2 Kings 3:26
New International Version
When the king of Moab saw that the battle had gone against him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they failed.

New Living Translation
When the king of Moab saw that he was losing the battle, he led 700 of his swordsmen in a desperate attempt to break through the enemy lines near the king of Edom, but they failed.

English Standard Version
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was going against him, he took with him 700 swordsmen to break through, opposite the king of Edom, but they could not.

Berean Standard Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail.

King James Bible
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.

New King James Version
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not.

New American Standard Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

NASB 1995
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him 700 men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

NASB 1977
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him 700 men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king of Moab saw that the battle was too strong for him, so he took with him 700 men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

Amplified Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

Christian Standard Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took seven hundred swordsmen with him to try to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not do it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took 700 swordsmen with him to try to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not do it.

American Standard Version
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew sword, to break through unto the king of Edom; but they could not.

Contemporary English Version
King Mesha of Moab saw that he was about to be defeated. So he took along 700 soldiers with swords and tried to break through the front line where the Edomite troops were positioned. But he failed.

English Revised Version
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew sword, to break through unto the king of Edom: but they could not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the king of Moab saw he was losing the battle, he took 700 swordsmen to try to break through to the king of Edom. But they couldn't do it.

Good News Translation
When the king of Moab realized that he was losing the battle, he took seven hundred swordsmen with him and tried to force his way through the enemy lines and escape to the king of Syria, but he failed.

International Standard Version
When the king of Moab realized that the battle was going strongly against him, he took 700 expert swordsmen to attempt to break through to the king of Edom, but was unable to do so.

Majority Standard Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail.

NET Bible
When the king of Moab realized he was losing the battle, he and 700 swordsmen tried to break through and attack the king of Edom, but they failed.

New Heart English Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too severe for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew sword, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too severe for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom: but they could not.

World English Bible
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too severe for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew a sword, to break through to the king of Edom; but they could not.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king of Moab sees that the battle has been too strong for him, and he takes with him seven hundred men drawing sword, to cleave through to the king of Edom, and they have not been able,

Young's Literal Translation
And the king of Moab seeth that the battle has been too strong for him, and he taketh with him seven hundred men, drawing sword, to cleave through unto the king of Edom, and they have not been able,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king of Moab will see that the battle was strong above him, and he will take him seven hundred men drawing sword to break through to the king of Edom, and they will not be able.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the king of Moab saw this, to wit, that the enemies had prevailed, he took with him seven hundred men that drew the sword, to break in upon the king of Edom: but they could not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the king of Moab had seen this, specifically, that the enemies had prevailed, he took with him seven hundred men who draw the sword, so that he might break through to the king of Idumea. But they were unable.

New American Bible
When he saw that the battle was going against him, the king of Moab took seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but he failed.

New Revised Standard Version
When the king of Moab saw that the battle was going against him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through, opposite the king of Edom; but they could not.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom; but he could not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Moab saw that the battle was stronger than he, and he took with him seven hundred men drawing a sword to escape to the King of Edom, and he was unable.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew sword, to break through unto the king of Edom; but they could not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Moab saw that the battle prevailed against him; and he took with him seven hundred men that drew sword, to cut through to the king of Edom: and they could not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
25They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well. 26When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. 27So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land.…

Cross References
Judges 11:30-31
Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”

Judges 11:34-40
And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her. / As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” / “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have said, for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.” ...

2 Kings 16:3
Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

2 Kings 17:17
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

2 Kings 21:6
He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

2 Chronicles 28:3
Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

2 Chronicles 33:6
He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

Jeremiah 7:31
They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.

Jeremiah 19:5
They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.

Ezekiel 16:20-21
You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough? / You slaughtered My children and delivered them up through the fire to idols.

Ezekiel 23:37
For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. They have committed adultery with their idols. They have even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to Me, in the fire as food for their idols.

Micah 6:7
Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Matthew 14:6-11
On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod / so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ...

Mark 6:22-28
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” ...

Acts 7:42-43
But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’


Treasury of Scripture

And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even to the king of Edom: but they could not.

unto the king of Edom

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.

Amos 2:1
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

Jump to Previous
Able Aram Battle Break Cleave Drawing Drew Edom Fierce Fight Forcing Hundred Idea Moab Opposite Seven Severe Sore Strong Sword Swords Swordsmen Way
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Able Aram Battle Break Cleave Drawing Drew Edom Fierce Fight Forcing Hundred Idea Moab Opposite Seven Severe Sore Strong Sword Swords Swordsmen Way
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














When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him
The king of Moab, likely Mesha, recognized the dire situation he faced. This battle was part of a larger conflict involving Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. The intensity of the battle reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy against Moab due to their rebellion against Israel (2 Kings 1:1). The Moabite Stone, an archaeological artifact, provides additional context, describing Mesha's revolt and victories, though it omits this defeat.

he took with him seven hundred swordsmen
The number seven hundred indicates a significant, though not overwhelming, force, suggesting a desperate attempt rather than a full-scale assault. Swordsmen were elite troops, emphasizing the king's determination to change the battle's outcome. This mirrors other biblical instances where small groups were used in critical moments, such as Gideon's 300 men (Judges 7).

to break through to the king of Edom
The king of Edom was part of the coalition against Moab. Moab's attempt to break through to Edom suggests a strategic move, possibly to capture or negotiate with the Edomite king, or to exploit perceived weaknesses. Edom's involvement highlights the complex political alliances of the time, as Edom was often in conflict with Israel and Judah (Genesis 27:40, Obadiah 1:10).

but they could not prevail
Despite their efforts, the Moabites failed to achieve their objective. This outcome underscores the futility of opposing God's will, as the coalition was divinely sanctioned (2 Kings 3:18-19). The inability to prevail also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and battles, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 33:16-17.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Moab
The ruler of Moab during this time, who is facing a coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom. His actions in desperation highlight the intensity of the conflict.

2. Seven Hundred Swordsmen
A select group of warriors chosen by the king of Moab in an attempt to break through enemy lines, indicating a strategic military maneuver.

3. King of Edom
An ally of Israel and Judah in this battle, representing a united front against Moab. The king of Moab's attempt to break through to him signifies a critical point in the battle.

4. Battle
The conflict between the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. This battle is a significant event in the account, showcasing the political and military tensions of the time.

5. Moab
A nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The historical and geographical context of Moab is crucial for understanding the dynamics of this passage.
Teaching Points
Desperation in Conflict
The king of Moab's actions demonstrate the lengths to which people will go when faced with overwhelming odds. In our lives, we must consider how we respond to desperate situations and seek God's guidance rather than relying solely on human strength.

The Limits of Human Effort
Despite the king of Moab's strategic attempt with his swordsmen, they could not prevail. This reminds us of the limitations of human effort and the importance of relying on God's power and wisdom.

Alliances and Their Impact
The coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom shows the power of alliances. In our spiritual journey, we should seek godly alliances that strengthen our faith and witness.

God's Sovereignty in Battles
The outcome of the battle underscores God's sovereignty. We are reminded to trust in God's ultimate control over the circumstances of our lives, even when they seem insurmountable.(26) The battle was too sore for him.--The garrison was giving way under the destructive fire of the slingers.

To break through even unto the king of Edom.--Because the Edomite contingent seemed to be the most vulnerable point in the allied army, or because he hoped that these unwilling allies of Israel would allow him to escape through their ranks.

Verse 26. - And when the King of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him - i.e. that he could not hope to maintain the defense much longer, but would be forced to surrender the fortress - he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the King of Edom. Perhaps he regarded the King of Edom as the weakest of the three confederates, and the least likely to offer effectual resistance; perhaps he viewed him as a traitor, since Edom had been his ally a little earlier (2 Chronicles 20:10, 22), and wished to wreak his vengeance on him. But they could not. The attempt failed; Edom was too strong, and he was forced to throw himself once more into the beleaguered town.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

saw
וַיַּרְא֙ (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

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

the battle
הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

was too fierce
חָזַ֥ק (ḥā·zaq)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

for him,
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

he took
וַיִּקַּ֣ח (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

with him
א֠וֹתוֹ (’ō·w·ṯōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

seven
שְׁבַע־ (šə·ḇa‘-)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

hundred
מֵא֨וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

swordsmen
אִ֜ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to break through
לְהַבְקִ֛יעַ (lə·haḇ·qî·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1234: To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

of Edom,
אֱד֖וֹם (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

but they could not prevail.
יָכֹֽלוּ׃ (yā·ḵō·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power


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OT History: 2 Kings 3:26 When the king of Moab saw that (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 3:25
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