2 Kings 3:10
New International Version
“What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the LORD called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”

New Living Translation
“What should we do?” the king of Israel cried out. “The LORD has brought the three of us here to let the king of Moab defeat us.”

English Standard Version
Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The LORD has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”

King James Bible
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

New King James Version
And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the king of Israel said, “It is hopeless! For the LORD has called these three kings to hand them over to Moab!”

NASB 1995
Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

NASB 1977
Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! For Yahweh has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Amplified Bible
Then the king of Israel said, “We are doomed, for the LORD has called these three kings to be handed over to Moab.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the king of Israel said, “Oh no, the LORD has summoned these three kings, only to hand them over to Moab.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the king of Israel said, “Oh no, the LORD has summoned three kings, only to hand them over to Moab.”

American Standard Version
And the king of Israel said, Alas! for Jehovah hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Contemporary English Version
Joram cried out, "This is terrible! The LORD must have led us out here to be captured by Moab's army."

English Revised Version
And the king of Israel said, Alas! for the LORD hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king of Israel said, "Oh no! The LORD has put the three of us at the mercy of [the people of] Moab."

Good News Translation
"We're done for!" King Joram exclaimed. "The LORD has put the three of us at the mercy of the king of Moab!"

International Standard Version
Then the king of Israel remarked, "Oh no! The LORD has summoned us three kings so he can hand us over to Moab, hasn't he?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Alas,? said the king of Israel, ?for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!?

NET Bible
The king of Israel said, "Oh no! Certainly the LORD has summoned these three kings so that he can hand them over to the king of Moab!"

New Heart English Bible
The king of Israel said, "Alas. For the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

World English Bible
The king of Israel said, “Alas! For Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the king of Israel says, “Aah! For YHWH has called for these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the king of Israel saith, 'Alas, for Jehovah hath called for these three kings, to give them into the hand of Moab.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king of Israel will say, Alas, that Jehovah called for thine three kings to give them into the hand of Moab!
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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!

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king of Israel said: “Alas, alas, alas! The Lord has gathered we three kings, so that he might deliver us into the hands of Moab.”

New American Bible
The king of Israel exclaimed, “Alas! The LORD has called three kings together only to deliver us into the power of Moab.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The LORD has summoned us, three kings, only to be handed over to Moab.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the king of Israel said, Alas! truly for this the LORD has called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Israel said, “Alas, for this LORD JEHOVAH indeed has called these three Kings, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king of Israel said: 'Alas! for the LORD hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord should have called the three kings on their way, to give them into the hand of Moab.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
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
Exodus 14:11-12
They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? / Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

Judges 11:27
I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”

1 Samuel 12:10
Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’

1 Kings 22:7-8
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

2 Chronicles 18:6-7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

Psalm 106:6-7
We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. / Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp Your wonders or remember Your abundant kindness; but they rebelled by the sea, there at the Red Sea.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.

Jeremiah 2:17
Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way?

Jeremiah 2:19
Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

Jeremiah 4:18
“Your ways and deeds have brought this upon you. This is your punishment; how bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!”

Matthew 17:17
“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”

Mark 9:19
“O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”

Luke 9:41
“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

John 11:50
You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

Acts 7:51
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.


Treasury of Scripture

And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD has called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

the Lord

2 Kings 6:33
And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?

Genesis 4:13
And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.

Psalm 78:34-36
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God…

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Alas Deliver Exclaimed Hand Hands Israel Kings Moab Three Together Trouble
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Alas Deliver Exclaimed Hand Hands Israel Kings Moab Three Together Trouble
2 Kings 3
1. Jehoram's reign
4. Mesha rebels
6. Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water,
13. by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory
21. The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome
26. The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege














“Alas,” said the king of Israel,
The king of Israel at this time was Jehoram, son of Ahab. His exclamation "Alas" indicates a moment of despair and fear. This reflects the often tumultuous reigns of the kings of Israel, who frequently turned away from God, leading to instability and divine judgment. Jehoram's reaction is typical of a leader who lacks faith in God's providence, contrasting with leaders like David who sought God's guidance in times of trouble.

“for the LORD has summoned these three kings
The three kings referred to are Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom. This alliance was formed to combat the rebellion of Moab. The phrase "the LORD has summoned" suggests a belief in divine orchestration, even in political and military matters. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding that deities were involved in the affairs of nations. Jehoshaphat, a godly king, often sought the Lord's counsel, which contrasts with Jehoram's lack of faith.

to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”
Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a frequent adversary of Israel. The Moabite rebellion under King Mesha is historically documented in the Mesha Stele, which corroborates the biblical account. The fear of being delivered into Moab's hand reflects the real threat posed by Moab's military strength. This phrase also highlights the recurring theme of Israel's enemies being used as instruments of God's judgment when Israel strayed from His commandments. The situation foreshadows the need for divine intervention, which ultimately comes through the prophet Elisha, pointing to the necessity of reliance on God's power rather than human alliances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Israel
At this time, the king of Israel is Jehoram, the son of Ahab. He is leading the coalition against Moab.

2. King of Judah
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is known for his faithfulness to God and is part of the alliance against Moab.

3. King of Edom
The unnamed king of Edom joins the coalition with Israel and Judah against Moab.

4. Moab
A neighboring nation that rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab, leading to this military campaign.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, whom Jehoram blames for their predicament, showing a lack of faith and understanding.
Teaching Points
Trust in God, Not Circumstances
Jehoram's reaction shows a lack of faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Godly Alliances
Jehoshaphat's presence in the alliance reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who seek God's will.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
Jehoram's statement reflects a misunderstanding of God's control. Believers should recognize that God is sovereign and His plans are for our ultimate good.

The Danger of Blame
Jehoram's blame of God for their situation serves as a warning against shifting responsibility away from our own decisions and actions.

Seeking God's Guidance
The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in all decisions, especially in times of crisis.(10) That.--Omit (ki, emphatically introducing the assertion).

Together.--Omit.

Verse 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! Jehoram first assumes, without warrant, that the expedition is one which Jehovah has sanctioned, and then complains that it is about to fail utterly. As he had made no attempt to learn God's will on the subject at the mouth of any prophet, he had no ground for surprise or complaint, even had the peril been as great as he supposed. God had not "called the three kings together;" they had come together of their own accord, guided by their own views of earthly policy. Yet God was not about to "deliver them into the hands of Moab," as in strict justice he might have done. He was about to deliver the three kings from their peril.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Alas,”
אֲהָ֕הּ (’ă·hāh)
Interjection
Strong's 162: Alas!

said
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

“for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

has summoned
קָרָ֣א (qā·rā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

these
הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

three
לִשְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙ (liš·lō·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

kings
הַמְּלָכִ֣ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

to deliver
לָתֵ֥ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them
אוֹתָ֖ם (’ō·w·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

into the hand
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of Moab!”
מוֹאָֽב׃ (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled


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OT History: 2 Kings 3:10 The king of Israel said Alas! (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
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