When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. When they got up early in the morningThis phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the narrative. The act of rising early often signifies readiness and anticipation in biblical texts. In Hebrew culture, early morning is a time of new beginnings and divine encounters. The Hebrew root for "early" (שָׁכַם, shakham) implies diligence and eagerness, suggesting that the Moabites were prepared for battle, unaware of the divine intervention that awaited them. the sun was shining on the water
The sun, often a symbol of God's glory and presence, plays a crucial role in this verse. The Hebrew word for "sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) is frequently associated with light and revelation. The shining sun reflects God's ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. The water, a symbol of life and sustenance, becomes a tool in God's hand to deceive the Moabites, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation. and to the Moabites across the way
The Moabites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel. Their position "across the way" indicates a separation not just geographically but spiritually and morally. The Moabites' perspective is limited, unable to see the divine orchestration at play. This phrase highlights the theme of spiritual blindness and the consequences of opposing God's people. the water looked red—like blood
The transformation of the water's appearance is a divine illusion. The Hebrew word for "red" (אָדֹם, adom) is the same root used for "Edom," a nation often at odds with Israel, symbolizing enmity and conflict. Blood, in biblical terms, signifies life, covenant, and sacrifice. This imagery foreshadows the impending defeat of the Moabites, as they misinterpret the sign, leading to their downfall. The miraculous nature of this event underscores God's power to confound the wisdom of His enemies and protect His chosen people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabitesA nation descended from Moab, the son of Lot. They were often in conflict with Israel. 2. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, led by King Jehoram, who were in alliance with Judah and Edom against Moab. 3. JehoramThe king of Israel who sought to subdue Moab after they rebelled against his rule. 4. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who allied with Jehoram in the campaign against Moab. 5. EdomA neighboring nation that joined Israel and Judah in their military campaign against Moab. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattleGod can use natural phenomena to achieve His purposes. The reflection of the sun on the water was perceived as blood, leading to the Moabites' confusion and eventual defeat. Perception vs. RealityThe Moabites' misinterpretation of the water as blood teaches us about the dangers of relying solely on human perception without seeking divine insight. Divine StrategyGod's strategies often defy human logic. Trusting in His plans, even when they seem unconventional, can lead to victory. Unity Among BelieversThe alliance between Israel, Judah, and Edom highlights the importance of unity among God's people in facing common challenges. Faith in ActionThe Israelites' obedience in following God's instructions, despite the odds, demonstrates the importance of faith in action. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of the Moabites' defeat illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our perceptions align with God's truth rather than relying solely on our understanding? 3. How can we apply the principle of unity among believers in our local church or community? 4. What are some examples in your life where God's strategy seemed unconventional, yet led to a positive outcome? 5. How can we cultivate a faith that is active and obedient, even when God's plans seem unclear or challenging? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14:21-22The miraculous parting of the Red Sea, where God used natural elements to deliver His people, similar to how the sun's reflection on the water played a role in the Israelites' victory. Judges 7:22The account of Gideon, where God caused confusion among the enemies of Israel, leading to their defeat. Psalm 46:10Encourages believers to be still and recognize God's sovereignty, as seen in the unexpected victory over Moab. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics Across, Blood, Early, Facing, Got, Moabites, Morning, Opposite, Over-against, Red, Rise, Rose, Shining, Shone, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:22 4807 colours 2 Kings 3:16-25 1416 miracles, nature of 2 Kings 3:21-23 4954 morning 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 3:22 NIV2 Kings 3:22 NLT2 Kings 3:22 ESV2 Kings 3:22 NASB2 Kings 3:22 KJV
2 Kings 3:22 Commentaries
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