New International Version Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come to fight against them; so every man, young and old, who could bear arms was called up and stationed on the border. New Living Translation Meanwhile, when the people of Moab heard about the three armies marching against them, they mobilized every man who was old enough to strap on a sword, and they stationed themselves along their border. English Standard Version When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. Berean Standard Bible Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. Berean Literal Bible And all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, and they were called together from everyone girding a belt and older, and they stood at the border. King James Bible And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. New King James Version And when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to bear arms and older were gathered; and they stood at the border. New American Standard Bible Now all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. And all who were able to put on armor and older were summoned and they took their positions on the border. NASB 1995 Now all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. And all who were able to put on armor and older were summoned and stood on the border. NASB 1977 Now all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. And all who were able to put on armor and older were summoned, and stood on the border. Legacy Standard Bible Now all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. And they summoned all who were able to put on armor and older, and they stood on the border. Amplified Bible Now all the Moabites heard that the [three] kings had come up to fight against them, and all who were able to put on armor, as well as those who were older, were summoned and stood [together in battle formation] at the border. Berean Annotated Bible Now all the Moabites (of his father) had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. Christian Standard Bible All Moab had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, from the youngest to the oldest, were summoned and took their stand at the border. Holman Christian Standard Bible All Moab had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, from the youngest to the oldest, were summoned and took their stand at the border. American Standard Version Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all that were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood on the border. Contemporary English Version Meanwhile, the people of Moab had heard that the three kings were coming to attack them. They had called together all of their fighting men, from the youngest to the oldest, and these troops were now standing at their border, ready for battle. English Revised Version Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood on the border. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the people of Moab heard that the kings had come to fight them. So all men old enough to bear arms were called to fight. They stood at the border. Good News Translation When the Moabites heard that the three kings had come to attack them, all the men who could bear arms, from the oldest to the youngest, were called out and stationed at the border. International Standard Version Meanwhile, all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to attack them, so everyone old enough to wear battle armor was mustered to stand guard at the border. NET Bible Now all Moab had heard that the kings were attacking, so everyone old enough to fight was mustered and placed at the border. New Heart English Bible Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood on the border. Webster's Bible Translation And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood in the border. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. World English Bible Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, young and old, and stood on the border. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand all of Moab has heard that the kings have come up to fight against them, and they are called together, from everyone girding on a girdle and upward, and they stand by the border. Berean Literal Bible And all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, and they were called together from everyone girding a belt and older, and they stood at the border. Young's Literal Translation and all Moab have heard that the kings have come up to fight against them, and they are called together, from every one girding on a girdle and upward, and they stand by the border. Smith's Literal Translation And all Moab heard that the kings came up to war against them, and they will be gathered together from all girding on a girdle, and above, and they will stand upon the bound. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the Moabites hearing that the kings were come up to fight against them, gathered together all that were girded with a belt upon them, and stood in the borders. Catholic Public Domain Version Then all the Moabites, hearing that the kings had ascended so that they might fight against them, gathered all who had been girded with a belt around them, and they stood at the borders. New American Bible Meanwhile, all Moab had heard that the kings had come to war against them; troops from the youngest on up were mobilized and stationed at the border. New Revised Standard Version When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the frontier. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when all the Moabites saw that the kings were come up to fight against them, they called out all that were able to gird themselves with the sword and stood on the border. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the Moabites heard that the Kings came up to fight with them, and all who were girt with a sword and beyond announced themselves and they stood on the border. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood on the border. Brenton Septuagint Translation And all Moab heard that the three kings were come up to fight against them; and they cried out on every side, even all that were girt with a girdle, and they said, Ho! and stood upon the border. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion…20The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land. 21Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. 22When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way.… Cross References Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). / Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. … Joshua 10:5 So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon and made war against it. 1 Samuel 17:1-3 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. / Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. / The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. 2 Chronicles 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. Numbers 1:3 You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. Judges 20:17 The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior. Exodus 14:24-25 At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. / He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” Judges 7:22 And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. Isaiah 19:2 “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. Ezekiel 38:21 And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother. Matthew 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Mark 13:8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Luke 21:10 Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Acts 2:6 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Treasury of Scripture And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood in the border. gathered [heb] were cried together 1 Kings 20:11 And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off. Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Jump to Previous Able Armor Armour Arms Bear Border Country Drawn Edge Fight Forward Frontier Gathered Heard Hearing Kings Moab Moabites Older Oldest Stationed Stood Summoned Themselves Together Upward War Young YoungestJump to Next Able Armor Armour Arms Bear Border Country Drawn Edge Fight Forward Frontier Gathered Heard Hearing Kings Moab Moabites Older Oldest Stationed Stood Summoned Themselves Together Upward War Young Youngest2 Kings 3 1. Jehoram's reign4. Mesha rebels 6. Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water, 13. by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory 21. The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome 26. The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. Moab, descended from Lot, had long been entangled with Israel in conflict and tribute. After King Mesha rebelled against Israel’s rule, the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom marched against him. News of their approach spread quickly, bringing the threat of invasion to a nation occupying the highlands east of the Dead Sea. Mesha’s own inscription, known as the Moabite Stone, confirms the struggle between Moab and Israel during this period. 2Ch 20:1-4 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some… So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. Moab gathered every available fighting man, showing the urgency of the crisis. The nation prepared to meet the invading armies at its border rather than allow them to advance into its territory. The full mobilization reveals both Moab’s fear of defeat and its determination to resist the coalition. 2Ch 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah… Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabitesThe people of Moab, descendants of Lot, who were often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they are preparing for battle against the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom. 2. Kings Refers to the coalition of three kings: Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom, who have united to fight against Moab. 3. Border The strategic location where the Moabites gathered to defend their territory against the approaching coalition forces. 4. Jehoram The king of Israel, who initiated the campaign against Moab after the Moabite king rebelled against Israelite control. 5. Jehoshaphat The king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God, who joined the alliance to support Israel against Moab. Teaching Points Preparedness for Spiritual BattlesJust as the Moabites gathered to defend their land, Christians must be prepared to stand firm in spiritual battles, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Unity in Purpose The coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom demonstrates the power of unity in achieving a common goal. Believers are called to work together in unity for the advancement of God's kingdom (Philippians 2:2). The Consequences of Rebellion Moab's rebellion against Israelite control serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebelling against God's established order. Submission to God's authority brings peace and blessing (Romans 13:1-2). The Role of Leadership The involvement of Jehoshaphat, a godly leader, highlights the importance of righteous leadership in guiding people through challenges. Leaders are called to seek God's wisdom and guidance (James 1:5). Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 3:21?2. How does 2 Kings 3:21 demonstrate God's power over human plans and expectations? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the Moabites' reaction in 2 Kings 3:21? 4. How does 2 Kings 3:21 connect to God's deliverance in Exodus 14:13-14? 5. How should we respond when God acts unexpectedly, as seen in 2 Kings 3:21? 6. What does 2 Kings 3:21 teach about trusting God's plan over our own? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 3:21? 8. How does 2 Kings 3:21 reflect God's intervention in battles? 9. What is the significance of the Moabites' reaction in 2 Kings 3:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 3? (21) And when . . . heard . . . they gathered.--Now all the Moabites had heard . . . and had gathered themselves: literally, had been summoned, called together (Judges 7:23). All that were able to put on armour.--From every one girding on a girdle, and upwards--i.e., all of adult age, all who could bear arms. It was a levy en masse of the male population for the defence of the country. Stood in.--Had taken their stand on the frontier. Verse 21. - And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them. The Hebrew has no pluperfect tense; but the verbs have here a pluperfect force. Translate, When all the Moabites had heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they had gathered all that were able, etc. The muster of the troops had long preceded the storm. They gathered all that were able to put on amour; literally, there had been gathered together all that girded themselves with girdles; i.e. all the male population of full age. And upward - i.e., and all above the age when the girdle was first assumed - and stood in the border; took up a position near the extreme border of their territory, on the northern bank of the Wady-el-Ahsy. 2 Kings 3:21 shows Moab’s complete, urgent response to the perceived threat of Israel and her allies. News spreads, fear rises, every able body is drafted, and defensive lines form. Yet all the human preparation in the world cannot stand when God has determined victory for His people. The verse lays the groundwork for the Lord’s upcoming deliverance, reminding us that hearing is not the same as heeding, and mobilizing is not the same as trusting the Almighty.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now allוְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Moabites מוֹאָב֙ (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled had heard שָֽׁמְע֔וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the kings הַמְּלָכִ֖ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4428: A king had come up עָל֥וּ (‘ā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively to fight against them. לְהִלָּ֣חֶם (lə·hil·lā·ḥem) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle So all מִכֹּ֨ל (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who could bear arms, חֹגֵ֤ר (ḥō·ḡêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 2296: To gird, gird on, gird oneself [young] and old, וָמַ֔עְלָה (wā·ma‘·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 4605: The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top were summoned וַיִּצָּעֲק֗וּ (way·yiṣ·ṣā·‘ă·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim and stationed וַיַּעַמְד֖וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations at עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the border. הַגְּבֽוּל׃ (hag·gə·ḇūl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed Additonal Resources 2 Kings 3:21 Blue Letter Bible2 Kings 3:21 Bible Gateway 2 Kings 3:21 Bible.com 2 Kings 3:21 NIV |
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