2 kings 3:9 - So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched for seven days along a circuitous route. There was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.
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What does "2 kings 3:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:9 sets the scene for a problem in the narrative. Let's break it down:
"So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom...": This establishes a military alliance. The King of Israel (Joram), seeking to quell a rebellion by Moab, has enlisted the help of Judah (Jehoshaphat) and Edom (whose king is unnamed but likely a vassal of either Israel or Judah). This shows a combined effort against a common enemy.
"...and they marched for seven days along a circuitous route.": They weren't taking the most direct path. The "circuitous route" likely implies they were trying to avoid enemy territory or strongholds, or perhaps trying to approach Moab from an unexpected direction. This suggests a strategic decision, but it will have consequences.
"There was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.": This is the crucial part. The prolonged journey, combined with the less-than-ideal route, has led to a critical shortage of water. This puts the entire military campaign in jeopardy. Armies cannot function effectively without water, and the animals are essential for transportation and carrying supplies.
The Significance:
This verse highlights the precarious situation the allied armies now face. Their strategic decision to take a roundabout route has resulted in a logistical nightmare. It creates tension and sets the stage for the next part of the story, where they must find a solution to their water problem or face defeat. It raises questions about the wisdom of their plan and sets the stage for potential conflict and/or divine intervention. The lack of water is not merely an inconvenience; it's a life-threatening situation that will directly impact the outcome of their campaign.
2 kings 3:9 - So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched for seven days along a circuitous route. There was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.
What does "2 kings 3:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:9 sets the scene for a problem in the narrative. Let's break it down:
"So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom...": This establishes a military alliance. The King of Israel (Joram), seeking to quell a rebellion by Moab, has enlisted the help of Judah (Jehoshaphat) and Edom (whose king is unnamed but likely a vassal of either Israel or Judah). This shows a combined effort against a common enemy.
"...and they marched for seven days along a circuitous route.": They weren't taking the most direct path. The "circuitous route" likely implies they were trying to avoid enemy territory or strongholds, or perhaps trying to approach Moab from an unexpected direction. This suggests a strategic decision, but it will have consequences.
"There was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.": This is the crucial part. The prolonged journey, combined with the less-than-ideal route, has led to a critical shortage of water. This puts the entire military campaign in jeopardy. Armies cannot function effectively without water, and the animals are essential for transportation and carrying supplies.
The Significance:
This verse highlights the precarious situation the allied armies now face. Their strategic decision to take a roundabout route has resulted in a logistical nightmare. It creates tension and sets the stage for the next part of the story, where they must find a solution to their water problem or face defeat. It raises questions about the wisdom of their plan and sets the stage for potential conflict and/or divine intervention. The lack of water is not merely an inconvenience; it's a life-threatening situation that will directly impact the outcome of their campaign.