2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 20
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙
And it came to pass in the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙
And it came to pass in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
כַּֽעֲל֣וֹת
was offered
H5927
כַּֽעֲל֣וֹת
was offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הַמִּנְחָ֔ה
when the meat offering
H4503
הַמִּנְחָ֔ה
when the meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
4 of 13
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
הַמָּֽיִם׃
water
H4325
הַמָּֽיִם׃
water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
בָּאִ֖ים
that behold there came
H935
בָּאִ֖ים
that behold there came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
8 of 13
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
9 of 13
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א
was filled
H4390
וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א
was filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
10 of 13
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and the country
H776
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and the country
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
11 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
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 it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
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.