2 Kings 7:13

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."

Study Bible

But one of his servants replied
This phrase introduces a servant who steps forward with a suggestion. In the Hebrew context, a "servant" (עֶבֶד, 'eved) often denotes someone in a position of service or subordination, yet here, it highlights the wisdom and initiative that can come from unexpected sources. This servant's courage to speak up reflects the biblical theme that God can use anyone, regardless of status, to fulfill His purposes.

Please, let some men take
The plea "Please" (נָא, na) is a polite request, indicating the servant's respect and urgency. The suggestion to "take" (לָקַח, laqach) implies action and initiative. In biblical narratives, taking action often precedes divine intervention, suggesting that human initiative can align with God's will when it is rooted in faith and obedience.

five of the horses that are left
The number "five" (חָמֵשׁ, chamesh) can symbolize grace or God's provision in biblical numerology. The mention of "horses" (סוּס, sus) signifies strength and mobility, crucial for reconnaissance. The phrase "that are left" underscores scarcity and desperation, reflecting the dire circumstances in Samaria due to the siege. This context highlights the need for faith and resourcefulness in times of crisis.

their plight will be like that of the whole multitude of Israel who are left
The word "plight" (מִקְרֶה, miqreh) suggests a shared fate or circumstance. The "whole multitude of Israel" refers to the besieged population, emphasizing collective suffering. The phrase "who are left" indicates survival amidst great loss, pointing to a remnant theme prevalent in Scripture, where God preserves a faithful few through trials.

Yes, they will be like all the multitude of Israel who have perished
The affirmation "Yes" (כֵּן, ken) reinforces the inevitability of the situation. The comparison to "all the multitude of Israel who have perished" highlights the severity of the siege's impact. This stark reality serves as a backdrop for God's impending deliverance, reminding readers of His power to bring life from death and hope from despair.

So let us send them and see
The phrase "let us send" (נִשְׁלְחָה, nishlachah) conveys a proactive decision to seek out God's deliverance. The word "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies investigation and discovery. In biblical narratives, seeing often precedes understanding or revelation, suggesting that stepping out in faith can lead to witnessing God's miraculous works. This call to action encourages believers to trust in God's provision and guidance, even when the path is uncertain.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of Israel
The ruler during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria, who is faced with a dire situation and is seeking a solution.

2. The Servant
An unnamed servant of the king who suggests sending men to investigate the situation with the Arameans, showing initiative and faith in the possibility of deliverance.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine.

4. The Arameans
The enemy army besieging Samaria, causing the famine and desperation among the Israelites.

5. The Horses
Representing the limited resources left in the city, highlighting the desperation and the risk involved in the servant's suggestion.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The servant's suggestion to send men to investigate demonstrates faith in God's deliverance. In times of crisis, we should be willing to take steps of faith, trusting in God's promises.

Resourcefulness in Desperation
The use of the remaining horses shows a willingness to use available resources wisely. In our lives, we should be good stewards of what God has provided, even in difficult times.

Courage to Speak Up
The servant's boldness in speaking to the king highlights the importance of voicing faith-filled ideas, even when the situation seems hopeless. We should not be afraid to share our convictions and insights.

Hope Amidst Despair
The situation in Samaria was dire, yet the servant's suggestion was a glimmer of hope. As believers, we should always look for and offer hope, grounded in God's faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the servant's suggestion in 2 Kings 7:13 teach us about taking initiative in faith during challenging times?

2. How can we apply the principle of using limited resources wisely, as seen with the horses, in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the servant's courage to speak up inspire us to share our faith and ideas in difficult situations?

4. How does the context of Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 7:1-2 influence our understanding of the servant's actions in verse 13?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly hopeless situation. How can the account in 2 Kings 7:13 encourage you to trust in God's deliverance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides context for the siege of Samaria and the dire conditions that led to the servant's suggestion.

2 Kings 7:1-2
Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine, which sets the stage for the events in verse 13.

Exodus 14:13-14
The Israelites facing the Red Sea, where Moses encourages them to trust in God's deliverance, similar to the faith required in 2 Kings 7:13.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, relevant to the servant's faith in God's potential deliverance.