2 Kings 3:9

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.

So the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} went {H3212}, and the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and the king {H4428} of Edom {H123}: and they fetched a compass {H5437} of seven {H7651} days {H3117}' journey {H1870}: and there was no water {H4325} for the host {H4264}, and for the cattle {H929} that followed {H7272} them.

So the king of Isra'el set out, along with the king of Y'hudah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout journey of seven days, there was no water for either the army or the animals following them.

So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals.

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom; and they made a circuit of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, nor for the beasts that followed them.

Commentary

2 Kings 3:9 describes a critical moment in a military campaign involving three allied kings, setting the stage for divine intervention.

Context of 2 Kings 3:9

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the joint military expedition of King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom. Their objective was to suppress the rebellion of Moab, led by King Mesha, who had ceased paying tribute to Israel after the death of Ahab (2 Kings 3:5). Instead of taking a direct route, they chose a circuitous path "a compass of seven days' journey" through the wilderness of Edom. This strategic detour, perhaps intended to surprise the Moabites or avoid heavily fortified areas, inadvertently led them into a desperate situation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Alliance and Joint Effort: The verse highlights the formation of a powerful triple alliance to address a common threat. It shows how nations would band together for military purposes in ancient times.
  • Unforeseen Challenges: Despite careful planning and a strategic route, the allied armies encountered a severe and life-threatening problem: a critical shortage of water for both the soldiers ("the host") and their essential livestock ("the cattle that followed them"). This immediately puts the vast military force in a position of extreme vulnerability.
  • Dependence on Providence: The dire lack of water underscores the inherent limitations of human strength and planning, even for powerful armies. This crisis serves as a crucial setup for the subsequent events where divine intervention through the prophet Elisha becomes their only hope for survival and victory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fetched a compass" is an archaic KJV English idiom meaning they "made a circuit" or "took a roundabout way." It emphasizes the specific, chosen route that led them into the waterless wilderness.

Practical Application

The experience of the kings in 2 Kings 3:9 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Even well-laid plans can face unexpected obstacles: Life often presents unforeseen challenges, even when we believe we have prepared adequately.
  • Recognizing our limitations: This passage reminds us that there are situations where human ingenuity and strength are insufficient. It fosters humility and a recognition of our dependency on a higher power.
  • The need for spiritual guidance in crisis: The water crisis prompts the kings to seek the Lord through Elisha (as seen in subsequent verses), demonstrating the importance of turning to God when human solutions fail. This highlights the principle that trusting in the Lord with all your heart is vital, especially when facing overwhelming difficulties.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 22:47

    [There was] then no king in Edom: a deputy [was] king.

  • Numbers 20:4

    And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

  • Exodus 17:1

    ¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water for the people to drink.

  • Judges 4:10

    ¶ And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

  • Exodus 15:22

    ¶ So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

  • Numbers 20:2

    And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

  • Numbers 33:14

    And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
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