made breaches in the walls, by which they mig...

Such as slung great stones against the walls to break them down, according to the manner of those times. Made breaches in the walls, by which they might enter the city, and take it.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:26 - -- That he might make an escape: which he chose to do on the king of Edom's quarter; because he thought his was the weakest side.

That he might make an escape: which he chose to do on the king of Edom's quarter; because he thought his was the weakest side.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Or rather, his own son: whom he sacrificed; partly, to obtain the favour of his god, according to the manner of the Phoenicians and other people in pu...

Or rather, his own son: whom he sacrificed; partly, to obtain the favour of his god, according to the manner of the Phoenicians and other people in publick calamities; and partly, to oblige the Israelites to quit the siege out of compassion; or, as despairing to conquer (at least without greater loss of men than it was worth) him who was resolved to defend the city to the utmost extremity.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:27 - -- That the besiegers might see it, and be moved by it.

That the besiegers might see it, and be moved by it.

Wesley: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Or, great trouble or repentance upon Israel, the Israelitish king and people (who was the first cause of the war, and had brought the rest into confed...

Or, great trouble or repentance upon Israel, the Israelitish king and people (who was the first cause of the war, and had brought the rest into confederacy with him) were greatly grieved for this barbarous action, and resolved to prosecute the war no farther.

JFB: 2Ki 3:20-24 - -- That is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as o...

That is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).

JFB: 2Ki 3:20-24 - -- Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took place, by which the wady was at once...

Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took place, by which the wady was at once filled, but they saw neither the wind nor the rains. The divine interposition was shown by introducing the laws of nature to the determined end in the predetermined way [KEIL]. It brought not only aid to the Israelitish army in their distress, by a plentiful supply of water, but destruction on the Moabites, who, perceiving the water, under the refulgent rays of the morning sun, red like blood, concluded the confederate kings had quarrelled and deluged the field with their mutual slaughter; so that, rushing to their camp in full expectation of great spoil, they were met by the Israelites, who, prepared for battle, fought and pursued them. Their country was laid waste in the way, which has always been considered the greatest desolation in the East (2Ki 3:24).

JFB: 2Ki 3:25 - -- (now Kerak)--Castle of Moab--then, probably, the only fortress in the land.

(now Kerak)--Castle of Moab--then, probably, the only fortress in the land.

JFB: 2Ki 3:27 - -- By this deed of horror, to which the allied army drove the king of Moab, a divine judgment came upon Israel; that is, the besiegers feared the anger o...

By this deed of horror, to which the allied army drove the king of Moab, a divine judgment came upon Israel; that is, the besiegers feared the anger of God, which they had incurred by giving occasion to the human sacrifice forbidden in the law (Lev 18:21; Lev 20:3), and hastily raised the siege.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:19 - -- Shall fell every good tree - Every tree by which your enemies may serve themselves for fortifications, etc. But surely fruit trees are not intended ...

Shall fell every good tree - Every tree by which your enemies may serve themselves for fortifications, etc. But surely fruit trees are not intended here; for this was positively against the law of God, Deu 20:19, Deu 20:20 : "When thou shalt besiege a city - thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof - for the tree of the field is man’ s life - only the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:19 - -- Stop all wells of water - In those hot countries this would lead sooner than any thing else to reduce an enemy

Stop all wells of water - In those hot countries this would lead sooner than any thing else to reduce an enemy

Clarke: 2Ki 3:19 - -- Mar every good piece of land with stones - Such a multitude of men, each throwing a stone on a good field as they passed, would completely destroy i...

Mar every good piece of land with stones - Such a multitude of men, each throwing a stone on a good field as they passed, would completely destroy it.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:20 - -- When the meat-offering was offered - This was the first of all offerings, and was generally made at sun-rising

When the meat-offering was offered - This was the first of all offerings, and was generally made at sun-rising

Clarke: 2Ki 3:20 - -- There came water - This supply was altogether miraculous, for there was neither wind nor rain, nor any other natural means by which it could be supp...

There came water - This supply was altogether miraculous, for there was neither wind nor rain, nor any other natural means by which it could be supplied.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:22 - -- Saw the water on the other side as red as blood - This might have been an optical deception; I have seen the like sight when there was no reason to ...

Saw the water on the other side as red as blood - This might have been an optical deception; I have seen the like sight when there was no reason to suspect supernatural agency. The Moabites had never seen that valley full of water, and therefore did not suspect that their eyes deceived them, but took it for the blood of the confederate hosts, who they thought might have fallen into confusion in the darkness of night and destroyed each other, as the Midianites had formerly done, Jdg 7:22, and the Philistines lately, 1Sa 14:20.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:23 - -- Therefore, Moab, to the spoil - Thus they came on in a disorderly manner, and fell an easy prey to their enemies.

Therefore, Moab, to the spoil - Thus they came on in a disorderly manner, and fell an easy prey to their enemies.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:25 - -- On every good piece of land - On all cultivated ground, and especially fields that were sown

On every good piece of land - On all cultivated ground, and especially fields that were sown

Clarke: 2Ki 3:25 - -- Only in Kir-haraseth - This was the royal city of the Moabites, and, as we learn from Scripture, exceedingly strong; (see Isa 16:7, Isa 16:11); so t...

Only in Kir-haraseth - This was the royal city of the Moabites, and, as we learn from Scripture, exceedingly strong; (see Isa 16:7, Isa 16:11); so that it is probable the confederate armies could not easily reduce it. The slingers, we are informed, went about the wall, and smote all the men that appeared on it, while no doubt the besieging army was employed in sapping the foundations.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:26 - -- Seven hundred men - These were no doubt the choice of all his troops, and being afraid of being hemmed up and perhaps taken by his enemies, whom he ...

Seven hundred men - These were no doubt the choice of all his troops, and being afraid of being hemmed up and perhaps taken by his enemies, whom he found on the eve of gaining possession of the city, he made a desperate sortie in order to regain the open country; and supposing that the quarter of the Edomites was weakest, or less carefully guarded, he endeavored to make his impression there; but they were so warmly received by the king of Edom that they failed in the attempt, and were driven back into the city. Hence he was led to that desperate act mentioned in the following verse.

Clarke: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Took his eldest son - The rabbins account for this horrible sacrifice in the following way: - When the king of Moab found himself so harassed, and t...

Took his eldest son - The rabbins account for this horrible sacrifice in the following way: -

When the king of Moab found himself so harassed, and the royal city on the point of being taken, he called a council of his servants, and asked them how it was these Israelites could perform such prodigies, and that such miracles were wrought for them? His servants answered, that it was owing to their progenitor Abraham, who, having an only son, was commanded by Jehovah to offer him in sacrifice. Abraham instantly obeyed, and offered his only son for a burnt-offering; and the Israelites being his descendants, through his merits the holy blessed God wrought such miracles in their behalf. The king of Moab answered, I also have an only son, and I will go and offer him to my God. Then he offered him for a burnt-offering upon the wall

Clarke: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Upon the wall - על החמה al hachamah . Rab. Sol. Jarchi says that the letter ו vau is wanting in this word, as it should be written חו...

Upon the wall - על החמה al hachamah . Rab. Sol. Jarchi says that the letter ו vau is wanting in this word, as it should be written חומה chomah , to signify a wall; but חמה chammah signifies the sun, and this was the god of the king of Moab: "And he offered his first-born son for a burnt-offering unto the sun."This is not very solid

Clarke: 2Ki 3:27 - -- There was great indignation - The Lord was displeased with them for driving things to such an extremity: or the surrounding nations held them in abo...

There was great indignation - The Lord was displeased with them for driving things to such an extremity: or the surrounding nations held them in abomination on the account; and they were so terrified themselves at this most horrid sacrifice, that they immediately raised the siege and departed. In cases of great extremity it was customary in various heathen nations to offer human sacrifices, or to devote to the infernal gods the most precious or excellent thing or person they possessed. This was frequent among the Phoenicians, Romans, and Greeks; and it was the natural fruit of a religious system which had for the objects of its worship cruel and merciless divinities. How different the Christian system! "Wilt thou that we shall bring down fire from heaven and destroy them? Ye know not what manner of spirits ye are of; the Son of man is not come to destroy men’ s lives, but to save them."

Defender: 2Ki 3:27 - -- There has been some uncertainty by the scribes as to whether Mesha, the king of Moab (2Ki 3:4, 2Ki 3:26) sacrificed his own son in an attempt to persu...

There has been some uncertainty by the scribes as to whether Mesha, the king of Moab (2Ki 3:4, 2Ki 3:26) sacrificed his own son in an attempt to persuade his god (Chemosh) to intervene against Israel, or had somehow captured the son of the king of Edom and sacrificed him, as an act of vengeance against Edom for siding with Israel. In either case, the semi-pagan Israelites were so disturbed by this development, which had evidently infuriated both the Moabites and Edomites against them, that they simply abandoned the campaign against Moab and went home."

TSK: 2Ki 3:18 - -- And this : 1Ki 3:13; Jer 32:17, Jer 32:27; Luk 1:37; Eph 3:20 a light : 2Ki 20:10; 1Ki 16:31; Isa 7:13, Isa 49:6; Eze 8:17 he will : 1Ki 20:13, 1Ki 20...

TSK: 2Ki 3:19 - -- And ye : 2Ki 13:17; Num 24:17; Jdg 6:16; 1Sa 15:3, 1Sa 23:2 fell : Deu 20:19, Deu 20:20 mar : Heb. grieve, 2Ki 3:25

And ye : 2Ki 13:17; Num 24:17; Jdg 6:16; 1Sa 15:3, 1Sa 23:2

fell : Deu 20:19, Deu 20:20

mar : Heb. grieve, 2Ki 3:25

TSK: 2Ki 3:20 - -- when the meat : Exo 29:39, Exo 29:40; 1Ki 18:36; Dan 9:21 there came water : This supply was altogether miraculous; for there was neither wind nor rai...

when the meat : Exo 29:39, Exo 29:40; 1Ki 18:36; Dan 9:21

there came water : This supply was altogether miraculous; for there was neither wind nor rain, nor any other natural means to furnish it.

filled : Psa 78:15, Psa 78:16, Psa 78:20; Isa 35:6, Isa 35:7

TSK: 2Ki 3:21 - -- gathered : Heb. were cried together put on armour : Heb. gird himself with a girdle. 1Ki 20:11; Eph 6:14

gathered : Heb. were cried together

put on armour : Heb. gird himself with a girdle. 1Ki 20:11; Eph 6:14

TSK: 2Ki 3:23 - -- This is blood : 2Ki 6:18-20, 2Ki 7:6 slain : Heb. destroyed now therefore : Exo 15:9; Jdg 5:30; 2Ch 20:25; Isa 10:14

This is blood : 2Ki 6:18-20, 2Ki 7:6

slain : Heb. destroyed

now therefore : Exo 15:9; Jdg 5:30; 2Ch 20:25; Isa 10:14

TSK: 2Ki 3:24 - -- smote the : Jos 8:20-22; Jdg 20:40-46; 1Th 5:3, 1Th 5:4 went forward : or, smote in it even

smote the : Jos 8:20-22; Jdg 20:40-46; 1Th 5:3, 1Th 5:4

went forward : or, smote in it even

TSK: 2Ki 3:25 - -- beat down : 2Ki 3:19; Jdg 9:45; 2Sa 8:2; Isa 37:26, Isa 37:27 stopped : Gen 26:15, Gen 26:18; 2Ch 32:4 and felled : Deu 20:19, Deu 20:20 only in : etc...

beat down : 2Ki 3:19; Jdg 9:45; 2Sa 8:2; Isa 37:26, Isa 37:27

stopped : Gen 26:15, Gen 26:18; 2Ch 32:4

and felled : Deu 20:19, Deu 20:20

only in : etc. Heb. until he left the stones thereof in Kir-haraseth

Kirharaseth : Supposed to be the same as Ar, or Areopolis, the capital of Moab. Deu 2:9; Isa 16:7, Isa 16:11; Jer 48:31, Jer 48:36, Kir-heres

TSK: 2Ki 3:26 - -- unto the king of Edom : 2Ki 3:9; Amo 2:1

unto the king of Edom : 2Ki 3:9; Amo 2:1

TSK: 2Ki 3:27 - -- offered him : In cases of great extremity, it was customary in various heathen nations, to offer human sacrifices, and even their own children. This ...

offered him : In cases of great extremity, it was customary in various heathen nations, to offer human sacrifices, and even their own children. This was frequent among the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Scythians, Gauls, Africans, and others; and was the natural fruit of a religious system, which had for the objects of its worship cruel and merciless divinities. The king of Moab, in this case, sacrificed his son to obtain the favour of Chemosh his god, who, being a devil, delighted in blood and murder, and the destruction of mankind. The dearer anything was to them, the more acceptable those idolaters thought the sacrifice, and therefore burnt their children in the fire to their honour. Gen 22:2, Gen 22:13; Deu 12:31; Jdg 11:31, Jdg 11:39; Psa 106:37, Psa 106:38; Eze 16:20; Mic 6:7

they departed : 1Sa 14:36-46; 1Ki 20:13, 1Ki 20:28, 1Ki 20:43

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Ki 3:19 - -- Ye shall fell every good tree - This is not an infringement of the rule laid down in Deu 20:19-20. The Israelites were not forbidden to fell th...

Ye shall fell every good tree - This is not an infringement of the rule laid down in Deu 20:19-20. The Israelites were not forbidden to fell the fruit trees in an enemy’ s country, as a part of the ravage of war, when they had no thoughts of occupying the country. The plan of thus injuring an enemy was probably in general use among the nations of these parts at the time. We see the destruction represented frequently on the Assyrian monuments and mentioned in the inscriptions of Egypt.

And stop all wells of water - The stoppage of wells was a common feature of ancient, and especially Oriental, warfare (compare Gen 26:15-18).

Mar ... with stones - The exact converse of that suggested in Isa 5:2. The land in and about Palestine is so stony that the first work of the cultivator is to collect the surface stones together into heaps. An army marching through a land could easily undo this work, dispersing the stones thus gathered, and spreading them once more over the fields.

Barnes: 2Ki 3:20 - -- When the meat offering was offered - i. e. about sunrise, when the morning sacrifice was offered. Compare 1Ki 18:29. There came water by t...

When the meat offering was offered - i. e. about sunrise, when the morning sacrifice was offered. Compare 1Ki 18:29.

There came water by the way of Edom - The Wady-el-Ahsy drains a considerable portion of northern Edom. Heavy rain had fallen during the night in some part of this tract, and with the morning a freshet of water came down the valley, filling the pits.

Barnes: 2Ki 3:21 - -- And stood in the border - On the north side of the wady, ready to defend their territory.

And stood in the border - On the north side of the wady, ready to defend their territory.

Barnes: 2Ki 3:23 - -- The sun had risen with a ruddy light, as is frequently the case after a storm (compare Mat 16:3), nearly over the Israelite camp, and the pits, deep...

The sun had risen with a ruddy light, as is frequently the case after a storm (compare Mat 16:3), nearly over the Israelite camp, and the pits, deep but with small mouths, gleaming redly through the haze which would lie along the newly moistened valley, seemed to the Moabites like pools of blood. The preceding year, they and their allies had mutually destroyed each other 2Ch 20:23. It seemed to them, from their knowledge of the jealousies between Judah, Israel, and Edom, not unlikely that a similar calamity had now befallen their foes.

Barnes: 2Ki 3:25 - -- Kir-Haraseth, also Kir-Hareseth, is identified almost certainly with the modern Kerak, a strong city on the highland immediately east of the souther...

Kir-Haraseth, also Kir-Hareseth, is identified almost certainly with the modern Kerak, a strong city on the highland immediately east of the southern part of the Dead Sea. It was the great fortress of Moab, though not the capital, which was Rabbath or Rabbah. It was an important strong-hold at the time of the Crusades, and is still a place of great strength. Kir seems to have meant "fortress."It is found in Cir-cesium, Car-chemish, etc.

Kir-Haraseth resisted all the attempts to dismantle it; but the slingers found places on the hills which surrounded it, from where they could throw their stones into it and harass the garrison, though they could not take the town.

Barnes: 2Ki 3:26 - -- To break through, even unto the king of Edom - Either because he thought that the king of Edom would connive at his escape or to take vengeance...

To break through, even unto the king of Edom - Either because he thought that the king of Edom would connive at his escape or to take vengeance on him for having deserted his former allies (2Ki 3:8 note).

Barnes: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Compare the marginal reference. Mesha, when his sally failed, took, as a last resource, his first born son, and offered him as a burnt-offering to a...

Compare the marginal reference. Mesha, when his sally failed, took, as a last resource, his first born son, and offered him as a burnt-offering to appease the manifest anger of his god Chemosh, and obtain his aid against his enemies. This act was thoroughly in accordance with Moabitish notions.

And there was great indignation against Israel - Either the Israelites were indignant with themselves, or the men of Judah and the Edomites were indignant at the Israelites for having caused the pollution of this sacrifice, and the siege was relinquished.

Poole: 2Ki 3:18 - -- This is but a small favour in comparison of what he intends to you for Jehoshaphat’ s sake. He will give you more than you ask or expect. For t...

This is but a small favour in comparison of what he intends to you for Jehoshaphat’ s sake. He will give you more than you ask or expect. For they were so weakened and discouraged with the great drought, that they had no hopes of proceeding in the offensive war, and thought it sufficient, if it were possible, to defend themselves from the Moabites, 2Ki 3:13 .

Poole: 2Ki 3:19 - -- This is either, first, A command; and then the last clause is an exception from that law, Deu 20:19 , which being delivered by a prophet, might be o...

This is either, first, A command; and then the last clause is an exception from that law, Deu 20:19 , which being delivered by a prophet, might be obeyed. And if this command seem severe, it must be considered that the Moabites were a very wicked people, perfidious, cruel, implacable enemies to God’ s people upon all occasions, and now in a state of rebellion. Or rather, secondly, A prediction of their success, that they should have so full and complete a victory, that they should be able to do all which is here expressed.

Poole: 2Ki 3:20 - -- When the meat-offering was offered i.e. the morning sacrifice; of which Exo 29:39,40 , which doubtless was attended with the solemn prayers of God...

When the meat-offering was offered i.e. the morning sacrifice; of which Exo 29:39,40 , which doubtless was attended with the solemn prayers of God’ s people, as the evening sacrifice unquestionably was, Act 3:1 , there being the same reason for substance for both times. At this time Elisha joined his prayers with the prayers of God’ s people, especially those at Jerusalem, as Elijah had done at a like time, 1Ki 18:29 ; and this time God chose to answer his and their prayers, and to work this miracle, that thereby he might determine the controversy between the Israelites and the Jews, about the place and manner of worship, and give a public testimony from heaven for the Jews, and against the Israelites.

There came water miraculously produced out of some rock or vein of the earth.

By the way of Edom from those parts which were towards Edom.

Poole: 2Ki 3:21 - -- To put on armour Heb. to gird on a girdle , i.e. a military girdle, to which the sword was fastened, 2Sa 20:8 1Ki 2:5 . In the border or, in that ...

To put on armour Heb. to gird on a girdle , i.e. a military girdle, to which the sword was fastened, 2Sa 20:8 1Ki 2:5 .

In the border or, in that border, to wit, of their country, which was towards Edom, which way they understood the kings came. Here they stood probably to defend the passages into their country.

Poole: 2Ki 3:22 - -- Because of the morning sun, which meeting with the vapours that arose from the earth, and shining through them upon the water, gave it a reddish tin...

Because of the morning sun, which meeting with the vapours that arose from the earth, and shining through them upon the water, gave it a reddish tincture. God also so ordered things, that their senses and fancies were disturbed, or the air so disposed, that it might seem of this colour. And they might more easily mistake this for blood, because they knew that that ground was generally dry, and without any trenches or streams of water, now especially in this dry season, there being no noise of wind and rain, 2Ki 3:17 . And they might justly think that the three kings being divided in their religion and interests, and discontented for want of water, might fall into dissensions, and heats, and mutual slaughters, of which they had a late example, 2Ch 20:22,23 .

Poole: 2Ki 3:23 - -- They were so highly confident, that they send no scouts, but march thither with their whole army, and that in great disorder; wherein there was also...

They were so highly confident, that they send no scouts, but march thither with their whole army, and that in great disorder; wherein there was also a Divine hand, strengthening them in their mistakes, and hardening them to their destruction.

Poole: 2Ki 3:24 - -- They pursued them to their own country, and entered it with and after them; the passes, which before the Moabites defended, being now open for them....

They pursued them to their own country, and entered it with and after them; the passes, which before the Moabites defended, being now open for them.

Poole: 2Ki 3:25 - -- Cast every man his stone: the stones which haply had been with great care and pains picked out of the land, and laid in heaps after the manner, they ...

Cast every man his stone: the stones which haply had been with great care and pains picked out of the land, and laid in heaps after the manner, they dispersed again, and slew the people, who should have cleansed them again.

Kir-haraseth was the royal and strongest city of the Moabites, Isa 16:7,11 , into which the remnant of the Moabites were gathered, where also their king was with them.

The stones thereof: the walls and buildings of this city only were left; other cities, and in a manner their whole country, being utterly destroyed.

The slingers either, first, such as slung small stones against those that stood upon the wall to defend it; or rather, secondly, Such as slung great stones against the walls to break them down, according to the manner of those times.

Smote it i.e. made breaches in the walls, by which they might enter into the city, and take it.

Poole: 2Ki 3:26 - -- That being unable to defend the city longer, he might make an escape; which he chose to do on the king of Edom’ s quarter, because he thought e...

That being unable to defend the city longer, he might make an escape; which he chose to do on the king of Edom’ s quarter, because he thought either that his was the weakest side, or that he would more willingly suffer him to escape, because he was not so hearty in the war as the rest, but only forced to it, and he might hereafter have some occasion of the king of Moab to join with him, as before he had, 2Ch 20:22 .

Poole: 2Ki 3:27 - -- His eldest son either, first, The king of Edom’ s son; whom in this eruption he took, and then sacrificed. Compare Amo 2:1 . But, first, That pl...

His eldest son either, first, The king of Edom’ s son; whom in this eruption he took, and then sacrificed. Compare Amo 2:1 . But, first, That place speaks of the king , not of the king’ s son ; and of the burning of his bones, not of the offering of a living man for a burnt-offering. Secondly, This would not have made the besiegers to raise their siege, but to have followed it more warmly to revenge so barbarous an action. Thirdly, The following clause,

that should have reigned in his stead agrees not so well to the Edomites, whose king was only Jehoshaphat’ s viceroy, and therefore his son had no right to succeed him; as it doth to the Moabites, whose king was revolted from Israel, and intended to keep that kingdom to himself and children. Or rather, secondly, his own son; whom he sacrificed, partly to obtain the favour of his god, according to the manner of the Phoenicians and other people in grievous and public calamities; whereof we have manifest testimonies, both in Scripture, as Psa 106:37 Eze 20:31 , and in heathen authors, as Porphyrius, Plutarch, and others; and partly to oblige the Israelites to quit the siege out of compassion, or as despairing to conquer (at least without greater loss of men than it was worth) him who was resolved to defend himself and city to the utmost extremity.

Offered him for a burnt-offering upon the wall that the besiegers might see it, and be moved by it.

Great indignation against Israel or, great trouble or repentance upon Israel ; i.e. the Israelitish king and people (who was the first cause of the war, and had brought the rest into confederacy with him) were greatly afflicted and grieved for this barbarous action, and resolved to prosecute the war no further, and so withdrew their forces, as also did their allies, and returned to their several homes; which they were the more willing to do, because the kingdom and country of Moab were so ruinated, both as to their men, and cities or villages, and lands, that they were all secure of any great annoyance from him.

Haydock: 2Ki 3:19 - -- Tree. This was an exception from the general law; (Deuteronomy xx. 19.; Calmet) or it might only regard the land of Chanaan, which the Hebrews shoul...

Tree. This was an exception from the general law; (Deuteronomy xx. 19.; Calmet) or it might only regard the land of Chanaan, which the Hebrews should occupy. (Menochius) (Worthington) ---

Stones, which had been gathered off into heaps, Isaias v. 1. Persius calls a field thus cleared, Exossatus ager; (Calmet) as if the bones were taken out. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 3:20 - -- Offered, at sun-rise, Exodus xxix. 38. --- Water, produced miraculously, without any rain being seen; (ver. 17.; Calmet) though it might fall at a ...

Offered, at sun-rise, Exodus xxix. 38. ---

Water, produced miraculously, without any rain being seen; (ver. 17.; Calmet) though it might fall at a distance in Idumea. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 3:21 - -- Upon them. Hebrew, "and upward," both soldiers and those who were usually exempt from service.

Upon them. Hebrew, "and upward," both soldiers and those who were usually exempt from service.

Haydock: 2Ki 3:22 - -- Blood. The clouds have frequently a reddish colour at sun-rise, which would be reflected in the waters: the sand might also be red. As the Moabites...

Blood. The clouds have frequently a reddish colour at sun-rise, which would be reflected in the waters: the sand might also be red. As the Moabites knew that no water could be expected there at that season of the year, and as some examples had occurred of people turning their arms one against another in the night, (Judges vii. 11., and 1 Kings xiv. 20.) they concluded that what they saw was blood. (Calmet) ---

God had also destined them for slaughter, (Abulensis, q. 21.) and suffered their imagination and judgment to be deluded. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 3:24 - -- Moab. Hebrew adds, "even in the country."

Moab. Hebrew adds, "even in the country."

Haydock: 2Ki 3:26 - -- Edom, hoping that he would favour their escape, or because that part seemed the weakest.

Edom, hoping that he would favour their escape, or because that part seemed the weakest.

Haydock: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Wall, to Chamos, the idol of Moab; (Menochius) or to Moloc, to appease the wrath of the gods. Horrible blindness! The pagans believed, that the mos...

Wall, to Chamos, the idol of Moab; (Menochius) or to Moloc, to appease the wrath of the gods. Horrible blindness! The pagans believed, that the most precious thing ought to be sacrificed in very imminent dangers. (Philo Biblius, following Eusebius, præp. iv. 16.) ---

The Phœnicians offered such victims to Saturn. Many devoted themselves to death for the safety of the Roman republic; and some were ready to do so, to preserve the lives of Caligula and Nero, before they had given proof of their evil dispositions. (Seutonius xiv.) ---

It s thought that Sennacherib intended to treat his two sons in this manner, if they had not prevented him. (Abulensis, in 4 Kings xix. 37.) ---

Some imagine that Mesa sacrificed his son to the God of Israel, in imitation of Abraham; (Josephus; Grotius) others, that he slew the son of the king of Edom, out of revenge. (Kimchi, in Amos ii. 1.) ---

The Hebrew is ambiguous. (Amama) ---

But interpreters generally believe, that the heir of Mesa fell a victim (Calmet) to his father's mistaken zeal, or to his desire to make the enemy retire, when they saw him reduced to such a state of desperation. It had, at least, this effect. (Haydock) ---

Indignation, at such a cruel action. (Menochius) ---

Septuagint, "there was great repentance" and sorrow. The text may also imply, that God was displeased at Israel for pushing the king to such an extremity; or, they became an object of horror to the surrounding nations. (Calmet) ---

The first explanation seems the best; as the Israelites thought the king had been sufficiently punished, and therefore retired. They had no reason to suspect that he would have given way to such madness, nor were they to blame for it. (Haydock)

Gill: 2Ki 3:18 - -- And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord,.... To give them such a plenty of water in such an extraordinary manner: he would do for them ...

And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord,.... To give them such a plenty of water in such an extraordinary manner: he would do for them what was greater, not only save them from falling into the hand of Moab, which they feared,

but he wilt deliver the Moabites into your hands; which was more than was asked for, or expected.

Gill: 2Ki 3:19 - -- And ye shall smite every fenced city and every choice city,.... That is, the inhabitants of them with the sword, and demolish them also, 2Ki 3:25, and...

And ye shall smite every fenced city and every choice city,.... That is, the inhabitants of them with the sword, and demolish them also, 2Ki 3:25, and shall fell every good tree; which seems contrary to the law in Deu 20:19, but that may respect trees belonging to a city when besieged only, or only to Canaanitish cities; or the law was now dispensed with, and that for this time only, to make the punishment of Moab the greater, for their rebellion and other sins:

and stop all wells of water; which must be very distressing to those that survived the calamity of the sword:

and mar every good piece of land with stones; as that it could not be ploughed and sowed, nor anything spring up and grow upon it.

Gill: 2Ki 3:20 - -- And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered,.... At Jerusalem; which always went along with the daily burnt offering of the...

And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered,.... At Jerusalem; which always went along with the daily burnt offering of the lamb, which might not indeed be offered before break of day, yet quickly after; for no sacrifice could be offered before that; see Gill on Exo 29:39,

that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom; not from the heavens, but it may be out of some rock, rolling along on the earth from the hills and mountains, down into the valleys, where the armies were:

and the country was filled with water; all round about them. Who has not heard of the "thundering" legion, as it was called by the Emperor M. Aurelius, who, when the army under him was about to engage with the Germans and Sarmatians, and sadly distressed with thirst, fell down on their knees and prayed, upon which a large shower of rain came down to the refreshment of the army, and thunder bolts, which annoyed and put the enemy to flight i? at the battle of the Romans with Jugurtha, a sudden and unexpected shower of rain fell, to the refreshment of the Romans, in intolerable thirst k.

Gill: 2Ki 3:21 - -- And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them,.... The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom: they gathered all that...

And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them,.... The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom:

they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward; that were of an age capable of that, and all who were more grown; or "girt on a girdle" l, a military one, with which the sword was girt, who were at age to wear and knew how to wield a sword: and stood in the border; of their land, between Edom and them, to defend themselves and their country against these invaders.

Gill: 2Ki 3:22 - -- And they rose up early in the morning,.... To watch the motions of their enemies, and be upon their guard against them: and the sun shone upon the ...

And they rose up early in the morning,.... To watch the motions of their enemies, and be upon their guard against them:

and the sun shone upon the water; with which the valley was filled:

and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood; so it appeared through the rays of the sun reflected on it.

Gill: 2Ki 3:23 - -- And they said, this is blood,.... They were very confident of it, having no notion of water, there having been no rain for some time; and perhaps it w...

And they said, this is blood,.... They were very confident of it, having no notion of water, there having been no rain for some time; and perhaps it was not usual to see water at any time in this place:

the kings are surely slain; they and their forces:

and they have smitten one another; having quarrelled either about their religion, or about want of water, and the distress they were come into through it, laying the blame of their coming out to war, or of their coming that way, on one another; and the Moabites might rather think something of this kind had happened, from what had lately been done among themselves, and their allies, 2Ch 20:23.

now therefore, Moab, to the spoil; having no occasion to fight, or prepare for it; all they had to do was to march directly to the enemy's camp, and plunder it.

Gill: 2Ki 3:24 - -- And when they came to the camp of Israel,.... Not in an orderly regular manner, in rank and file, as an army should march, but in a confused manner, e...

And when they came to the camp of Israel,.... Not in an orderly regular manner, in rank and file, as an army should march, but in a confused manner, everyone striving who should get thither first, and have the largest share of the booty:

the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them; being prepared for them, they fell upon them sword in hand, and soon obliged them to flee:

but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country; they pursued them closely, and slew them as they fled, and followed them not only to their borders, but into their own country: though Schultens m, from the use of the word נבה in the Arabic language, renders the passage, "and they blunted their swords in it (in that slaughter), even by smiting the Moabites".

Gill: 2Ki 3:25 - -- And they beat down the cities,.... Demolished the walls of them, and houses in them, wherever they came: and on every good piece of land cast every...

And they beat down the cities,.... Demolished the walls of them, and houses in them, wherever they came:

and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; which they had taken out of the walls and houses they pulled down; or which they picked up in the highway, as they passed along, being a stony country; or which being laid in heaps, gathered out of the fields, they took and scattered them all over them:

and they stopped all the wells of water; with stones and dirt:

and felled all the good trees; fruit bearing ones; See Gill on 2Ki 3:19,

only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; not able to demolish it, it being a strong fortified city, the principal of the kingdom, and into which the king of Moab had thrown himself, and the remains of his forces; of which see Isa 16:7,

howbeit, the slingers went about it, and smote it; smote the soldiers that appeared upon the walls of it; though Kimchi, and other Jewish writers, understand it of engineers, who cast out large stones from a sort of machines then in use, to batter down and break through the walls of cities.

Gill: 2Ki 3:26 - -- And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him,.... The siege was so close, the slingers or engineers did so much execution, that ...

And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him,.... The siege was so close, the slingers or engineers did so much execution, that he saw the city would soon be taken, and he be obliged to deliver it up:

he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords; men expert in war, bold and daring:

to break through even unto the king of Edom; through his quarters, and so escape, he lying nearest to the city, and perhaps the weakest body of men with him; or he might think he was not so hearty in the cause of the kings, and would make but a feeble resistance, and let him pass:

but they could not; break through they met with a greater opposition than was expected perhaps the Edomites remembered how they had lately used them, which made them fight more desperately against them, see 2Ch 20:23.

Gill: 2Ki 3:27 - -- Then he took his eldest son, that should have reigned in his stead,.... Not the eldest son of the king of Edom, whom the king of Moab had in his hands...

Then he took his eldest son, that should have reigned in his stead,.... Not the eldest son of the king of Edom, whom the king of Moab had in his hands before, which made the king of Edom the more willing to join in this expedition for the recovery of his son, as Joseph Kimchi thinks; or whom he took now in his sally out upon him, as Moses Kimchi and Ben Gersom, proceeding upon a mistaken sense of Amo 2:1 for the king of Edom could have no son that had a right, or was designed to succeed him, since he was but a deputy king himself; and besides, the sacrificing of him was not the way to cause the kings to raise the siege, but rather to provoke them to press it the more closely: it was the king of Moab that took his son and heir to the crown,

and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall; that it might be seen by the camp of Israel, and move their compassion; or rather this was done as a religious action, to appease the deity by an human sacrifice so dear and precious, to give success, and cause the enemy to break up the siege; and was either offered to the true God, the God of Israel, in imitation of Abraham, as some Jewish writers fancy n, or to his idol Chemosh, the sun; and Jarchi observes, out of an exposition of theirs, that "vau" is wanting in the word for wall, and so may be interpreted of the sun, towards which this burnt offering was offered; and it is observed, from various Heathen authors, that it was usual with the Heathens, when in calamity and distress, to offer up to their gods what was most dear and valuable to them; and particularly the Phoenicians o, and from them the Carthaginians had this custom, who at one time offered up two hundred sons of their nobility, to appease their gods p:

and there was great indignation against Israel; not of the king of Edom against them, for not rescuing his son, or because they were the means of this disaster which befell him; but of the king of Moab, who was quite desperate, and determined to hold out the siege to the utmost extremity: and they departed, and returned to their own land; the three kings, the one to Edom, the other to Israel, and the third to Judah; when they saw the Moabites would sell their lives so dear, and hold out to the last man, they thought fit to break up the siege; and perhaps were greatly affected with the barbarous shocking sight they had seen, and might fear, should they stay, something else of the like kind would be done.

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:18 Heb “and this is easy in the eyes of the Lord.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:19 Heb “and ruin every good portion with stones.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:20 Heb “and in the morning, when the offering is offered up, look, water was coming from the way of Edom, and the land was filled with water.”...

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:21 Heb “and they mustered all who tied on a belt and upwards, and they stood at the border.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:23 The translation assumes the verb is חָרַב (kharav, “to be desolate”). The infinitive absolute precedes the f...

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:24 The consonantal text (Kethib) suggests, “and they went, striking down,” but the marginal reading (Qere) is “they struck down, striki...

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:25 Heb “until he had allowed its stones to remain in Kir Hareseth.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:26 Heb “he took with him seven hundred men, who drew the sword, to break through against.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 3:27 Heb “they departed from him.”

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:18 And this is [but] a ( m ) light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. ( m ) He will not only miraculously...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:19 And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and ( n ) mar every good pie...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:23 And they said, ( o ) This [is] blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. ( o ) The sud...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:24 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 ( p ) went forward sm...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:25 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 f...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 3:27 Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and ( r ) offered him [for] a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great ind...

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Ki 3:1-27 - --1 Jehoram's reign.4 Mesha rebels.6 Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water, by Elisha obtains water, and p...

MHCC: 2Ki 3:6-19 - --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 fo...

MHCC: 2Ki 3:20-27 - --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 prosp...

Matthew Henry: 2Ki 3:6-19 - -- Jehoram has no sooner got the sceptre into his hand than he takes the sword into his hand, to reduce Moab. Crowns bring great cares and perils to th...

Matthew Henry: 2Ki 3:20-27 - -- I. We have here the divine gift of both those things which God had promised by Elisha - water and victory, and the former not only a pledge of the l...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 3:4-27 - -- War of Joram, in Alliance with Jehoshaphat, against the Moabites. - 2Ki 3:4, 2Ki 3:5. The occasion of this war was the rebellion of the Moabites, i....

Constable: 2Ki 2:1--8:16 - --4. Jehoram's evil reign in Israel 2:1-8:15 Jehoram reigned 12 years in Israel (852-841 B.C.). Hi...

Constable: 2Ki 3:1-27 - --God's victory for over the Moabites ch. 3 Even though Jehoram was better spiritually tha...

Guzik: 2Ki 3:1-27 - --2 Kings 3 - War Against Moab The Moabite Stone (also called the Mesha Stele) was discovered in 1868 and contains a Moabite inscription that confirms m...

expand all
Commentary -- Other

Critics Ask: 2Ki 3:18 2 KINGS 3:18-19 —Didn’t Israel violate the law of warfare by destroying fruit trees? PROBLEM: Moses had commanded the armies of Israel about ...

Critics Ask: 2Ki 3:19 2 KINGS 3:18-19 —Didn’t Israel violate the law of warfare by destroying fruit trees? PROBLEM: Moses had commanded the armies of Israel about ...

expand all
Introduction / Outline

JFB: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF KINGS, in the ancient copies of the Hebrew Bible, constitute one book. Various titles have been given them; in the Septu...

JFB: 2 Kings (Outline) MOAB REBELS. (2Ki 1:1) AHAZIAH'S JUDGMENT BY ELIJAH. (2Ki 1:2-8) ELIJAH BRINGS FIRE FROM HEAVEN ON AHAZIAH'S MESSENGERS. (2Ki 1:9-16) AHAZIAH DIES, A...

TSK: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) The events detailed in these books (Kings) are highly interesting and important. The account of the wisdom, magnificence, and extended commerce of So...

TSK: 2 Kings 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Ki 3:1, Jehoram’s reign; 2Ki 3:4, Mesha rebels; 2Ki 3:6, Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of...

Poole: 2 Kings 3 (Chapter Introduction) KINGS CHAPTER 3 Jehoram followeth the sin of Jeroboam; he, with Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, goeth to battle against Moab, 2Ki 3:1-8 . They, i...

MHCC: 2 Kings 3 (Chapter Introduction) (2Ki 3:1-5) Jehoram, king of Israel. (2Ki 3:6-19) War with Moab, The intercession of Elisha. (2Ki 3:20-27) Water supplied, Moab overcome.

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Book of Kings This second book of the Kings (which the Septuagint, numbering from Samuel, ca...

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings 3 (Chapter Introduction) We are now called to attend the public affairs of Israel, in which we shall find Elisha concerned. Here is, I. The general character of Jehoram, k...

Constable: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) Introduction Second Kings continues the narrative begun in 1 Kings. It opens with the translation of godly Elijah to hea...

Constable: 2 Kings (Outline) Outline (Continued from notes on 1 Kings) 3. Ahaziah's evil reign in Israel -1 Kings 22:51-2...

Constable: 2 Kings 2 Kings Bibliography Ackroyd, Peter R. "An Interpretation of the Babylonian Exile: A Study of 2 Kings 20, Isaia...

Haydock: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FOURTH BOOK OF KINGS. INTRODUCTION. This Book brings us to the conclusion of the kingdom of Israel, (chap. xvii.) and to the captivity of ...

Gill: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS This, and the preceding book, are properly but one book divided into two parts, because of the size of it, as the book of S...

Gill: 2 Kings 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 3 This chapter gives the character of Jehoram king of Israel, 2Ki 3:1, relates the rebellion of the king of Moab against hi...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


TIP #05: Try Double Clicking on any word for instant search. [ALL]
created in 0.23 seconds
powered by
bible.org - YLSA