2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 6
And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵ֞א
went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֞א
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יְהוֹרָ֛ם
Jehoram
H3088
יְהוֹרָ֛ם
Jehoram
Strong's:
H3088
Word #:
3 of 10
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
בַּיּ֥וֹם
the same time
H3117
בַּיּ֥וֹם
the same time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיִּפְקֹ֖ד
and numbered
H6485
וַיִּפְקֹ֖ד
and numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
7 of 10
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
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 king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
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.