Definition: And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through [even] unto the king of Edom: but they could not.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 3:26. It’s a really dramatic and significant passage about a battle happening in Moab. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King of Moab is Struggling: The story begins with King Moab facing a huge, incredibly difficult battle against the forces of Edom. He’s clearly overwhelmed by the odds. He Orders a Response: To try and turn the tide, King Moab asks his advisors to send seven hundred men – a significant number – to attack Edom. They Fail to Conquer: However, despite their best efforts, these seven hundred soldiers cannot break through into Edom’s territory. What it's saying is: The battle was too tough for King Moab to win against the Edomites. He simply couldn’t overcome them with his army. Symbolic Meaning - It’s about a Larger Conflict: This verse isn't just about a physical battle. It’s a powerful symbol of a larger, ongoing struggle between nations or forces. It represents: A Difficult Situation: The “battle” is a metaphor for a time of great challenge and difficulty in the world. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God is actively intervening to protect his people and prevent a devastating outcome. In short, it’s telling us that even with a large army, sometimes a battle can be lost due to overwhelming odds. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger story of the Old Testament? Or perhaps explore another Bible passage that deals with similar themes?