2 Kings 7:13

KJV

And one of his servants answered and said, Let [some] take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they [are] as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, [I say], they [are] even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} of his servants {H5650} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Let some take {H3947}, I pray thee, five {H2568} of the horses {H5483} that remain {H7604}, which are left {H7604} in the city,(behold, they are as all the multitude {H1995} of Israel {H3478} that are left {H7604} in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude {H1995} of the Israelites {H3478} that are consumed {H8552}:) and let us send {H7971} and see {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of his servants answered, "I suggest letting some men take five of the remaining horses that are left in the city - they're like everything else in Isra'el that remains, like everything else in Isra'el, practically finished - and we'll send and see."

Berean Standard Bible

But one of his servants replied, “Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city. Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here. You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. So let us send them and find out.”

American Standard Version

And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are consumed); and let us send and see.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 7:13 captures a pivotal moment of pragmatic wisdom offered by an unnamed servant to King Jehoram during the devastating Aramean siege of Samaria. Amidst the city's crippling famine and the king's deep skepticism regarding Elisha's prophecy of immediate abundance, coupled with the lepers' incredible report of the enemy's miraculous departure, this servant proposes a calculated risk. His counsel suggests sending a small, expendable reconnaissance party to verify the lepers' news, arguing that the potential loss of a few horses and men is negligible compared to the certain death facing the entire population if the report is false, and the immense gain if it proves true. This intervention provides the necessary impetus for action, ultimately leading to Samaria's deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a critical turning point within the narrative of [2 Kings chapter 7](/2_kings/7 "2 Kings 7 - The End of the Siege of Samaria"). It immediately follows King Jehoram's profound suspicion that the Aramean retreat was a cunning trap, a fear rooted in the extreme desperation caused by the [famine in Samaria](/2_kings/6-24 "2 Kings 6:24 - The Siege Begins"). The prophet Elisha had previously declared that by the next day, food would be plentiful ([2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance")), a prophecy that seemed utterly impossible given the city's dire state. When four lepers, driven by hunger, discovered the miraculously deserted Aramean camp full of provisions ([2 Kings 7:5-8](/2_kings/7-5-8 "2 Kings 7:5-8 - The Lepers' Discovery")), they reported their findings to the city gatekeepers. The king, upon hearing this, immediately concluded it was a strategic ambush ([2 Kings 7:12](/2_kings/7-12 "2 Kings 7:12 - Jehoram's Suspicion")). It is precisely at this moment of royal paralysis and distrust that the unnamed servant steps forward with a logical, albeit stark, proposal that ultimately allows for the verification of God's miraculous intervention, leading to the city's deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Kings 6-7](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha and the Arameans") unfold against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was under a brutal siege by King Ben-Hadad of Aram. The famine within the city had reached catastrophic levels, vividly described with instances of cannibalism ([2 Kings 6:25-29](/2_kings/6-25-29 "2 Kings 6:25-29 - Cannibalism During the Siege")). Such sieges were a common and devastating tactic in ancient warfare, designed to break a city's will through starvation. The king's skepticism was entirely understandable in this context; a sudden, unexplained retreat by a besieging army could indeed be a cunning ruse. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of the time often attributed such extreme conditions, and their miraculous reversals, to divine intervention, either as judgment or deliverance. The servant's counsel, therefore, is not just practical but also implicitly acknowledges the need to test what appears to be an impossible, perhaps divinely orchestrated, turn of events.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings"). First, it highlights the theme of **prudence and caution** in leadership, even in the face of seemingly miraculous news. The servant's advice is not to rush out blindly but to verify the report, demonstrating a balanced approach to a potentially life-saving, yet unbelievable, situation. Second, it underscores the concept of **calculated risk**, where the potential gain far outweighs the minimal, almost certain, loss. The servant's stark assessment that the remaining horses and men are already "as good as consumed" emphasizes the desperate calculus. Third, the passage illustrates the vital importance of **wise counsel**, even from unexpected sources. When the king, the ultimate authority, is paralyzed by fear and doubt, a servant's clear thinking provides the necessary impetus for action. Finally, though not explicitly stated in the verse, the servant's plan ultimately serves to confirm the **divine faithfulness** of God, as it leads to the verification of Elisha's prophecy and Samaria's deliverance, showcasing God's commitment to His word and His people, often working through human wisdom and action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** This term (H1995) refers to a noise, tumult, crowd, or abundance. In this context, it emphasizes the sheer number of people in Samaria, all facing the same imminent doom. The servant's argument that the few remaining horses and men are "as all the multitude of Israel" underscores the universal nature of the impending death by famine, making the proposed reconnaissance mission a negligible risk in comparison to the collective fate of the city's vast, suffering population.
* **Left / Remain (Hebrew, _shâʼar'_):** Appearing twice in the verse (H7604), this root means "to swell up" and by extension, "to be redundant," "to leave," or "to remain." In the context of the siege, it highlights the dwindling resources and population of Samaria. The servant's argument hinges on the fact that only a "remnant" of horses and people are left, and even this remnant is facing certain death. This word emphasizes the scarcity and the near-total devastation, making the proposed action a final, desperate, yet rational, attempt to save what little "remains."
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _tâmam'_):** This Hebrew root (H8552) means "to complete," "to be finished," "to be spent," or "to be utterly destroyed/perished." Its repetition in the servant's argument ("as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed") is highly emphatic. It paints a grim picture of the city's state, where death by famine is not a distant threat but an imminent certainty for the entire population. The servant uses this word to argue that the lives of the few men and horses are already effectively "finished" or "perished" by the famine, making their deployment for reconnaissance a negligible additional risk. It underscores the profound desperation and the logical, albeit stark, assessment of their collective doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of his servants answered and said,"**: This opening clause introduces the speaker, an unnamed servant, highlighting that wisdom can come from unexpected sources, even from those of lower status. It sets the stage for a crucial piece of advice in a moment of leadership paralysis, emphasizing that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.
* **"Let [some] take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city,"**: The servant offers a concrete, actionable plan. He suggests taking a small, specific number ("five") of the few remaining horses. The phrase "I pray thee" (literally, "please") indicates a respectful but earnest plea to the king, urging him to consider this course of action. The mention of "horses that remain" underscores the scarcity of resources and the dire circumstances, highlighting the preciousness of even these few animals.
* **"(behold, they [are] as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, [I say], they [are] even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:)"**: This parenthetical statement is the core of the servant's logical argument. He uses a stark comparison: the few remaining horses and men are no better off than the entire population. The repeated "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) emphasizes the undeniable reality. The lives of those sent out are already "as good as" lost to the famine, just like the lives of everyone else in the city. This is a powerful rhetorical device to minimize the perceived risk of the reconnaissance mission, appealing to the king's rational assessment of their desperate situation.
* **"and let us send and see."**: This final clause states the purpose of the mission: to "send" a party and "see" for themselves. The verb "see" (רָאָה, _ra'ah_) implies more than just looking; it means to perceive, to understand, to verify. It is a call for empirical evidence to confirm or deny the lepers' incredible report, providing a practical solution to the king's skepticism and a pathway to potential deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The servant's counsel in 2 Kings 7:13 employs several effective literary devices to persuade the king. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, used to emphasize the extreme desperation of Samaria. When the servant states that the remaining horses and men are "as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed," he is not suggesting they are literally the *entire* multitude, but rather that their fate is effectively the same as the doomed masses. This exaggeration powerfully conveys the idea that their lives are already forfeit due to the famine, thus minimizing the perceived risk of sending them out. This hyperbole is also intertwined with a **Simile** ("they are as all the multitude...") which draws a direct comparison between the small group of scouts and the dying populace, highlighting their shared, grim destiny. Furthermore, the servant's entire speech functions as a masterful **Rhetorical Argumentation** or **Logical Appeal (Logos)**. He presents a clear premise (everyone is dying), a proposed action (send scouts), and a logical conclusion (the risk is negligible compared to the potential reward). The repeated "behold" acts as a **Repetition** device, drawing the king's attention to the undeniable reality of their situation and reinforcing the urgency and logic of the servant's argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple act of human wisdom, is deeply interwoven with the broader theological themes of God's sovereign provision and the role of human agency in receiving divine blessings. In a context where God has promised deliverance through Elisha, the king's skepticism threatens to block the fulfillment of that promise. The servant's counsel, therefore, becomes a crucial channel through which God's plan can unfold. It highlights that God often uses practical, human wisdom to achieve His purposes, even when those purposes are miraculous. The servant's logical assessment of risk in the face of certain death mirrors a spiritual truth: sometimes, the greatest risk is inaction, especially when God has already spoken. His counsel demonstrates a profound understanding of their desperate situation, urging a move from paralysis to prudent action, thereby allowing God's promised abundance to be realized. This passage subtly underscores that divine intervention often requires human cooperation and a willingness to act on what God has revealed, even if it seems counterintuitive or risky.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - By Wise Guidance You Will Wage Your War")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our own lives, we often face situations that seem overwhelming, where fear and skepticism can paralyze us, much like King Jehoram. Whether it's a daunting personal challenge, a seemingly impossible goal, or even news that appears "too good to be true," the temptation to remain in doubt and inaction is strong. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom can emerge from unexpected places, and that a calculated, pragmatic approach, even in desperate times, can pave the way for breakthrough. It encourages us to be open to counsel, regardless of its source, and to critically assess risks and rewards. Sometimes, what seems like a small, expendable effort can unlock immense blessings, especially when we are at a point where inaction guarantees a worse outcome. It challenges us to move beyond fear-induced paralysis and to take the necessary steps to verify and act upon opportunities, trusting that even our human prudence can be a vessel for divine provision. This passage calls us to cultivate both discernment and courage, recognizing that true wisdom often involves taking a measured step of faith into the unknown, especially when all other options lead to certain demise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I been paralyzed by fear or skepticism, preventing me from taking a necessary, calculated risk?**
* **Am I open to receiving wise counsel from unexpected sources, or do I only value input from those in positions of authority?**
* **How can I better discern when to exercise caution and when to take a bold, yet calculated, step of faith in my life?**
* **What "consumed" areas of my life might be awaiting a "send and see" moment of verification and action?**

### FAQ

**Why did the king not believe Elisha's prophecy immediately, and why was the servant's counsel so effective?**

Answer: King Jehoram's disbelief stemmed from several factors rooted in the extreme circumstances of the siege and the human tendency towards skepticism in the face of the impossible. First, the famine was horrific, leading to cannibalism ([2 Kings 6:29](/2_kings/6-29 "2 Kings 6:29 - Dire Famine Conditions")), making the idea of abundant food by the next day seem utterly absurd. Second, the king had a history of distrusting Elisha and even sought to kill him earlier ([2 Kings 6:31](/2_kings/6-31 "2 Kings 6:31 - Jehoram's Threat to Elisha")). Third, a sudden retreat by a besieging army was highly unusual and could easily be a military ruse, a trap to lure out the desperate inhabitants ([2 Kings 7:12](/2_kings/7-12 "2 Kings 7:12 - King's Suspicion")). The servant's counsel was effective because it did not demand blind faith but proposed a pragmatic, low-cost verification method. By arguing that the lives of the few remaining horses and men were already "as good as consumed" by the famine, he presented a logical, almost risk-free, solution to the king's skepticism. It offered a way to test the seemingly impossible report without risking the entire city, appealing to the king's rational fear rather than demanding an immediate leap of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate state of Samaria, "consumed" by famine and siege, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow of humanity's spiritual condition apart from Christ. Like the Israelites facing certain death, all humanity is "consumed" by sin and its wages ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), trapped in a spiritual siege with no hope of self-deliverance. The king's skepticism mirrors humanity's inability to grasp or believe in God's radical provision and salvation, often viewing it as "too good to be true" or a deceptive trap. Yet, just as the servant's wise counsel provided a way to verify the miraculous abundance, Christ is the ultimate wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) who offers the definitive "send and see" opportunity. He is the ultimate provision, the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) who satisfies the deepest hunger, and the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the ultimate "calculated risk" for our salvation. Through His death and resurrection, He verified God's promises of life and abundance, inviting all who are "consumed" by sin to come and partake of His overflowing grace, moving from certain spiritual death to abundant eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 5:13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Kings 6:33

And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil [is] of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

2 Kings 7:4

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine [is] in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

Lamentations 4:9

[They that be] slain with the sword are better than [they that be] slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for [want of] the fruits of the field.