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. When the king of Moab sawThe phrase begins with the king of Moab, Mesha, who is a historical figure known from both the Bible and the Mesha Stele, an archaeological artifact that provides insight into Moabite culture and their conflicts with Israel. The Hebrew word for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also understanding or realization. Mesha's perception of the battle's intensity marks a turning point in his strategy, highlighting the desperation and urgency of the situation. that the battle was too fierce for him
The word "fierce" (חָזָק, chazaq) in Hebrew conveys strength and intensity. This phrase indicates the overwhelming power of the allied forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. Historically, this reflects the common practice of forming alliances to strengthen military campaigns. The king's realization of the battle's fierceness underscores the dire circumstances and the formidable opposition he faced. he took with him seven hundred swordsmen
The number "seven hundred" is significant, often symbolizing completeness or perfection in the Bible. However, in this context, it may simply denote a substantial force. The "swordsmen" (שֹׁלֵף חֶרֶב, sholef cherev) were likely elite troops, emphasizing the king's attempt to use his best warriors to change the tide of battle. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern military practices where kings would lead their most capable soldiers in critical maneuvers. to break through to the king of Edom
The phrase "break through" (בָּקַע, baqa) suggests a forceful attempt to penetrate enemy lines. The king of Moab's target, the king of Edom, indicates a strategic move, possibly aiming to exploit perceived weaknesses or to negotiate terms. Historically, Edom was often a vassal state, and its involvement in this alliance highlights the complex political dynamics of the region. but they failed
The word "failed" (לֹא יָכֹלוּ, lo yakolu) signifies the inability to achieve the intended goal. This failure underscores the futility of human efforts against divine will, a recurring theme in the Bible. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and battles, encouraging believers to trust in divine providence rather than solely in human strength or numbers. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of MoabThe 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 SwordsmenA 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 EdomAn 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. BattleThe 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. MoabA 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 ConflictThe 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 EffortDespite 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 ImpactThe 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 BattlesThe 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. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the king of Moab's decision to attack the king of Edom, and how does this reflect our own responses to challenging situations? 2. How does the alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom inform our understanding of the importance of community and support in our spiritual lives? 3. In what ways does this passage illustrate the limitations of human strength, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily walk with God? 4. How does the historical context of Moab's relationship with Israel enhance our understanding of this passage, and what lessons can we draw about resolving conflicts? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. How did you see God's sovereignty at work, and how can this passage encourage you to trust Him more fully in future battles? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 3:4-27Provides the broader context of the battle, including the alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom, and the miraculous provision of water. Judges 11:17-18Offers background on the historical tensions between Israel and Moab, highlighting the longstanding enmity. Psalm 60:8Reflects on God's sovereignty over Moab, providing a theological perspective on the events. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics Able, Aram, Armed, Battle, Break, Cleave, Drawing, Drew, Edom, Failed, Fierce, Fight, Forcing, Hundred, Idea, Moab, Opposite, Seven, Severe, Sore, Strong, Sword, Swords, Swordsmen, TakethDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:21-27 5214 attack 2 Kings 3:26-27 7435 sacrifice, in OT
8799 polytheism Library Sight and Blindness
'Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that them pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881 The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 3:26 NIV2 Kings 3:26 NLT2 Kings 3:26 ESV2 Kings 3:26 NASB2 Kings 3:26 KJV
2 Kings 3:26 Commentaries
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