2 Kings 7:13

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

2 Kings 7:13 captures a pivotal moment of practical wisdom amidst dire circumstances during the Aramean siege of Samaria. This verse presents a servant's shrewd advice to King Jehoram, who was hesitant to believe the miraculous news of the enemy's departure.

Context

The city of Samaria was suffering from a severe famine, so extreme that people resorted to cannibalism (2 Kings 6:29). The prophet Elisha had prophesied that by the next day, food would be abundant (2 Kings 7:1). When four lepers discovered the Aramean camp deserted and full of provisions (2 Kings 7:5), they reported it to the king. However, King Jehoram, consumed by suspicion and fear, believed it was a trap—an Aramean ambush disguised as a retreat (2 Kings 7:12). It is in this atmosphere of extreme skepticism that a servant offers a pragmatic solution.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Caution: The servant’s suggestion is not to rush out blindly but to send a small, expendable reconnaissance party. This demonstrates a balanced approach to a potentially life-saving, yet seemingly unbelievable, report.
  • Calculated Risk: The phrase "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" highlights a logical calculation. Whether the few remaining horses and men die scouting or stay in the city and die of famine, the outcome for them is the same. Therefore, the risk is minimal compared to the potential reward of discovering relief.
  • Seeking Counsel: This verse underscores the value of wise counsel, even from a servant, especially when leadership is paralyzed by fear or doubt.
  • Divine Faithfulness: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the servant's plan ultimately leads to the verification of Elisha's prophecy, showcasing God's faithfulness to His word and His people.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed" uses the Hebrew word kalah (כָּלָה), which means to be utterly finished, wasted, or perished. This emphasizes the dire state of affairs in Samaria. The servant argues that the lives of the few men and horses sent out are no more valuable than the lives of the entire population, who are already facing certain death by famine. It's a stark portrayal of their desperate situation, making the proposed reconnaissance a logical and low-cost gamble.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for modern life:

  • Overcoming Paralysis by Fear: When facing overwhelming challenges or news that seems too good to be true, it's easy to become paralyzed by fear or suspicion. This verse encourages a proactive, yet cautious, approach to verify information.
  • The Value of Wise Counsel: Leaders and individuals alike should be open to receiving counsel from unexpected sources. Sometimes, the most practical and insightful solutions come from those who are not in the direct line of authority but possess clear thinking. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that "where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
  • Calculated Risks for Greater Good: There are times when taking a calculated risk, even when the odds seem stacked against you, is necessary to achieve a breakthrough or confirm a hope.

In conclusion, 2 Kings 7:13 is a testament to the power of practical wisdom and courageous counsel, which ultimately paved the way for Samaria's deliverance from famine and siege.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:13 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    [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.