2 Kings 3:23

KJV

And they said, This [is] blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, This is blood {H1818}: the kings {H4428} are surely {H2717} slain {H2717}, and they have smitten {H5221} one {H376} another {H7453}: now therefore, Moab {H4124}, to the spoil {H7998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

said, "That's blood! The kings must have quarreled, and their soldiers killed each other. Mo'av! To the plunder!"

Berean Standard Bible

“This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”

American Standard Version

and they said, This is blood; the kings are surely destroyed, and they have smitten each man his fellow: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:23 vividly portrays a critical moment of profound miscalculation by the Moabite army, who, observing the morning sun reflecting off miraculously provided water in the desert, tragically misinterpreted the reddish hue as the blood of the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom, leading them to believe their enemies had annihilated each other. This fatal misperception, fueled by overconfidence and greed for plunder, spurred them into a disastrous charge that ultimately sealed their defeat at the hands of the very forces they presumed vanquished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of a joint military campaign by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom against Moab, who had rebelled against Israelite vassalage (2 Kings 3:4-5). The allied forces, attempting to outflank Moab by marching through the wilderness of Edom, faced a severe and life-threatening water shortage (2 Kings 3:9-10). In their desperation, they consulted the prophet Elisha, who, despite his initial reluctance concerning Jehoram, prophesied not only miraculous water provision but also a decisive victory over Moab (2 Kings 3:16-19). Following Elisha's instructions, trenches were dug, and the next morning, water miraculously appeared, filling the land (2 Kings 3:20-22). It is this divinely provided water, reflecting the dawn's light off the reddish soil, that the Moabites observed, leading directly to the misinterpretation described in 2 Kings 3:23. The immediate consequence of this misjudgment is the Moabites' ill-fated charge and subsequent rout (2 Kings 3:24-25).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Moabite rebellion against Israel, initiated by King Mesha after Ahab's death, was a significant geopolitical event in the 9th century BCE. Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea, was a long-standing rival and often a vassal of Israel. The allied campaign through the wilderness of Edom was a strategic, albeit arduous, maneuver to surprise Moab. Water, or the lack thereof, was a critical factor in ancient desert warfare, capable of debilitating or destroying an army without a single battle. The concept of "spoil" or plunder was a powerful motivator for armies in the ancient Near East, promising wealth and resources to the victors. The Moabites' eagerness to "spoil" the presumed fallen enemy reflects a common cultural practice and a dangerous overconfidence, assuming an easy victory based on a visual deception. This cultural expectation of plunder directly influenced their rash decision, demonstrating how perceived gain could override careful assessment.
* **Key Themes:** The events of 2 Kings 3, culminating in this verse, powerfully illustrate several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Intervention** are central, as God miraculously provides water and orchestrates the enemy's confusion, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of His people. This echoes the Lord's consistent care for Israel, as seen in the wilderness wanderings when He provided manna and water from the rock (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")). Secondly, the theme of **Human Misperception and Deception** is prominent. The Moabites' inability to discern the true nature of the "blood" highlights the danger of relying solely on appearances, a principle often warned against in Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") on pride leading to destruction, and [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Sees the Heart") on God looking at the heart, not outward appearance). Thirdly, the narrative underscores **God's Strategic Deliverance**, showcasing how He can use unusual circumstances and even the enemy's own assumptions and greed to achieve His purposes and secure victory for His chosen people, a pattern seen throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dām_):** This term refers to the vital fluid of the body. In this context, the Moabites' perception of "blood" was a fatal misinterpretation. The reddish appearance of the water, likely due to the red soil of Edom reflecting the morning sun, led them to conclude that the allied armies had engaged in internal conflict, spilling their own blood. This false premise was the lynchpin of their subsequent tactical error.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _nākāh_):** The verb means "to strike, smite, kill." The Moabites' declaration, "the kings are surely slain," indicates their absolute conviction that the allied forces had been utterly destroyed through mutual combat. This assumption of complete annihilation of the enemy, based on a visual illusion, fostered a dangerous sense of invincibility and led them to drop their guard.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _šālāl_):** This noun refers to plunder, booty, or spoils of war. The cry, "now therefore, Moab, to the spoil," reveals the Moabites' primary motivation: the eager anticipation of seizing the wealth and possessions of the supposedly vanquished armies without resistance. This immediate focus on material gain, rather than careful reconnaissance, blinded them to the reality of the situation and propelled them into a trap.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, This [is] blood":** This clause captures the Moabite army's initial, collective, and catastrophic misinterpretation of the visual phenomenon before them. The reddish reflection of the morning sun on the miraculously provided water, likely mingled with the reddish Edomite soil, appeared to them as pools of blood, signaling a massacre. Their immediate conclusion was based purely on deceptive appearances.
* **"the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another":** Building upon their initial misperception, the Moabites deduced that the allied kings—Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom—had turned on each other, resulting in a bloody internal conflict that had annihilated their forces. This assumption of mutual destruction among the enemy was logical from their limited perspective, given the "blood," but it was entirely false and driven by a lack of divine insight.
* **"now therefore, Moab, to the spoil":** This concluding phrase is a triumphant and urgent command, revealing the Moabites' overconfidence and greed. Believing the enemy was destroyed, they saw an opportunity for easy plunder. The call "to the spoil" was a rallying cry for an immediate, unresisted advance to gather the presumed riches of the vanquished, directly leading them into the waiting ambush of the allied armies.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 3:23 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Irony** is paramount, as what appears to be a sign of destruction (blood) is, in fact, a sign of divine provision and impending victory for Israel. The Moabites rush in for plunder, only to become the plundered. **Symbolism** is also present; the "blood" symbolizes both death (as the Moabites interpret it) and life (as the water sustains the allied armies). The deceptive appearance of blood serves as a **Foreshadowing** device, hinting at the bloodshed that will indeed occur, but not in the way the Moabites anticipate—it will be their own. The entire scenario functions as a **Divine Stratagem**, where God uses a natural phenomenon, enhanced by a miracle, to create a deceptive appearance that leads the enemy to their doom. This highlights God's superior wisdom and ability to outmaneuver human adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Moabites' fatal misjudgment in 2 Kings 3:23 serves as a profound theological lesson on the dangers of human presumption and the unfathomable ways of divine providence. God's wisdom often operates beyond human comprehension, turning perceived disaster into an instrument of deliverance. What appeared to be a sign of utter defeat for the allied kings was, in God's sovereign plan, the very means by which He would secure their victory. This narrative underscores that God is not limited by human logic or conventional warfare; He can use natural phenomena, human error, and even the enemy's greed to accomplish His purposes. It teaches us to look beyond superficial appearances and trust in God's unseen hand, for His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, often working in counter-intuitive ways to bring about His perfect will.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Moabites' misperception in 2 Kings 3:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today. In a world often driven by appearances and hasty judgments, this narrative calls us to cultivate discernment and patience. We are reminded that God often works in mysterious ways, and what may seem like an insurmountable obstacle or a sign of defeat in our lives could, in His divine economy, be the very setup for a miraculous breakthrough or deliverance. This verse challenges us to resist the urge to draw conclusions based solely on what our eyes perceive or what our immediate circumstances suggest, especially when they appear bleak. Instead, we are called to trust in God's unseen hand, His sovereign control, and His unfailing wisdom, even when the path ahead is unclear or seemingly contradictory. It also serves as a potent warning against the dangers of overconfidence, greed, and underestimating the power of God, reminding us that humility and reliance on Him are always the wisest courses of action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be prone to making hasty judgments based on appearances rather than seeking God's perspective?**
* **How does this story encourage you to trust God's plan, even when circumstances seem to contradict a positive outcome?**
* **What "red flags" (like the Moabites' "blood") might God be using in your life to redirect you or reveal a deeper truth?**
* **How can cultivating humility and a discerning spirit protect you from the pitfalls of overconfidence and greed?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use a deceptive appearance to defeat the Moabites?**

Answer: God's use of the deceptive appearance of "blood" was a strategic act of divine judgment and deliverance, demonstrating His sovereignty over both natural phenomena and human perception. It was not deception in the sense of lying, but rather a miraculous manipulation of light and water that led the Moabites, in their pride and greed, to draw a false conclusion. This method allowed God to defeat His enemies without the allied armies having to engage in a prolonged, costly battle, showcasing His power and wisdom in a way that glorified Him. It aligns with instances where God "hardens hearts" or allows people to be deluded when they have rejected truth, ultimately serving His righteous purposes (e.g., [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"), [2 Thessalonians 2:11](/2_thessalonians/2-11 "2 Thessalonians 2:11 - God Sends a Strong Delusion")).

**What was the significance of the miraculous water in this narrative?**

Answer: The miraculous provision of water was multifaceted in its significance. Primarily, it was a direct answer to prayer and a sign of God's covenant faithfulness to His people, preserving the allied armies from perishing in the desert (2 Kings 3:17-20). Without this water, the campaign would have failed. Secondly, it served as the instrument of the "deception" for the Moabites, as its reddish reflection created the illusion of blood. Thus, the same miracle that sustained Israel became the catalyst for Moab's downfall, highlighting God's ability to use one event for multiple, often contrasting, purposes.

**Does this story imply that God actively deceives people?**

Answer: This story does not imply that God actively engages in malicious deception or lying. Instead, it shows God's sovereign control over circumstances and His ability to use natural phenomena and the inherent biases or greed of His enemies to bring about His righteous judgment and deliverance for His people. The Moabites' misinterpretation was a consequence of their own assumptions, fueled by their desire for plunder, and God allowed their flawed perception to lead them to their ruin. It's a demonstration of God's wisdom in outmaneuvering His adversaries, rather than a depiction of Him as a deceiver in a moral sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic divine intervention in 2 Kings 3:23, where a deceptive appearance leads to the enemy's downfall and God's people are delivered, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the seemingly disastrous "blood" was actually a sign of life and victory for Israel, so too the "blood" of Christ, shed on the cross, appeared to be the ultimate defeat to the powers of darkness but was, in reality, the decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. The enemies of God, including Satan and his forces, believed they had "slain" the King of kings, securing their "spoil" through His death, yet this very act was God's ultimate strategic deliverance. Through His crucifixion, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). What appeared to be weakness and defeat—a crucified Messiah—was God's wisdom and power for salvation (see [1 Corinthians 1:23-25](/1_corinthians/1-23-25 "1 Corinthians 1:23-25 - Christ Crucified, God's Power and Wisdom")). The "blood" of the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is not a sign of mutual destruction but the very source of new life and eternal victory for all who believe, demonstrating God's perfect plan to overcome spiritual enemies and secure ultimate deliverance for His people through the ultimate sacrifice.

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 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Exodus 15:9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

2 Chronicles 20:25

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

2 Kings 6:18

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

2 Kings 6:20

And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.

Judges 5:30

Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.