2 Kings 3:6

KJV

¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Jehoram {H3088} went out {H3318} of Samaria {H8111} the same time {H3117}, and numbered {H6485} all Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'horam left Shomron and mustered all Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel.

American Standard Version

And king Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time, and mustered all Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:6 describes King Jehoram of Israel's immediate and decisive response to the rebellion of Mesha, king of Moab. Upon learning of Moab's cessation of tribute payments, Jehoram departed from Samaria, the capital, and undertook a comprehensive military census, or muster, of "all Israel." This action was a strategic and authoritative demonstration of royal power, signaling his intent to launch a punitive military campaign to reassert Israelite dominance over Moab and prepare his forces for the impending conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point in the narrative of 2 Kings 3. It follows directly from the account of Jehoram's ascension to the throne of Israel, succeeding his brother Ahaziah, and his partial but incomplete departure from the idolatry of his father Ahab (as noted in [2 Kings 3:2](/2_kings/3-2 "2 Kings 3:2 - Jehoram's Reign Begins")). The immediate catalyst for Jehoram's action is the rebellion of Mesha, king of Moab, who, after Ahab's death, ceased paying the immense tribute of sheep and wool that had been a long-standing obligation ([2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Mesha's Rebellion")). Therefore, [2 Kings 3:6](/2_kings/3-6 "2 Kings 3:6 - Jehoram Mobilizes for War") marks the beginning of Israel's military counter-response, setting the stage for Jehoram's subsequent alliance with Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom in the following verses, as they prepare to march against Moab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, tribute payments were a common feature of suzerain-vassal relationships, signifying the vassal's submission and the suzerain's dominance. Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea, had long been under Israelite control, but its rebellion under Mesha (also attested by the Mesha Stele, an extrabiblical inscription) represented a direct challenge to Israel's regional hegemony. Kings like Jehoram were expected to maintain order and protect their kingdom's interests through military might. "Numbering all Israel" was not a mere population census but a well-established practice of military conscription or muster, designed to assess the available fighting men and organize them for war. Samaria, as the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was the seat of royal power, and the king's departure from it signified a personal and direct engagement in the military endeavor.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 3:6](/2_kings/3-6 "2 Kings 3:6 - Jehoram Mobilizes for War") underscores several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Authority and Military Mobilization**, demonstrating the king's prerogative and responsibility to command and prepare his nation's forces in times of threat. Jehoram's act of "numbering all Israel" was a clear exercise of this authority, essential for effective governance and defense. Secondly, it emphasizes **Preparation for Conflict**, illustrating the pragmatic and strategic thinking required of ancient monarchs. Faced with a significant challenge from a rebellious vassal, Jehoram's immediate response was to assess and gather his military strength, recognizing that a substantial threat required a substantial show of force. This echoes similar military preparations seen throughout the Old Testament, such as the detailed census for war in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel") or King David's controversial numbering of Israel in [2 Samuel 24:1-9](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1-9 - David's Census").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pāqad'_):** The verb פָּקַד (*pāqad*) is rich in meaning, encompassing ideas of visiting, attending to, appointing, missing, and, crucially in this context, mustering or reviewing. When used in a military sense, as it is here, it refers to the act of taking a census of fighting men, organizing them into units, and preparing them for battle. It implies an active, intentional assessment and mobilization of troops, rather than a passive counting. This specific usage highlights Jehoram's direct and authoritative role in preparing for war.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yiśrā’ēl'_):** While "Israel" can refer to the entire nation, in this military context, "all Israel" specifically denotes all the available fighting men or those eligible for military service from across the kingdom. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jehoram's muster, indicating that he intended to gather the full military might of his kingdom to confront the Moabite rebellion. This was not a partial call to arms but a national mobilization.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Šōmrôn'_):** Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri and fortified by Ahab. As the seat of the royal palace and government, Jehoram's "going out of Samaria" signifies his departure from the administrative center to personally oversee the military preparations. It underscores the urgency and importance of the situation, as the king himself was directly involved in the mobilization efforts, leaving the comfort and security of his capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time,"**: This clause establishes the immediate and decisive action of King Jehoram. His departure from Samaria, the capital, indicates a direct and personal involvement in the impending military campaign. The phrase "the same time" connects his action directly to the preceding narrative of Mesha's rebellion, emphasizing the swiftness of his response. It signifies a shift from deliberation within the palace to active military preparation in the field.
* **"and numbered all Israel."**: This second clause details the specific action Jehoram undertook. "Numbering all Israel" is a technical term for a military muster or census, where the available fighting men of the kingdom were counted, organized, and prepared for war. This act was a fundamental exercise of royal authority, demonstrating Jehoram's power to command his subjects for national defense. It was a crucial step in assessing the kingdom's military strength and readiness before engaging in conflict, laying the groundwork for the subsequent alliance and campaign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jehoram's decisive action of "numbering all Israel" clearly signals the impending military conflict with Moab, building narrative tension. The phrase "all Israel" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "Israel" stands in for the entire fighting force or eligible men of the nation, rather than every single inhabitant, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the military mobilization. Furthermore, the verse presents a direct **Royal Edict/Action**, portraying the king's immediate and authoritative command in response to a national threat. This direct action emphasizes the king's responsibility and power in ancient Near Eastern kingship, setting the stage for the unfolding military narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 2 Kings 3:6 primarily describes a historical military action, it subtly touches upon broader theological themes concerning leadership, preparation, and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations, even when human kings are making strategic decisions. Jehoram's immediate and comprehensive mobilization reflects a human understanding of the need for preparedness in the face of adversity. From a theological perspective, this human effort, while necessary, often serves as a backdrop against which God's ultimate power and intervention are revealed in the broader narrative of Kings. It reminds us that while we are called to be diligent and strategic in our endeavors, true victory and security ultimately rest in divine providence, a theme frequently explored in the Old Testament's accounts of warfare and national destiny.

* [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - Laws for Warfare")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Divine Sovereignty in Battle")
* [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoram's swift and thorough mobilization in response to a clear threat offers a timeless lesson in leadership and preparedness. In our own lives, whether facing personal challenges, professional demands, or spiritual battles, the principle remains: effective action often requires a clear assessment of the situation, an honest evaluation of available resources, and a proactive, decisive response. This isn't about mustering physical armies, but about spiritual and practical readiness. Just as Jehoram gathered his forces, we are called to gather our spiritual resources—prayer, scripture, community, and faith—to stand firm against the challenges we face. It reminds us that while God is sovereign, He often works through our diligent preparation and faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rebellions" or challenges are you currently facing in your life that require a proactive "muster" of your resources?**
* **How do you typically prepare for significant challenges, and what spiritual resources do you tend to neglect in those preparations?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying solely on human effort, neglecting to seek divine wisdom and strength?**
* **How does the concept of "numbering all Israel" for battle translate into preparing yourself for spiritual warfare as described in the New Testament?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of Jehoram "numbering all Israel" in this context?**

Answer: The primary purpose was to conduct a military muster, or census, of all eligible fighting men in the kingdom of Israel. This was a standard practice in the ancient Near East when preparing for war. It allowed King Jehoram to assess the full strength of his available forces, organize them into units, and prepare them for the impending military campaign against the rebellious Moabites. It was a strategic act of mobilization, not merely a general population count, demonstrating the king's authority and determination to quell the rebellion.

**How does Jehoram's action here relate to the broader narrative of kingship in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Jehoram's action in [2 Kings 3:6](/2_kings/3-6 "2 Kings 3:6 - Jehoram Mobilizes for War") is a classic example of a king exercising his fundamental duty and prerogative: to protect his kingdom and enforce its suzerainty through military might. Throughout the Old Testament, kings are depicted as military leaders responsible for the defense and expansion of their realms. This act aligns with the responsibilities of kingship, as seen in figures like David and Solomon, who also engaged in military organization and campaigns. It highlights the practical, often militaristic, demands placed upon ancient monarchs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 3:6 depicts an earthly king mobilizing a physical army for a geopolitical conflict, it subtly points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His spiritual mobilization of His people. Jehoram gathered "all Israel" to confront an external threat and reassert his kingdom's dominion. In contrast, Christ, the true King of Kings, does not muster a physical army but calls His followers, the spiritual Israel, to engage in a spiritual battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Full Armor of God")). His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), yet He equips His disciples with divine armor and the power of the Holy Spirit to stand firm. Christ's "numbering" or knowing His own is not for earthly conscription but for eternal fellowship and participation in His victory over all opposing forces, a triumph already secured through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the ultimate Commander who leads His people to ultimate, eternal victory, not through human strength, but through His divine authority and sacrificial love, ultimately returning as the victorious Rider on a white horse, leading the armies of heaven ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 Samuel 24:1

¶ And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 24:25

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

1 Kings 20:27

And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

1 Samuel 11:8

And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

1 Samuel 15:4

And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.