They 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. They destroyed the citiesThis phrase indicates a comprehensive campaign of destruction. The Hebrew root for "destroyed" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), which conveys a sense of corruption or ruin. Historically, this reflects the common practice of total warfare in the ancient Near East, where conquering armies would obliterate cities to prevent future resistance. This act of destruction serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as the cities represent the strength and pride of a nation that has opposed the will of the Lord. each man threw a stone into every good field
The act of throwing stones into fields was a deliberate tactic to render the land unusable for agriculture. The Hebrew word for "stone" is "אֶבֶן" (even), symbolizing a burden or obstacle. This action signifies the thoroughness of the destruction, ensuring that the land could not sustain life or prosperity. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness that results from sin and rebellion against God. until it was covered
The complete covering of the fields with stones indicates the totality of the devastation. The Hebrew concept here implies a sense of overwhelming completeness. This serves as a powerful image of how sin can completely cover and ruin the fertile ground of our lives if left unchecked. It is a call to vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity and faithfulness to God. They stopped up all the springs
Springs were vital sources of water, essential for life and prosperity. The Hebrew root "סָתַם" (satam) means to stop up or block, indicating a strategic move to cut off the life-sustaining resources of the land. This act symbolizes the spiritual dryness that occurs when one is cut off from the living water of God's presence and blessing. and cut down every good tree
Trees in the Bible often symbolize life, prosperity, and blessing. The Hebrew word for "cut down" is "כָּרַת" (karat), which can also mean to cut off or make a covenant. The destruction of trees represents the severing of life and blessing, a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking covenant with God. It underscores the importance of remaining rooted in God's word and His promises. Only the stones of Kir-hareseth were left
Kir-hareseth, a fortified city, represents a stronghold that remained despite the widespread destruction. The Hebrew name "Kir-hareseth" suggests a place of pottery or craftsmanship, indicating resilience and strength. This remnant serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of redemption, even amidst judgment. It reminds us that God always preserves a remnant for His purposes. but the men with slings surrounded the city and attacked it
The use of slings, a common weapon in ancient warfare, highlights the persistence and determination of the attackers. The Hebrew word for "sling" is "קֶלַע" (qela), which can also mean to hurl or cast. This imagery of surrounding and attacking signifies the relentless pursuit of God's justice against sin. It serves as a call to spiritual vigilance, reminding believers to be prepared and equipped to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of Israel, led by King Jehoram, who were engaged in battle against Moab. 2. MoabitesThe inhabitants of Moab, who were under the rule of King Mesha and were the adversaries in this conflict. 3. Kir-haresethA fortified city in Moab, known for its strong defenses, which was besieged by the Israelites. 4. King JehoramThe king of Israel at the time, who led the coalition against Moab. 5. SlingersThe soldiers who used slings to attack the city, demonstrating a strategic military tactic. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe destruction of Moab serves as a reminder of the consequences nations face when they oppose God's people. Strategic WarfareThe Israelites' tactics, such as stopping springs and cutting down trees, teach the importance of strategy and preparation in overcoming challenges. God's Sovereignty in BattlesDespite human efforts, ultimate victory is determined by God's will, emphasizing reliance on Him in our struggles. The Importance of UnityThe coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom demonstrates the strength found in unity and cooperation among God's people. Preservation of God's PromisesThe victory over Moab is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the destruction of Moab reflect the broader theme of God's judgment in the Old Testament? 2. In what ways can we apply the strategic actions of the Israelites to our spiritual battles today? 3. How does the alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom illustrate the importance of unity among believers? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance in their military campaign? 5. How does the account of Moab's defeat encourage us to trust in God's promises despite overwhelming odds? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6The destruction of Jericho parallels the destruction of Moabite cities, showing God's power in delivering victory to His people. Isaiah 16Mentions Kir-hareseth, providing a prophetic context to the significance of this city in Moab. 2 Chronicles 20Jehoshaphat's involvement in battles, similar to his alliance with Jehoram against Moab, highlights the recurring theme of alliances in warfare. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics Armed, Attacked, Beat, Break, Cast, Cause, Cities, Conquered, Covered, Covering, Cut, Cutting, Destroyed, Driving, Encompassed, Fall, Felled, Field, Fighting-men, Filled, Fountain, Fountains, Hareseth, Howbeit, However, Kir, Kirharaseth, Kir-haraseth, Kirhara-seth, Kirhareseth, Kir-hareseth, Kir-har'eseth, Moab, Moabites, Overthrew, Piece, Portion, Pulling, Raining, Round, Slingers, Slings, Smite, Smote, Spring, Springs, Stone, Stones, Stop, Stopped, Stopping, Struck, Surrounded, Thereof, Threw, Thus, Till, Town, Towns, Tree, Trees, Wall, Water-springs, WellsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:25 5538 sling 2 Kings 3:16-25 1416 miracles, nature of 2 Kings 3:21-27 5214 attack 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 3:25 NIV2 Kings 3:25 NLT2 Kings 3:25 ESV2 Kings 3:25 NASB2 Kings 3:25 KJV
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