2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 22
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
And they rose up early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
And they rose up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
1 of 13
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וְהַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
and the sun
H8121
וְהַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
and the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
3 of 13
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
זָֽרְחָ֣ה
shone
H2224
זָֽרְחָ֣ה
shone
Strong's:
H2224
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמַּ֖יִם
the water
H4325
הַמַּ֖יִם
the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וַיִּרְא֨וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֨וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מוֹאָ֥ב
and the Moabites
H4124
מוֹאָ֥ב
and the Moabites
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
8 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מִנֶּ֛גֶד
on the other side
H5048
מִנֶּ֛גֶד
on the other side
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
9 of 13
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
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.