2 Kings 3:10
2 Kings 3:10 in Multiple Translations
“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
And the king of Israel said, Alas! for Jehovah hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.
And the king of Israel said, Here is trouble: for the Lord has got these three kings together to give them into the hands of Moab.
“What are we doing?” complained the king of Israel. “The Lord has brought us three kings here to hand us over to the Moabites!”
Therefore the King of Israel sayde, Alas, that the Lord hath called these three Kings, to giue them into the hand of Moab.
and the king of Israel saith, 'Alas, for Jehovah hath called for these three kings, to give them into the hand of Moab.'
The king of Israel said, “Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
And the king of Israel said: Alas, alas, alas, the Lord hath gathered us three kings together, to deliver us into the hands of Moab!
The king of Israel exclaimed, “This is a terrible situation! It seems that Yahweh will allow the three of us to be captured by the army of [MTY] Moab!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
אֲהָ֕הּ
כִּֽי
קָרָ֣א
יְהוָ֗ה
לִ/שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
לָ/תֵ֥ת
אוֹתָ֖/ם
בְּ/יַד
מוֹאָֽב
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֲהָ֕הּ
ʼăhâhh
H162
alas!
Part
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לִ/שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Prep | Adj
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:10
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲהָ֕הּ
ʼăhâhh
H162
"alas!"
Part
The Hebrew word means alas or oh, an expression of sadness or regret, used to convey strong emotions in the Bible.
Definition: alas!, oh!, ah!
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas. See also: Joshua 7:7; Jeremiah 4:10; Jeremiah 1:6.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לִ/שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:10
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:10
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
8Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.
9So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.
10“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”
11But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah. ” 12Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:34–36 | When He slew them, they would seek Him; they repented and searched for God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues. |
| 2 | Isaiah 51:20 | Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 8:21 | They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. |
| 4 | Genesis 4:13 | But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:3 | A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 6:33 | While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” |
2 Kings 3:10 Summary
The king of Israel felt hopeless and thought that God was against them because of their sin. He believed that God had brought the three kings together to punish them, which shows that he did not fully trust in God's goodness. This verse teaches us that even when things seem to be going wrong, God is still in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and we can trust in His sovereignty. By trusting in God, we can have hope and peace, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Israel think the LORD had summoned the three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab?
The king of Israel thought this because he was aware of his own sinfulness and the idolatry of the people, as seen in 2 Kings 3:3, and he believed that God was judging them, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 28:25.
What was the king of Israel's attitude towards God in this situation?
The king of Israel seemed to have a fatalistic and fearful attitude towards God, as evident from his exclamation of 'Alas', implying that he felt hopeless and at the mercy of God's judgment, much like the feelings expressed in Exodus 5:22-23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and events, as seen in Daniel 4:35, where it is written that God does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of earth.
What can we learn from the king of Israel's reaction to the situation?
We can learn that it is essential to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am facing defeat or hopelessness, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty in those situations?
- How do I typically respond to challenging circumstances, and what can I learn from the king of Israel's reaction in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when I do not understand what is happening?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:10
And the king of Israel said, alas!.... Lamenting their sad case, as being desperate; and the rather he was the more concerned, as he was the principal who had drawn the other kings into this affair,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:10
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
So he chargeth his calamity upon God; and not upon himself, whose sins were the true and proper causes of it.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
2 Kings 3:10 And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!Ver. 10. Alas! that the Lord hath called.] Vox est admirantis et desperantis, saith Vatablus. He seeketh to lay the blame upon the Lord: though it were himself especially that brought the army into that distress. "The wickedness of a man perverteth his way, and his heart fretteth against the Lord."
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
(10) That.—Omit (kî, emphatically introducing the assertion). Together.—Omit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:10
Verse 10. The Lord hath called these three kings together] That is, This is a Divine judgment; God has judicially blinded us, and permitted us to take this journey to our destruction.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:10
10. Alas, that [R.V. for] the Lord hath called] Thus R.V. conforms to the rendering of A.V. in verse 13. The lamentation is caused by what Jehoram thinks will be their fate. And the conjunction, which can be rendered ‘for’ or ‘that’ seems to be here used to express the ground for the lament. Josephus makes Jehoram cry unto God, asking of what evil they had been guilty that He had brought them thither to give them up without a battle into the hand of Moab.
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dry Valleys Filled With Water by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of two young girls who had a conviction and a vision from God. The speaker recounts how he knelt beside one of the girls as she |
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True vs. False Conversions by C.J. Cutrone | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the repetitive cycle of the Israelites in the Bible. He highlights how the people would turn to God when they needed deliverance, but would q |
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Xl. to Robert Stewart, on His Decision for Christ by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt message welcoming a brother to the world of suffering and to God's house, encouraging him to grow in faith and trust in Christ. He emphasizes |
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Homily 41 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of not giving in to anger and seeking revenge, highlighting the detrimental effects of holding onto grudges and the need to forgive ot |
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 2 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to remain mute and silent during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9 to illustrate that silence allows believers to hear the |
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He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how Cain's sin of offering an unacceptable sacrifice to God led to him be |