2 Kings 3:21

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

Now all Moab, hearing that the kings had come to make war against them, got together all who were able to take up arms and went forward to the edge of the country.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And 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.

Free Bible Version

All the Moabites had heard that the kings had come to attack them. So everyone who could wear a sword, young and old, was called up and went to guard the border.

Geneva Bible 1599

And when al the Moabites heard that the Kings were come vp to fight against them, they gathered all that was able to put on harnesse, and vpwarde, and stood in their border.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ 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.

Translation for Translators

When the people of Moab heard that the three kings had come with their armies to fight against them, all the men who were able to fight in battles, from the youngest men to the oldest ones, were summoned, and they ◄took their positions/prepared to fight► at the southern border of their land.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, and they stood at the border.

Noah Webster 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 armor, and upward, and stood in 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.

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.

Context

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.

Summary

In this verse, Elisha demonstrates the power of God through a miraculous intervention during a time of war. By instructing the kings to dig ditches in the dry valley, Elisha prophesies that God will provide water without rain, symbolizing His provision and victory over their enemies. This event showcases Elisha's faith in God's ability to work through the natural elements to deliver His people. It serves as a reminder that God's power is not limited by circumstances and that He can bring forth blessings even in the midst of barrenness and desperation.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And when they came to the camp of Israel,.... Not in an orderly regular manner, in rank and file, as an army should march, but in a confused manner, everyone striving who should get thither first, and have the largest share of the booty: the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them; being prepared for them, they fell upon them sword in hand, and soon obliged them to flee: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country; they pursued them closely, and slew them as they fled, and followed them not only to their borders, but into their own country: though Schultens (m), from the use of the word in the Arabic language, renders the passage, "and they blunted their swords in it (in that slaughter), even by smiting the Moabites". (m) De Defect. Hod. Ling. Heb. sect. 26.