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2 Kings 3:22

And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:

2 Kings 3:22 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the Bible describes a scene where the Moabites look across the water and see it as red as blood. This imagery is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the color red often symbolizes bloodshed, violence, and war in the Bible. The red water could be a foreshadowing of impending conflict or a warning of the consequences of their actions. Additionally, the sight of the water turning red may have invoked fear and uncertainty in the Moabites, prompting them to reconsider their intentions or actions. The vivid imagery in this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding warnings from God. It also highlights the poetic and metaphorical language used in the Bible to convey deeper spiritual truths and lessons.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse which describes the Moabites seeing the water as red as blood is that it can symbolize the judgment and punishment of God. The color red often represents bloodshed and violence in the Bible, and here the red water can be seen as a sign of impending destruction on the Moabites by the Israelites. The early morning setting and the sun shining on the water could also be interpreted as a divine intervention or sign from God, highlighting his power and control over the natural elements. Additionally, the mention of the Moabites seeing the water as red may serve as a warning to them to repent and turn to God before facing further consequences. Overall, this verse can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and his ability to display signs and wonders as a means of communicating with his people and enforcing his will.

2 Kings 3:22 in other translations

American Standard Version

And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water over against them as red as blood:

World English Bible

They rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone on the water, and the Moabites saw the water over against them as red as blood.

Douay-Rheims

And they rose early in the morning, and the sun being now up, and shining upon the waters, the Moabites saw the waters over against them red, like blood,

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they rose earely in the morning, when the sunne arose vpon the water, and the Moabites saw the water ouer against them, as red as blood.