2 Kings 3:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 3:25 mean?

2 Kings 3:25 describes how the Israelite army destroyed the cities of Moab, ruined fertile land by covering it with stones, stopped up wells, and cut down good trees, leaving only the fortified city of Kirharaseth standing, which was then attacked by slingers. This verse shows the thoroughness of the destruction carried out against Moab during this campaign.

The verse is part of a narrative where the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom join forces to fight against Moab. The actions described—destroying cities, ruining farmland, and attacking water sources—were common tactics in ancient warfare to weaken an enemy’s ability to recover. Kirharaseth, the main stronghold, was left mostly intact except for attacks by slingers, highlighting its strength or importance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 3:25

• The word for "down" (הָרַס, haras) means to tear down or demolish, emphasizing the complete destruction of the Moabite cities.
• "Good" (טוֹב, tov) is used twice, once for land and once for trees, showing that the Israelites targeted the best and most productive resources, not just any land or trees.
• "Cast" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak) means to throw or hurl, and here it refers to each man throwing stones onto the good land, making it unusable for farming.
• "Stopped" (סָתַם, satam) means to block or seal up, used here for wells, which would cut off water supplies and make the land uninhabitable.

Why 2 Kings 3:25 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ goal was not just military victory but also to cripple Moab’s ability to recover by destroying its resources and infrastructure.
• The mention of Kirharaseth being left with only its stones shows that even the strongest Moabite city was not completely spared, though it withstood more than the others.
• Understanding these tactics helps explain the severity of ancient warfare and the lengths to which armies would go to ensure their enemies could not easily rebuild or retaliate.