2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 23
And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
Original Language Analysis
דָּ֣ם
This is blood
H1818
דָּ֣ם
This is blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
2 of 13
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
H2717
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
4 of 13
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
H2717
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
are surely
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
5 of 13
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
וַיַּכּ֖וּ
and they have smitten
H5221
וַיַּכּ֖וּ
and they have smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
7 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְעַתָּ֥ה
H6258
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 said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
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.