2 Kings 3:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they beat down {H2040} the cities {H5892}, and on every good {H2896} piece {H2513} of land cast {H7993} every man {H376} his stone {H68}, and filled {H4390} it; and they stopped {H5640} all the wells {H4599} of water {H4325}, and felled {H5307} all the good {H2896} trees {H6086}: only in Kirharaseth {H7025} left {H7604} they the stones {H68} thereof; howbeit the slingers {H7051} went about {H5437} it, and smote {H5221} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They made ruins of the cities. Each man threw his stone on every good field, covering it. They stopped up all the wells. They chopped down all the good trees. Finally, all that remained was Kir-Hareset behind its stone wall, with the slingers surrounding and attacking it.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And they beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the fountains of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir-hareseth only they left the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:25 offers a stark and chilling depiction of the "scorched-earth" tactics employed by the allied forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. Following a divinely-aided victory, the coalition systematically devastated the Moabite countryside, destroying cities, rendering fertile land barren by covering it with stones, stopping all vital water wells, and felling all valuable trees. This extreme destruction aimed to cripple Moab's ability to recover or wage future war, with the final resistance concentrated on the formidable fortress of Kirharaseth, which remained under relentless siege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the punitive military campaign initiated by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom against Mesha, the rebellious king of Moab. The preceding verses meticulously detail the miraculous provision of water for the parched allied armies in the desert, a pivotal divine intervention secured through the prophet Elisha's intercession, as recorded in [2 Kings 3:16-20](/2_kings/3-16-20 "2 Kings 3:16-20 - Elisha's Prophecy and the Miraculous Water Provision"). This supernatural aid led to a decisive and unexpected rout of the Moabites, who, deceived by the sun's reflection on the water, tragically mistook the pooled water for blood. Verse 25 then vividly describes the relentless pursuit and systematic, devastating destruction inflicted upon the retreating Moabite forces and their territory, setting the grim stage for the desperate and shocking act of the Moabite king in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - The King of Moab's Desperate Sacrifice") as the siege of Kirharaseth reaches its horrifying climax.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of "scorched-earth" warfare, as graphically portrayed in this verse, was a common, brutal, and strategically effective tactic in the ancient Near East. Its grim purpose extended beyond merely defeating an enemy army; it aimed to utterly break the will, spirit, and long-term capacity of a nation to resist or recover. By systematically destroying agricultural land, contaminating or blocking water sources, and felling valuable timber, the invading forces sought to ensure prolonged devastation, thereby preventing the enemy from rebuilding their economy, sustaining their population, or raising future armies. Kirharaseth (also known as Kir-hareseth or Kir of Moab), often identified with modern Kerak, was a highly strategic and heavily fortified city, serving as either the capital or a major stronghold of Moab. Its specific mention highlights the final, desperate stand of the Moabites against the overwhelming allied forces, a characteristic feature of ancient sieges where the ultimate goal was the complete subjugation and demoralization of the enemy.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several profound themes prevalent throughout [the book of 2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it starkly underscores the **harsh realities and brutal nature of ancient warfare**, where total devastation was not merely a byproduct but a legitimate military objective, reflecting a destructive intensity sometimes seen in the "ban" concept in other Old Testament contexts, though here executed by human armies. Secondly, it highlights the severe **consequences of rebellion and defiance**, as Mesha's refusal to pay tribute to Israel, detailed in [2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4-5 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Mesha's Rebellion Against Israel"), directly precipitates this punitive expedition and the ensuing widespread desolation. Thirdly, while the destruction is humanly executed, it can be understood as an instrument of **divine judgment** against a people who had frequently opposed Israel and engaged in egregious idolatry. Finally, the strategic obliteration of vital resources underscores the **paramount importance of land and water** for survival and prosperity in the ancient world, making their systematic destruction a profound act of subjugation and punishment, ensuring long-term incapacitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beat down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** From the primitive root H2040, this word signifies to "pull down or in pieces, break, destroy." Its use here emphasizes the thorough and violent demolition of cities, indicating not just defeat but utter ruination. This verb conveys a sense of total dismantling, ensuring that the urban centers were rendered uninhabitable and unusable.
* **Piece of land (Hebrew, _chelqâh'_):** Derived from H2513, this term refers to a specific, often fertile, allotment or plat of ground. The phrase "every good piece of land" highlights the deliberate targeting of the most productive agricultural areas. The act of casting stones upon such land was a direct assault on the enemy's food supply and long-term economic viability, aiming to make the land infertile for an extended period.
* **Stopped (Hebrew, _çâtham'_):** From the primitive root H5640, this word means "to stop up" or "to shut up." Applied to the wells of water, it denotes a deliberate act of rendering vital water sources unusable, either by filling them with debris or blocking their flow. This was a critical component of the "scorched-earth" strategy, aiming to induce thirst and famine among the remaining population and forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they beat down the cities":** This opening clause establishes the widespread and systematic destruction of Moabite urban centers. It signifies a comprehensive assault on the enemy's infrastructure and population hubs, aiming to dismantle their capacity for organized resistance and societal function.
* **"and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it":** This clause vividly describes the agricultural devastation. The act of each soldier participating in throwing stones onto fertile fields (a practice known as "stoning" the land) was a concerted, long-term strategy to render the land barren. This ensured that Moab's food supply would be severely crippled for years, if not decades, preventing rapid recovery.
* **"and they stopped all the wells of water":** This highlights the destruction of vital water sources, which were absolutely essential for human and animal survival, as well as for any form of agriculture. This was a direct and devastating assault on the lifeblood of the nation, designed to induce thirst, disease, and famine, further breaking the will of the Moabites.
* **"and felled all the good trees":** This refers to the destruction of valuable arboreal resources, including fruit trees, timber, and other vegetation. Trees provided food, shade, building materials, and fuel, making their felling another severe and calculated blow to the enemy's ability to sustain itself, rebuild, or even find shelter.
* **"only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it":** This final clause shifts focus to the last remaining stronghold. "Left they the stones thereof" implies that the city's formidable stone walls remained, but it was under intense and continuous assault. The presence of "slingers" indicates a relentless, concentrated bombardment, aiming to breach the defenses and force a surrender, setting the stage for the desperate and shocking actions of the Moabite king described in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity, totality, and grim reality of the destruction. **Hyperbole** is evident in phrases such as "every good piece of land," "all the wells of water," and "all the good trees." While not necessarily implying a literal destruction of every single instance, these sweeping statements effectively communicate the widespread and comprehensive nature of the devastation, creating a sense of overwhelming desolation and leaving no doubt about the invaders' intent. **Imagery** is richly utilized, painting a vivid and visceral picture of ruin: cities beaten down, fertile fields covered in an unnatural layer of stones, dry and stopped wells, and felled trees. These sensory details powerfully immerse the reader in the grim and desolate reality of the battlefield. The **repetition** of destructive actions—beating down cities, casting stones, stopping wells, felling trees—emphasizes the systematic, relentless, and thorough nature of the allied campaign, highlighting the invaders' determination to utterly incapacitate Moab. Finally, the specific mention of the slingers besieging Kirharaseth serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension and hinting at the extreme and desperate measures that will be taken by the Moabite king as the siege intensifies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage, while detailing the harsh realities of ancient warfare, offers profound theological insights into the nature of consequences and divine justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating outcomes that can arise from rebellion, whether against earthly authority or, more profoundly, against the divine will. Mesha's rebellion against Israel's suzerainty directly led to this widespread physical desolation, mirroring how spiritual rebellion against God's commands can lead to spiritual barrenness and a cutting off from the sources of true life and blessing. The systematic destruction of resources can be interpreted as a severe form of judgment, reflecting God's ultimate justice against sin, idolatry, and defiance, even when executed through human instruments. While God is inherently merciful and desires repentance, this passage powerfully illustrates that there are indeed profound consequences for persistent defiance, embodying a principle of sowing and reaping that applies both physically and spiritually in the biblical narrative.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 12:10-11](/jeremiah/12-10-11 "Jeremiah 12:10-11 - Desolation of God's Heritage")
* [Hosea 10:13-14](/hosea/10-13-14 "Hosea 10:13-14 - Reaping Iniquity and Its Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "scorched-earth" policy described in 2 Kings 3:25 is a chilling illustration of the destructive power of human conflict and the extreme lengths to which people will go to secure victory and punish defiance. For us today, this passage serves as a powerful and sobering metaphor for the spiritual desolation that can result from persistent sin, rebellion, and a turning away from God. Just as the Moabite land was rendered barren and its life-giving resources cut off, so too can our souls become parched, unproductive, and spiritually impoverished when we neglect or actively turn away from the "living water" and "good trees" of God's Word, His Spirit, and His divine presence. This passage compels us to consider the profound and often painful consequences of our choices and the vital importance of seeking reconciliation, repentance, and restoration rather than persisting in defiance. It reminds us that while human judgment can be ruthless and devastating, God's ultimate desire is for our flourishing and abundant life, yet He is also just in allowing the natural and spiritual consequences of sin to unfold in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual "scorched earth" due to unconfessed sin, spiritual neglect, or persistent rebellion against God's revealed will?**
* **How does this passage's vivid depiction of physical desolation help me more deeply understand the spiritual barrenness and emptiness that can come from being cut off from God?**
* **What "wells of water" (sources of spiritual nourishment) or "good trees" (fruitful practices and relationships) in my life might be neglected, "stopped," or "felled" due to spiritual apathy, disobedience, or misplaced priorities?**
* **How can understanding the severity and destructive nature of ancient warfare, as depicted here, deepen my appreciation for the profound peace, spiritual abundance, and redemptive power offered through Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of such extreme destruction?**

Answer: The purpose of the "scorched-earth" tactics described in [2 Kings 3:25](/2_kings/3-25 "2 Kings 3:25 - Scorched Earth Tactics") was to utterly incapacitate and demoralize the enemy, Moab, far beyond immediate military defeat. By systematically destroying cities, rendering fertile land barren with stones, stopping vital water wells, and felling all valuable trees, the allied armies aimed to cripple Moab's long-term ability to sustain its population, rebuild its economy, or raise future armies. This brutal strategy was designed to ensure complete subjugation and prevent any future rebellion by making recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many years. It was a common, albeit ruthless, form of total warfare in the ancient Near East, intended to break the enemy's will and capacity for resistance.

**Was this destruction commanded or approved by God?**

Answer: The text of [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - The Campaign Against Moab") does not explicitly state that God commanded this specific level of "scorched-earth" devastation. While the prophet Elisha did prophesy a decisive victory for the allied kings, and the miraculous provision of water was clearly a divine intervention ([2 Kings 3:16-20](/2_kings/3-16-20 "2 Kings 3:16-20 - Elisha's Prophecy and Water Provision")), the extensive destruction described in verse 25 appears to be a consequence of the standard, ruthless practices of ancient warfare rather than a direct divine injunction for this particular level of devastation. However, within the broader biblical narrative, such severe judgments against rebellious or idolatrous nations often align with God's overarching purposes of justice and discipline, even if the specific human actions go beyond explicit divine commands. The Bible frequently records the actions of human agents, both righteous and unrighteous, within the context of God's sovereign plan and the unfolding consequences of human choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 3:25 details a scene of profound physical desolation and human ruthlessness, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in parallel destruction, but in a radical contrast and spiritual transformation. The "scorched earth" policy aimed to cut off all life-giving resources, leaving only barrenness, despair, and death. In stark and glorious contrast, Jesus Christ comes as the ultimate source of life, offering "living water" to all who thirst, ensuring that those who come to Him will never thirst again ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water"); [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). He declares Himself to be the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), from whom all genuine spiritual fruitfulness flows, guaranteeing that those connected to Him will never experience spiritual barrenness or desolation. Where human sin and rebellion lead to spiritual wasteland, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross defeats the spiritual enemies that seek to lay waste to our souls, not by destroying the land, but by redeeming and restoring the human heart. He rebuilds the "ruined cities" of our broken lives and makes the "barren land" of our spirits flourish, transforming us into a vibrant "garden of the Lord" ([Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - God Will Guide You Always")). The victory Christ achieves is not through physical devastation but through spiritual renewal, offering abundant and eternal life where sin once brought only death and desolation ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life")).

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

Jeremiah 48:36

Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches [that] he hath gotten are perished.

Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; [mine heart] shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

2 Kings 3:19

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.

Isaiah 16:11

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

Genesis 26:18

And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

Isaiah 15:1

¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;