2 Kings 3:9
2 Kings 3:9 in Multiple Translations
So 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.
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.
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom; and they made a circuit of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, nor for the beasts that followed them.
So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom by a roundabout way for seven days: and there was no water for the army or for the beasts they had with them.
So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set off. Having followed an indirect route for seven days, they ran out of water for their army and for their animals.
So went the King of Israel and the king of Iudah, and the King of Edom, and when they had compassed the way seuen dayes, they had no water for the hoste, nor for the cattell that followed them.
And the king of Israel goeth, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom, and they turn round the way seven days, and there hath been no water for the camp, and for the cattle that [are] at their feet,
So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched for seven days along a circuitous route. There was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.
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 army, and for the cattle that followed them.
So the king of Israel, and the king of Juda, and the king of Edom went, and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey, and there was no water for the army, and for the beasts, that followed them.
So the king of Israel and his army went with the kings of Judah and Edom and their armies. They marched for seven days. Then there was no water left for their soldiers or for their animals that carried supplies.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:9
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 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּלֶךְ֩
מֶ֨לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
וּ/מֶֽלֶך
יְהוּדָה֙
וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
אֱד֔וֹם
וַ/יָּסֹ֕בּוּ
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
יָמִ֑ים
וְ/לֹא
הָיָ֨ה
מַ֧יִם
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
וְ/לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּ/רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/יֵּלֶךְ֩
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֨לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/מֶֽלֶך
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | N-ms
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | N-ms
אֱד֔וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
Edom
N-proper
וַ/יָּסֹ֕בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מַ֧יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
וְ/לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Conj | Prep | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:9
וַ/יֵּלֶךְ֩
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מֶ֨לֶךְ
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
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.
וּ/מֶֽלֶך
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | 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.
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | 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.
אֱד֔וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
"Edom"
N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יָּסֹ֕בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מַ֧יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
וְ/לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:9
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:9
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
7And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
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. ”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:47 | And there was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king. |
| 2 | Numbers 20:2 | Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. |
| 3 | Exodus 17:1 | Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. |
| 4 | Exodus 11:8 | And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 5 | Numbers 20:4 | Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? |
| 6 | Judges 4:10 | where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him. |
| 7 | Numbers 33:14 | They set out from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. |
| 8 | Numbers 21:5 | and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
| 9 | Exodus 15:22 | Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:27 | and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” |
2 Kings 3:9 Summary
This verse, 2 Kings 3:9, tells us that the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom went on a long journey to fight against Moab, but after seven days, they ran out of water for their armies and animals. This situation reminds us that, just like the kings, we often face challenges and uncertainties in life, and we need to trust in God's provision and guidance, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. We can learn from this story that God is our rock and our Savior, and He will provide for us, even in the toughest times, as promised in Isaiah 41:10. By trusting in God, we can have hope and confidence, even when things seem impossible, as seen in Matthew 19:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom take a roundabout route?
The kings took a roundabout route, as seen in 2 Kings 3:9, likely to launch a surprise attack on Moab, but this decision led to a severe water shortage for their armies and animals, highlighting the challenges of war and the importance of wise decision-making, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:6.
What can we learn from the kings' lack of water?
The kings' lack of water, as described in 2 Kings 3:9, serves as a reminder of our dependence on God for our daily needs, as seen in Matthew 6:11, where Jesus teaches us to pray for our daily bread, and in Psalm 23:1-2, where David expresses trust in God's provision.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Kings?
This verse, 2 Kings 3:9, is part of a larger narrative about the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom going to war against Moab, and it sets the stage for the miraculous provision of water that will follow, as seen in 2 Kings 3:16-24, demonstrating God's power and care for His people, similar to the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16.
What can we learn from the kings' decision to go to war?
The kings' decision to go to war, as seen in 2 Kings 3:7-9, serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our decisions, as emphasized in James 1:5, where we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, and in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are reminded to trust in God with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was in a 'dry' place, and how did God provide for me?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as seen in this verse, to my own decision-making process?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision, like the kings had to, when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who may be facing difficult circumstances and feeling like they are running out of resources?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:9
So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah,.... The way of the wilderness of Edom, proposed by the latter: and the king of Edom; whom they took with them in their way, who was not properly a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:9
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 3:9
The king of Edom, i.e. the viceroy under Jehoshaphat, , here called king; either because he was so called and accounted by his own people, or because that word is sometimes used for any prince or chief ruler. See 21:25 . They fetched a compass, because they made a great army, which could move but slowly; and they fetched a greater compass than was usual, for some advantage which they expected by it. There was no water; a frequent want in those hot and desert parts; and now, as it seems, increased by the extraordinary heat and dryness of the season.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
2 Kings 3:9 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. Ver. 9. Of seven days’ journey.] This was a long while for such an army to be without water; and should have been sooner seen to. Prevision is the best means of prevention. This was a check to Jehoshaphat’ s rashness.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
(9) The king of Edom.—A vassal king appointed by Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:48). They fetched a compass.—Went round (scil., the Dead Sea) a journey of seven days. The confederates appear to have lost their way among the mountains of Seir. They would, in any case, be greatly delayed by the cattle which it was necessary to take with them for subsistence. It is evident from the context that the distress began after the Edomite contingent had joined. For the host, and for the cattle that followed them.—The stopping is wrong. It should be, and there was not water for the army and for the cattle which followed them. “Them,” i.e., the kings. (Comp. Judges 5:15.) “The cattle,” i.e., the herds and flocks for the maintenance of the army. The allies appear to have marched through the deep, rocky glen of El-Ahsy (or El-Qurâhy), between Moab and Edom.
They expected to find water there, as is usually the case, even in the dry season; but on this occasion the water failed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
Verse 9. A compass of seven days' journey] By taking a circuitous route, to go round the southern part of the Dead Sea, they probably intended to surprise the Moabites; but it appears their journey was ill planned, as they at last got into a country in which it was impossible to obtain water, and they were brought in consequence to the utmost extremity.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:9
9. So the king of Israel went] Josephus (Ant. IX. 3. 1) tells how Jehoram and his army were hospitably and magnificently received in Jerusalem before they started on their march. and the king of Edom] The same author says that along with his own promise of help, Jehoshaphat had pledged himself to compel the king of Edom, his subject, to take part in the expedition. So by going this way the army not only found an uninterrupted line of march but additional forces also. and they fetcht a compass [R.V. made a circuit] of seven days’ journey] This old English phrase for taking a roundabout road is found here and 2 Samuel 5:23; Acts 28:13. It is not easy to see why they should have gone so long a way about, when the country through which they were passing belonged to one of the allied kings. It might perhaps be necessary for the sake of finding provender. Josephus says that their guides led them wrong, but this is highly improbable. There must have been many persons among the Edomites who were familiar enough with all the ways into the neighbouring country of Moab. and for the cattle] R.V. beasts. This change is made that there may be uniformity of rendering between this verse and verse 17.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:9
Seven days’ journey - The distance of the route probably followed is not much more than 100 miles.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:9
9. And the king of Edom — One further object of journeying by the way of Edom may have been to secure the co-operation of this king, who was now at peace and in league with Judah, but who might have
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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Enduring the Test by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites as they were led by God out of Egypt towards the land of Canaan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusti |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund |
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Let Us Go On by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a spiritual crisis that the Hebrews were facing. The crisis was characterized by a potential drift away from the full meaning and value of wha |
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Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 2 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the spirit and understanding the ways of God. He uses the story of Elisha to illustrate how the anointing upon h |
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The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel |
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Know God by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not giving up or stopping when faced with difficult situations. He uses the example of Moses leading the Israelites through |
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Joshua's Amazing Victory Over Amalek by Peter Clement | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the victory of Joshua over the Amalekites and the importance of memorializing this victory. He emphasizes the wickedness of the human soul an |