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1 Samuel 11:8
And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

1 Samuel 15:4
And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.

2 Samuel 24:1
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

King Jehoram
Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the ninth king of Israel. He reigned during a tumultuous period marked by the influence of his parents, Ahab and Jezebel, who promoted Baal worship. Jehoram attempted to distance himself from some of their practices, removing the sacred pillar of Baal, yet he did not fully return to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is characterized by military campaigns and alliances, often reflecting the political and religious struggles of the time.

set out from Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It was a significant city both politically and religiously, often associated with idolatry due to the influence of Ahab and Jezebel. The mention of Samaria highlights the centrality of this city in Israel's political and military strategies. Archaeological findings in Samaria reveal its importance and the wealth of the Omride dynasty.

and mobilized all Israel
Mobilizing all Israel indicates a call to arms for a united military effort. This reflects the common practice of kings summoning their subjects for war, often in response to external threats or to assert dominance. The unity implied here is significant, as the northern kingdom was often fragmented by internal divisions and external pressures. This mobilization suggests a momentary cohesion under Jehoram's leadership, likely driven by the need to address a pressing military challenge.

• The phrase points to a precise moment in Israel’s history, immediately following Moab’s rebellion (2 Kings 3:4-5).

• God’s Word anchors historical events in real time; just as “in the days of Ahab” (1 Kings 16:29-30) and “after the death of Ahab” (2 Kings 1:1) mark transitions, this clause signals a new chapter under Jehoram.

• By stressing timing, Scripture underscores that God remains in control of national affairs (Isaiah 46:9-10).

• Jehoram, son of Ahab, is now ruling the northern kingdom (2 Kings 3:1).

• Unlike his father, he removed the pillar of Baal (2 Kings 3:2), yet “clung to the sins of Jeroboam,” showing partial reform—consistent with the pattern seen in1 Kings 12:28-33.

• God often works through imperfect leaders (compareJonah 1:1-3;2 Chronicles 36:22-23), proving His sovereignty isn’t limited by human frailty.

• Samaria serves as Israel’s capital (1 Kings 16:24).

• Leaving the seat of government implies decisive, personal involvement—echoing other moments when kings personally took the field (2 Samuel 11:1;2 Chronicles 20:20).

• The contrast with Ahab’s self-indulgence (1 Kings 22:29-34) highlights Jehoram’s readiness to act, albeit for complex motives.

• “Mobilized” (lit. mustered) means he called the entire fighting force, reminiscent of Saul summoning Israel against the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:7) and Asa gathering Judah and Benjamin (2 Chronicles 15:9-10).

• The national call illustrates:

– Urgency: Moab’s defection threatened economic stability (2 Kings 3:4).

– Unity: Even a spiritually mixed nation can rally under one banner when faced with external threat (Judges 21:5-6).

– Divine providence: God would later use this mobilization to display His power through miraculous water and victory (2 Kings 3:16-20).

2 Kings 3:6 captures a pivotal response to crisis: at God-appointed time, King Jehoram personally leaves Samaria and summons all Israel for war. The verse highlights divine oversight of history, the complexity of imperfect leadership, and the nation’s unified mobilization—setting the stage for God’s forthcoming intervention and assurance that His purposes prevail.

Numbered.--Mustered, made a levy of.