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 speaks up with a suggestion. In the context of ancient Israel, servants often played significant roles in the narrative, sometimes providing wisdom or insight. This reflects the biblical theme that God can use anyone, regardless of their social status, to fulfill His purposes.

Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city
The mention of "five of the horses that remain" indicates the dire situation in Samaria during the siege by the Arameans. Horses were valuable assets, often used for war and transportation, and their scarcity underscores the severity of the famine. The servant suggests sending scouts, which shows a proactive approach to seeking God's deliverance, reminiscent of the spies sent by Moses in Numbers 13.

Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here
This reflects the desperation and hopelessness within the besieged city. The servant's logic is that the risk of sending scouts is minimal compared to the certain death facing those who remain. This mirrors the biblical principle of faith over fear, as seen in other instances where God's people are called to step out in faith despite dire circumstances.

You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed
The statement acknowledges the grim reality of the situation. The use of "doomed" highlights the severity of the famine and siege, which aligns with the curses for disobedience outlined in Deuteronomy 28. It also sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, a common theme where God delivers His people when all hope seems lost.

So let us send them and find out
This call to action demonstrates a willingness to seek out God's deliverance actively. It parallels other biblical narratives where exploration or reconnaissance leads to divine revelation or intervention, such as the sending of the twelve spies into Canaan. It also foreshadows the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy of deliverance, emphasizing the importance of faith and action in the face of adversity.

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.