Definition: And they said, This [is] blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 3:23. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling verse in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a horrific event that happened during the reign of King Ahab and Jezebel in ancient Israel. Here's the gist: Ahab and Jezebel are Involved: The story centers around King Ahab, who was deeply obsessed with worshipping Baal, an idol god, and his wife Jezebel, who actively worked to undermine him and his kingdom. The Murder: Ahab’s followers, led by his son Jehoram, murdered King Solomon's son, Jeroboam, and many of his royal guards. This was a brutal act of revenge. The Blood is Found: The people discovered the bodies of these slain men, and they realized that King Solomon's line had been extinguished. It was a huge loss for Israel. What Does "They Said?" - It’s a Message of Doom The people, seeing this massive loss, cried out to God. They said, “This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.” Let's unpack it further: “This [is] blood” : This is a direct statement of fact – they found blood. It's a stark reminder of the tragedy. "The kings are surely slain" : It means that the kings of Israel were dead. King Solomon and his line had been cut off from their throne. “and they have smitten one another” : This is a powerful phrase meaning "they have defeated each other." It signifies a complete defeat, not just a single battle – it's a widespread devastation. "Now therefore, Moab, to the spoil" : This is where it gets really significant. The people are urging God to take action against Moab. They want to use this event as a lesson or punishment for them. They’re telling God that Moab should be given what they’ve lost – essentially, their spoil (meaning their land and resources). Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of rebellion against God. It's a moment where God directly intervenes to punish those who have strayed from his path. It highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s law. In short, it's a story of a king’s murder and a divine judgment on Moab, signaling a period of devastation and a need for repentance. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical figure or event?