2 Kings 3:19

KJV

And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall smite {H5221} every fenced {H4013} city {H5892}, and every choice {H4004} city {H5892}, and shall fell {H5307} every good {H2896} tree {H6086}, and stop {H5640} all wells {H4599} of water {H4325}, and mar {H3510} every good {H2896} piece {H2513} of land with stones {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will conquer every fortified city and every choice town, you will chop down every good tree, stop up every well and ruin every good field with stones."

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”

American Standard Version

And ye shall smite every fortified city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all fountains of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:19 records a severe divine command delivered through the prophet Elisha to the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom, detailing a comprehensive "scorched-earth" strategy to be employed against the rebellious Moabites. This instruction mandates the utter destruction of Moab's urban centers, agricultural resources, and vital water supplies, signifying a total obliteration of their capacity to resist or recover, all as a demonstration of God's judgment and sovereign power in warfare.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct prophetic utterance from Elisha, given at a critical juncture in the campaign against Moab. The allied armies, led by Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom, found themselves desperately stranded without water in the wilderness of Edom. After consulting Elisha, who initially showed reluctance due to Jehoram's idolatry, God miraculously provided water without wind or rain, filling the valley with pools ([2 Kings 3:16-17](/2_kings/3-16 "2 Kings 3:16-17 - Elisha's Prophecy of Water and Victory")). Immediately following this miraculous provision and the promise of victory, Elisha delivers the harsh military directives of verse 19, which are to be executed as part of God's judgment against Moab's rebellion and their prior mistreatment of Israel ([2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - The King of Moab's Desperate Sacrifice")). The command is not a human tactical suggestion but a divinely ordained strategy, emphasizing God's active involvement in the unfolding events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conflict described in 2 Kings 3 arose from Moab's rebellion against Israel after the death of Ahab. Mesha, king of Moab, had been paying tribute to Israel, but he rebelled, as detailed in the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), an extra-biblical artifact that corroborates aspects of this period. Ancient Near Eastern warfare was often brutal, employing tactics designed to utterly subjugate or annihilate enemies, including the destruction of cities, fields, and water sources to prevent resurgence. The command to "mar every good piece of land with stones" (often called "salting" or "strewing with stones") was a particularly devastating act, intended to render agricultural land barren for generations, a practice known from other ancient conflicts. While Deuteronomy 20:19-20 generally prohibited felling fruit trees during a siege, this specific divine command against Moab highlights the unique and severe nature of God's judgment in this particular instance, overriding typical warfare conventions due to the specific divine decree against a rebellious nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating God's absolute authority over nations and His willingness to use even devastating warfare as an instrument of His justice against rebellion and idolatry. Moab's defiance of Israel, God's covenant people, and their own pagan practices, invited such a severe response. Secondly, the passage highlights the **Prophetic Authority and God's Active Revelation**, as Elisha serves as the direct conduit for God's explicit and detailed commands, demonstrating that God is not a distant deity but one who intervenes directly in human affairs and military campaigns. Lastly, it touches upon the **Consequences of Rebellion**, showing that disobedience to established covenants or divine order, whether by Israel or surrounding nations, inevitably leads to severe and far-reaching repercussions, often involving the loss of vital resources and national security, as seen in the broader historical narrative of both Israel and its neighbors throughout [the Books of Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Books of Kings - History of Israel and Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, נָכָה _nakah_):** This verb is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote a decisive, often violent, strike or blow, leading to defeat, injury, or death. In a military context, it implies a comprehensive defeat and destruction, not merely a skirmish. Here, it signifies the utter conquest and devastation of Moab's fortified and valuable cities.
* **Fell (Hebrew, כָּרַת _karat_):** Meaning "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to destroy," _karat_ is used specifically for the felling of trees. The command to fell "every good tree" emphasizes an attack on Moab's long-term agricultural sustainability and economic foundation, going beyond immediate military objectives to cripple their future capacity.
* **Stop (Hebrew, סָכָר _sakar_):** This word means "to stop up," "to block," or "to close." In an arid region like Moab, water sources were paramount for survival. The command to stop "all wells of water" was an act of extreme strategic importance, designed to deny the enemy and the local population access to the most vital resource, ensuring their complete incapacitation and eventual surrender or flight.
* **Mar (Hebrew, פָּשַׁט _pashat_):** While _pashat_ can mean "to strip" or "to spread out," in this context, when combined with "with stones," it conveys the act of laying waste or rendering land unproductive by scattering stones over it. This was a deliberate and severe act of agricultural sabotage, ensuring that even if the land were reoccupied, it would be unable to sustain its inhabitants or produce crops, signifying a total and lasting devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city":** This clause commands the destruction of all urban centers, distinguishing between "fenced" (fortified, defensive) and "choice" (best, most valuable, possibly unfortified but economically significant) cities. This indicates a comprehensive assault on Moab's population centers and administrative hubs, leaving no significant settlement untouched.
* **"and shall fell every good tree":** This directive targets Moab's agricultural infrastructure. "Every good tree" would include fruit trees, olive groves, and other productive trees vital for sustenance and economy. This act, while seemingly contrary to general Israelite warfare laws (Deuteronomy 20:19-20), here reflects a specific divine judgment aimed at crippling Moab's long-term ability to recover and sustain itself.
* **"and stop all wells of water":** This command addresses the most critical resource in an arid land. By blocking or polluting "all wells of water," the allied armies would eliminate the primary source of hydration for both people and livestock, making prolonged habitation or resistance impossible and forcing surrender or flight due to thirst.
* **"and mar every good piece of land with stones":** This final clause describes the ultimate act of agricultural devastation. Scattering stones over fertile land renders it barren and unproductive, effectively destroying its agricultural potential for years, if not generations. This ensures that even if Moab were to rebuild its cities, its ability to feed its population would be severely compromised, completing the strategy of total incapacitation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity and totality of the divine command. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping nature of the destruction: "every fenced city," "every choice city," "every good tree," "all wells," and "every good piece of land." While perhaps not literally every single instance, the language emphasizes an overwhelming and comprehensive devastation. **Parallelism** is also present through the repeated structure of the commands, each beginning with "and ye shall" or "and shall," followed by a destructive verb and its object. This rhythmic repetition reinforces the relentless and systematic nature of the commanded actions. Furthermore, vivid **Imagery** is used to paint a stark picture of desolation: shattered cities, felled orchards, choked wells, and stone-strewn fields. This imagery effectively communicates the profound and lasting impact of God's judgment upon Moab, leaving no doubt as to the severity of the consequences for their rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage from 2 Kings 3:19 offers profound insights into God's character and His interaction with nations in the Old Testament. It reveals a God who is not only sovereign over the natural world (as seen in the miraculous provision of water) but also over human conflicts and the destinies of nations. The command for total devastation against Moab underscores God's justice and holiness, demonstrating that He holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their rebellion against His people and their adherence to idolatry. While the methods are severe, they are presented as a divinely sanctioned act of judgment, reflecting a covenantal context where God actively intervened in the affairs of His chosen nation and its enemies. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are ultimately achieved, and His righteous judgment will prevail against all forms of human rebellion and evil.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Inhabitants of Canaan")
* [Joshua 6:21](/joshua/6-21 "Joshua 6:21 - Destruction of Jericho")
* [Isaiah 34:8-10](/isaiah/34-8 "Isaiah 34:8-10 - God's Vengeance on Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific military commands of 2 Kings 3:19 belong to a unique historical and covenantal context, they offer enduring principles for contemporary believers. This passage calls us to reflect on the absolute sovereignty of God, who orchestrates events on a global scale, and whose justice is both profound and unwavering. It reminds us that rebellion against divine truth and established order carries severe consequences, urging us towards humility and obedience. Furthermore, it challenges us to understand the multifaceted nature of God's character, embracing both His boundless mercy and His righteous judgment. In our own lives, this can translate to a call for radical obedience in confronting spiritual strongholds, felling "good trees" of idolatry in our hearts, stopping "wells" of sinful desires, and marring "good pieces of land" where sin seeks to flourish, thereby making room for God's kingdom to take root.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's severe judgment in this passage deepen your appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be harboring "fenced cities" or "choice cities" of sin that God is calling you to utterly dismantle?**
* **What "good trees" (seemingly beneficial habits or relationships) might need to be "felled" in your life if they are hindering your spiritual growth or devotion to God?**
* **How can the concept of "stopping wells" of water be applied metaphorically to cutting off sources of spiritual nourishment that are not from God?**

### FAQ
**Was this "scorched-earth" tactic common in ancient warfare, and why would God command it here?**

Answer: Yes, "scorched-earth" tactics were indeed common in ancient warfare, employed to cripple an enemy's ability to wage war, sustain itself, or recover. This included destroying cities, felling trees, and poisoning or stopping water sources. God's command for such a strategy in 2 Kings 3:19, while severe, must be understood within the specific context of divine judgment against Moab. Moab had a history of hostility towards Israel, including their rebellion and previous acts of aggression (e.g., [Numbers 22-25](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-25 - Balaam and Moab"), [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon")). This was not merely human strategy but a divinely ordained act of retribution and a demonstration of God's sovereign power over nations, ensuring the complete subjugation of a people who had defied His covenant people and their God. It underscores the severity of God's justice against unrepentant rebellion and idolatry in the Old Testament era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 3:19 describes a physical military campaign and the literal destruction of an enemy, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to a deeper, spiritual warfare and the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus. Christ, as the true King and Commander, leads His people not in a battle against flesh and blood, but against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The "smashing" of enemy cities foreshadows Christ's triumph over the strongholds of sin, death, and the devil, utterly dismantling their power and authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "felling of good trees" and "stopping of wells" can be seen as the destruction of false sources of life and security that humanity relies upon apart from God, and the cutting off of sinful desires that masquerade as good. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, "marred" the "land" of sin and death, rendering it barren of its power to hold believers captive, and instead, established a new creation where righteousness flourishes ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the total devastation commanded against Moab prefigures the decisive and complete victory of Christ, who has disarmed our spiritual enemies and secured eternal life and true sustenance for all who believe in Him, ushering in a new covenant where spiritual judgment and deliverance are perfectly fulfilled in His person and work ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 3:25

And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.

Deuteronomy 20:19

When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field [is] man's [life]) to employ [them] in the siege:

Deuteronomy 20:20

Only the trees which thou knowest that they [be] not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued.

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Judges 6:16

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

1 Samuel 23:2

Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.