2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 1
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
Original Language Analysis
וִֽיהוֹרָ֣ם
Now Jehoram
H3088
וִֽיהוֹרָ֣ם
Now Jehoram
Strong's:
H3088
Word #:
1 of 17
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַחְאָ֗ב
of Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֗ב
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
3 of 17
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
4 of 17
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
over Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
over Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שְׁמֹנֶ֣ה
the eighteenth
H8083
שְׁמֹנֶ֣ה
the eighteenth
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
9 of 17
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
10 of 17
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
לִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
of Jehoshaphat
H3092
לִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
of Jehoshaphat
Strong's:
H3092
Word #:
11 of 17
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
13 of 17
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
14 of 17
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
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
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
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.