2 Kings 3:19

19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water ¹and ruin every good piece of land with stones."

2 Kings 3:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 3:19

And ye shall smite every fenced city and every choice city,
&c.] That is, the inhabitants of them with the sword, and demolish them also, ( 2 Kings 3:25 ) , and shall fell every good tree; which seems contrary to the law in ( Deuteronomy 20:19 ) , but that may respect trees belonging to a city when besieged only, or only to Canaanitish cities; or the law was now dispensed with, and that for this time only, to make the punishment of Moab the greater, for their rebellion and other sins:

and stop all wells of water;
which must be very distressing to those that survived the calamity of the sword:

and mar every good piece of land with stones;
as that it could not be ploughed and sowed, nor anything spring up and grow upon it.

2 Kings 3:19 In-Context

17 For thus says the LORD, 'You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.'

18 This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,

19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones."

20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.

21 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.

Cross References

• 1. [ver. 25; Isaiah 25:2]