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2 Kings 3:9 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.
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After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The king of Edom and his troops joined them, and all three armies traveled along a roundabout route through the wilderness for seven days. But there was no water for the men or their animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched on that roundabout route seven days; and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they made a circuit of seven days’ journey. But there was no water for the army or for the cattle that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with 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 army or for the cattle that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with 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 army or for the cattle that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom; and they went around on a seven days’ journey, and there was no water for the camp or for the cattle that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. They made a circuit of seven days’ journey, but there was no water for the army or for the cattle that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or the animals with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or their animals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So Joram, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom led their troops out. But seven days later, there was no drinking water left for them or their animals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom took an indirect route [to Moab]. After seven days they ran out of water for the army and the animals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So King Joram and the kings of Judah and Edom set out. After marching seven days, they ran out of water, and there was none left for the men or the pack animals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom made a complete circuit on the road for seven days, but there was no water for the army or for the livestock that accompanied them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom set out together. They wandered around on the road for seven days and finally ran out of water for the men and animals they had with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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. There was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel goes, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom, and they turn around the way seven days, and there has been no water for the camp, and for the livestock that [are] at their feet,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel will go and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom and they will encompass a way seven days; and there was no water for the camp, and for tire cattle which were at their feet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, the king of Israel, and the king of Judah, and the king of Idumea, traveled, and they went by a circuitous path for seven days. But there was no water for the army or for the beasts of burden which were following them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel set out, accompanied by the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout journey of seven days the water gave out for the army and for the animals with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out; and when they had made a roundabout march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that were with them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and traveled seven days' journey; and there was no water for the army and for the people who were with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King of Israel went on, and the King of Yehuda and the King of Edom, and they went a journey of seven days, and there were no waters for the encampment and for the people who were with them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel went, and the king of Juda, 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 went with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=676" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/3.htm">Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">So the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ū·me·leḵ- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏå̄h (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ū·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">and the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/123.htm" title="123: ’ĕ·ḏō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a condiment. Or oedowm; from 'adom; red; Edom, the elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region occupied by him.">of Edom</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">set out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: way·yā·sōb·bū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">and after they had traveled a roundabout</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">route</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">for seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they had no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: lam·ma·ḥă·neh (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">for their army</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">or for their</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: bə·raḡ·lê·hem (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 3mp) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda."></a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: wə·lab·bə·hê·māh (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">animals.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Exodus 17:1-7</a></span><br />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. / So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” / But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-2.htm">Numbers 20:2-13</a></span><br />Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. / The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! / Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-1.htm">1 Kings 22:1-4</a></span><br />Then three years passed without war between Aram and Israel. / However, in the third year, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to visit the king of Israel, / who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-18.htm">Judges 11:18</a></span><br />Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-10.htm">2 Chronicles 20:10-12</a></span><br />And now, here are the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt. So Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. / See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance. / Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17-18</a></span><br />The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. / I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-4.htm">Psalm 107:4-6</a></span><br />Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. / They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. / Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-3.htm">Jeremiah 14:3-4</a></span><br />The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. / The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-8.htm">Deuteronomy 2:8-9</a></span><br />So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab. / Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">1 Samuel 11:1-11</a></span><br />Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” / But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” / “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-2</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-13.htm">John 4:13-14</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. / But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-16.htm">Revelation 7:16-17</a></span><br />‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ / For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25</a></span><br />But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Acts 7:36</a></span><br />He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">Edom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">1 Kings 22:27</a></b></br> And say, Thus saith the king, Put this <i>fellow</i> in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.</p><p class="hdg">no water</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-22.htm">Exodus 15:22</a></b></br> So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Exodus 17:1</a></b></br> And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and <i>there was</i> no water for the people to drink.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-2.htm">Numbers 20:2,4</a></b></br> And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron… </p><p class="hdg">that followed them [heb] at their feet</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/11-8.htm">Exodus 11:8</a></b></br> And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/4-10.htm">Judges 4:10</a></b></br> And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/18-5.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-5.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/acts/28-13.htm">Circuitous</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-35.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-8.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-28.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-7.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-8.htm">March</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-32.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Roundabout</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-30.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-15.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-3.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-22.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/3-17.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-13.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-17.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-24.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-17.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-8.htm">Circuit</a> <a href="/acts/28-13.htm">Circuitous</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-12.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-27.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-30.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-13.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-1.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-14.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-25.htm">March</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">Round</a> <a href="/judges/5-6.htm">Roundabout</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-1.htm">Jehoram's reign</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-4.htm">Mesha rebels</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-6.htm">Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-13.htm">by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This coalition was formed to combat the rebellion of Moab against Israel. The alliance is significant as it shows a rare moment of cooperation between Israel and Judah, despite their divided kingdoms. The inclusion of Edom, a vassal state under Judah's influence, underscores the strategic importance of regional alliances in ancient Near Eastern politics. This cooperation can be seen as a temporary unification against a common enemy, reflecting the complex political landscape of the time.<p><b>and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days</b><br>The "roundabout route" suggests a strategic or possibly misguided path taken by the coalition. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or divine intervention in the Bible, which may imply that their journey was under divine scrutiny or had a predetermined outcome. The geographical context indicates that the armies were likely traveling through the arid regions south of the Dead Sea, which would have been challenging terrain. This detour could have been an attempt to surprise the Moabites or avoid direct confrontation until they were better prepared.<p><b>they had no water for their army or for their animals</b><br>The lack of water is a critical logistical failure, highlighting the harsh realities of desert warfare and the dependence on natural resources. In the ancient Near East, water was a precious commodity, essential for survival and military success. This predicament sets the stage for divine intervention, as seen later in the chapter, where Elisha prophesies the provision of water. The situation also serves as a test of faith and leadership for the kings involved, particularly Jehoshaphat, who seeks the counsel of the Lord. This mirrors other biblical narratives where God provides for His people in times of need, such as the provision of manna and water in the wilderness during the Exodus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_israel.htm">King of Israel (Jehoram)</a></b><br>The son of Ahab, Jehoram was the king of Israel during this time. He was known for continuing the idolatrous practices of his father, though he did remove the sacred stone of Baal.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_judah.htm">King of Judah (Jehoshaphat)</a></b><br>A godly king who sought the Lord, Jehoshaphat was known for his reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_edom.htm">King of Edom</a></b><br>Although not named in this passage, the king of Edom was a vassal under the king of Judah and joined the coalition against Moab.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_march.htm">The March</a></b><br>The armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom embarked on a seven-day journey through the desert, which led to a crisis due to the lack of water.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_desert.htm">The Desert</a></b><br>The harsh environment of the desert symbolizes the challenges and trials faced by the coalition, highlighting their dependence on God for provision.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Just as the armies were in desperate need of water, we must recognize our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god_in_crisis.htm">Seeking God in Crisis</a></b><br>In times of crisis, like the lack of water, turning to God should be our first response. Jehoshaphat's presence reminds us of the importance of seeking godly counsel and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_purpose.htm">Unity in Purpose</a></b><br>The coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom shows the power of unity in facing common challenges. As believers, we are called to work together in unity for God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision.htm">God's Provision</a></b><br>The account reminds us that God is aware of our needs and is able to provide in miraculous ways, even when the situation seems dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_kings_3_with_other_records.htm">How do we reconcile this account with different details of the Moabite rebellion in other historical records (2 Kings 3)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_3_men_breach_philistine_lines_for_water.htm">In 1 Chronicles 11:15–19, is it plausible that three men could breach heavily guarded Philistine territory just to draw water for David? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_2_kings_3_battle.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to support this battle's events and outcome (2 Kings 3)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_moabites_see_water_as_blood.htm">Why did the Moabites mistake clear water for blood in broad daylight (2 Kings 3:22-23)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">The king of Edom.</span>--A vassal king appointed by Jehoshaphat (<a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm" title="Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.">1Kings 22:48</a>).<p><span class= "bld">They fetched a compass.</span>--<span class= "ital">Went round</span> (scil., the Dead Sea) <span class= "ital">a journey of seven days.</span> 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 <span class= "ital">after</span> the Edomite contingent had joined.<p><span class= "bld">For the host, and for the cattle that followed them.</span>--The stopping is wrong. It should be, <span class= "ital">and there was not water for the army and for the cattle which followed them.</span> "Them," i.e., the kings. (Comp. <a href="/judges/5-15.htm" title="And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.">Judges 5:15</a>.) "The cattle," <span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, the herds and flocks for the maintenance of the army.<p>The allies appear to have marched through the deep, rocky glen of <span class= "ital">El-Ahsy</span> (or <span class= "ital">El-Qurahy</span>), 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So the King of Israel went</span> - as leader of the expedition, he is placed first - <span class="cmt_word">and the King of Judah</span> - the second in importance, therefore placed second - <span class="cmt_word">and the King of Edom</span> - the third in importance, therefore placed last. It is to be remarked that, when Edom was last mentioned, she was ruled by a "deputy," who received his appointment from the King of Judah (<a href="/1_kings/22-47.htm">1 Kings 22:47</a>). Now, apparently, she has her own native "king." The change is, perhaps, to be connected with the temporary revolt of Edom hinted at in <a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And they fetched a compass of seven days' journey.</span> The distance from Jerusalem, where the forces of Israel and Judah probably united, to the southern borders of Moab by way of Hebron, Malatha, and Thamara, which is the best-watered route, and would probably be the route taken, does not much exceed a hundred miles; but its difficulties are great, and it is quite probable that the march of an army along it would not average more than fifteen miles a day. <span class="cmt_word">And there was no water for the host.</span> The confederate army had reached the border of Moab, where they had probably expected to find water in the Wady-el-Ahsy, which is reckoned a perennial stream (Robinson, 'Researches,' vol. it. p. 488); but it was dry at the time. All the streams of these parts fail occasionally, when there has been no rain for a long time. <span class="cmt_word">And for the cattle that followed them</span>; rather, .<span class="accented">for the beasts that followed them</span> (see the Revised Version). The baggage-animals are intended (see ver. 17). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֨לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֶֽלֶך־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·me·leḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Judah,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָה֙‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the king</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֶ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Edom</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱד֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·ḏō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_123.htm">Strong's 123: </a> </span><span class="str2">The name of a condiment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set out,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּלֶךְ֩</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and after they had traveled a roundabout</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּסֹ֕בּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·sōb·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">route</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they had no</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">water</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֧יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for their army</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(lam·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or for their</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">animals.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַבְּהֵמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lab·bə·hê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 3:9 So the king of Israel went (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 3:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>