2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 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 mar every good piece of land with stones.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם
And ye shall smite
H5221
וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם
And ye shall smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֣יר
city
H5892
עִ֣יר
city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָר֙
every fenced
H4013
מִבְצָר֙
every fenced
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
4 of 20
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֣יר
city
H5892
עִ֣יר
city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
10 of 20
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
תַּפִּ֔ילוּ
and shall fell
H5307
תַּפִּ֔ילוּ
and shall fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
11 of 20
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַעְיְנֵי
all wells
H4599
מַעְיְנֵי
all wells
Strong's:
H4599
Word #:
13 of 20
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
מַ֖יִם
of water
H4325
מַ֖יִם
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
14 of 20
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
תִּסְתֹּ֑מוּ
and stop
H5640
תִּסְתֹּ֑מוּ
and stop
Strong's:
H5640
Word #:
15 of 20
to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret
וְכֹל֙
H3605
וְכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
every good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
18 of 20
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.
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.