New International VersionBut after Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
New Living TranslationBut after Ahab’s death, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
English Standard VersionBut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Berean Standard BibleBut after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
King James BibleBut it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
New King James VersionBut it happened, when Ahab died, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
New American Standard BibleHowever, when King Ahab died, the king of Moab broke with the king of Israel.
NASB 1995But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
NASB 1977But it came about, when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Legacy Standard BibleBut it happened that when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Amplified BibleBut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Christian Standard Biblebut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Holman Christian Standard Biblebut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
American Standard VersionBut it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Contemporary English VersionBut soon after the death of Ahab, Mesha rebelled against Israel.
English Revised VersionBut it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the [new] king of Israel.
Good News TranslationBut when King Ahab of Israel died, Mesha rebelled against Israel.
International Standard VersionAfter Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
NET BibleWhen Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
New Heart English BibleBut it happened, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
World English BibleBut when Ahab was dead, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass at the death of Ahab, that the king of Moab transgresses against the king of Israel.
Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass at the death of Ahab, that the king of Moab transgresseth against the king of Israel.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it wilt be as Ahab died; and the king of Moab will break with the king of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when Achab was dead, he broke the league which he had made with the king of Israel.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when Ahab had died, he transgressed the pact that he had with the king of Israel.
New American BibleBut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
New Revised Standard VersionBut when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd after Akhab was dead, the King of Moab rebelled against the King of Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd it came to pass, after the death of Achaab, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion… 4Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. 5But afterthe deathof Ahab,the kingof Moabrebelledagainst the kingof Israel.6So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel.…
Cross References 1 Kings 12:16-19When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ...
1 Kings 22:47And there was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king.
2 Kings 1:1After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.
2 Kings 8:20-22In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. / So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes. / So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled at the same time.
2 Chronicles 21:8-10In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. / So Jehoram crossed into Edom with his officers and all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. / So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his hand at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers.
Isaiah 7:1-2Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.
Isaiah 16:1-2Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion. / Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon:
Jeremiah 48:1-2Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. / There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon they devise evil against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from nationhood.’ You too, O people of Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you.
Ezekiel 25:8-11This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. / I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. ...
Amos 2:1-3This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned to lime the bones of Edom’s king. / So I will send fire against Moab to consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, amid war cries and the sound of the ram’s horn. / I will cut off the ruler of Moab and kill all the officials with him,” says the LORD.
Matthew 22:17-21So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...
Mark 12:14-17“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” / But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” / So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...
Luke 20:22-25Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, / “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...
John 8:33-36“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” / Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. ...
Acts 4:25-28You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. ...
Treasury of Scripture But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 2 Kings 1:1 Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. 2 Kings 8:20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves. 2 Chronicles 21:8-10 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king… Jump to Previous AhabAuthorityDeadDeathDiedFreeIsraelMoabRebelledTransgressethJump to Next AhabAuthorityDeadDeathDiedFreeIsraelMoabRebelledTransgresseth2 Kings 3 1.Jehoram's reign4.Mesha rebels6.Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water,13.by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory21.The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome26.The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siegeBut after the death of AhabAhab was a significant king of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into further sin. His death marked a turning point for the kingdom. The political landscape shifted, as Ahab's strong influence and alliances were no longer in place. This period was one of instability and transition, as Ahab's successors struggled to maintain control and authority. The death of a king often led to political upheaval, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., 1 Kings 22:37-40). the king of Moab
Moab was a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, sometimes subjugated and at other times rebelling. The Moabite Stone, an archaeological artifact, provides historical context for Moab's interactions with Israel, confirming biblical accounts of conflict and tribute. rebelled against the king of Israel
Rebellion was a common occurrence in the ancient Near East when a powerful ruler died. Moab had been subjugated under Ahab, paying tribute to Israel (2 Kings 3:4). With Ahab's death, Moab saw an opportunity to assert independence. This rebellion is a reflection of the political instability and the challenges faced by Ahab's successors. The rebellion also sets the stage for the subsequent military campaign led by Jehoram, Ahab's son, and highlights the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. The theme of rebellion and its consequences is echoed throughout Scripture, illustrating the cyclical nature of sin and conflict (e.g.,Judges 2:11-19). Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe former king of Israel, known for his idolatry and wickedness, whose death marks a significant turning point in Israel's political landscape. 2. King of MoabThe ruler of Moab who decides to rebel against Israel following Ahab's death, indicating a shift in power dynamics and political alliances. 3. King of IsraelAt this time, Jehoram, Ahab's son, is the king of Israel. He inherits the challenges of his father's reign, including the rebellion of Moab. 4. MoabA neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with Israel. The rebellion signifies Moab's attempt to assert independence and challenge Israel's dominance. 5. RebellionThe act of Moab breaking away from Israelite control, which sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and military campaign described in the chapter. Teaching Points The Consequences of LeadershipAhab's reign left a legacy of instability. Leaders must consider the long-term impact of their actions on their successors. The Nature of RebellionMoab's rebellion illustrates how shifts in power can lead to challenges and conflicts. Believers should be prepared for spiritual battles when there are changes in leadership or direction. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite political upheavals, God remains in control. Christians can find peace in God's unchanging nature amidst worldly instability. The Importance of Faithful LeadershipJehoram's response to Moab's rebellion reflects his leadership qualities. Believers are called to lead with integrity and reliance on God, especially in times of crisis. Historical Context and Spiritual LessonsUnderstanding the historical context of Israel and Moab's relationship can provide deeper insights into God's dealings with His people and the importance of obedience and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 3:5?
2.How does 2 Kings 3:5 illustrate the consequences of breaking covenants with God?
3.What lessons can we learn from Moab's rebellion against Israel's authority?
4.How does Moab's rebellion relate to other biblical examples of disobedience?
5.In what ways can we remain faithful to our commitments, unlike Moab?
6.How can we apply the importance of loyalty to God in our daily lives?
7.Why did Moab rebel against Israel after Ahab's death in 2 Kings 3:5?
8.How does 2 Kings 3:5 reflect the political instability of ancient Israel?
9.What does Moab's rebellion reveal about God's sovereignty in 2 Kings 3:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 3?
11.Is there any archaeological evidence to support this battle's events and outcome (2 Kings 3)?
12.How do we reconcile this account with different details of the Moabite rebellion in other historical records (2 Kings 3)?
13.Who was King Jehoram/Joram in biblical history?
14.Did the Moabite king sacrifice his son?What Does 2 Kings 3:5 Mean But after the death of Ahab• Ahab’s passing (1 Kings 22:37–40) marks a turning point. Scripture often shows that the death of a powerful monarch loosens the grip he had on vassal states (Judges 2:19). •2 Kings 1:1 notes that Moab already “rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab,” so 3:5 confirms that unrest continued into the reign of Ahab’s son. • God’s Word presents this sequence as literal history; the timing underscores how earthly power is temporary while the LORD’s rule is constant (Psalm 90:1–4).
the king of Moab• This ruler is Mesha (2 Kings 3:4), a wealthy sheep breeder whose annual tribute—100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams—illustrates Israel’s dominance under Ahab (2 Samuel 8:2 shows a similar arrangement in David’s day). • Moab descended from Lot (Genesis 19:36–37) and had a complicated relationship with Israel—sometimes hostile (Numbers 22;Judges 3:12–14), sometimes subdued (1 Chronicles 18:2). Their location east of the Dead Sea made them a strategic neighbor.
rebelled• “Rebelled” means Mesha stopped paying tribute and asserted independence, a direct challenge to Israel’s authority (2 Kings 8:20 offers a comparable revolt by Edom). • Rebellion against a covenant people carried spiritual implications; it tested whether Israel would lean on the LORD or on alliances (Deuteronomy 32:30). •Psalm 2:1–3 portrays the nations raging against God’s anointed—this event mirrors that pattern in a historical setting.
against the king of Israel• The current king is Jehoram (also called Joram), Ahab’s son (2 Kings 3:1). Though less idolatrous than his parents, he “persisted in the sins of Jeroboam” (2 Kings 3:2–3). • The revolt exposes Israel’s weakened leadership after Ahab’s dynasty had forsaken true worship; God often allows external pressure to confront internal compromise (Leviticus 26:17;Proverbs 14:34). • Jehoram’s response—forming an alliance with Judah and Edom (2 Kings 3:7–9)—demonstrates political maneuvering, yet ultimate victory comes only when Elisha reveals God’s word (2 Kings 3:16–18).
summary2 Kings 3:5 records a literal moment when Moab seized the chance to break free after Ahab’s death. Mesha’s revolt exposes Israel’s fragility under a spiritually compromised king and sets the stage for God to reaffirm His sovereignty through prophetic intervention. The verse reminds readers that human power rises and falls, but the LORD remains supreme and faithful to His purposes. (5) But.-- And.When.--So some MSS. The ordinary text has, "about the time of Ahab's death" (ke forbe). Rebelled--i.e., refused payment of the annual tribute.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But afterוַיְהִ֖י(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bethe deathכְּמ֣וֹת(kə·mō·wṯ)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4194:Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruinof Ahab,אַחְאָ֑ב(’aḥ·’āḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 256:Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophetthe kingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Moabמוֹאָ֖ב(mō·w·’āḇ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124:Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settledrebelledוַיִּפְשַׁ֥ע(way·yip̄·ša‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6586:To break away, trespass, apostatize, quarrelagainst the kingבְּמֶ֥לֶךְ(bə·me·leḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT History: 2 Kings 3:5 But it happened when Ahab was dead (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
