2 Kings 7:12

So the king got up in the night and said to his servants, "Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving, so they have left the camp to hide in the field, thinking, 'When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.'"

Study Bible

So the king got up in the night
The phrase highlights the urgency and concern of the king of Israel. In the Hebrew context, "got up" (קוּם, qum) often signifies a decisive action or a response to a pressing situation. The king's rising at night indicates a state of unrest and vigilance, reflecting the dire circumstances of the besieged city of Samaria. Historically, night was a time of vulnerability, and the king's actions suggest a leader deeply troubled by the plight of his people.

and said to his servants
This phrase underscores the king's reliance on his advisors and the communal nature of decision-making in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) can also mean "officials" or "attendants," indicating that these were trusted individuals. The king's consultation with them reflects a leadership style that values counsel and collaboration, a principle that resonates with the biblical wisdom literature's emphasis on seeking wise counsel.

Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us
Here, the king expresses his suspicion and interpretation of the enemy's actions. The Arameans, known historically as a formidable military power, had besieged Samaria, leading to severe famine. The king's statement reveals his awareness of the enemy's tactics and his attempt to understand their strategy. This reflects a broader biblical theme of discernment and the need for leaders to be perceptive and wise in the face of adversity.

They know we are starving
This phrase captures the desperate situation within Samaria. The Arameans' awareness of the city's starvation highlights the psychological warfare often employed in ancient sieges. The Hebrew word for "starving" (רָעֵב, ra'ev) conveys not just physical hunger but a profound sense of need and desperation. This context emphasizes the severity of the siege and the king's acute awareness of his people's suffering.

so they have left the camp to hide in the open country
The king's interpretation of the Arameans' actions suggests a strategic withdrawal meant to deceive. The phrase "open country" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) refers to the fields surrounding the city, a place of potential ambush. This reflects the cunning and deceptive tactics often used in ancient warfare, where appearances could be misleading. The king's suspicion indicates his understanding of such military strategies and his caution in responding to them.

thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we will capture them alive and enter the city.’
This phrase reveals the king's belief in the Arameans' cunning plan. The idea of capturing the Israelites "alive" (חַי, chai) suggests a desire not just for victory but for domination and control. The historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved capturing and enslaving populations, making this a plausible fear. The king's insight into the enemy's potential strategy underscores the need for vigilance and wisdom in leadership, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of Israel
Likely King Jehoram, who was ruling during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria. He is depicted as cautious and somewhat skeptical of the sudden disappearance of the Aramean army.

2. The Arameans
A neighboring nation that had besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine in the city. Their sudden departure from the camp is central to the account.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine conditions.

4. The Servants of the King
Advisors and attendants to the king, who are involved in the decision-making process regarding the situation with the Arameans.

5. The Open Country
The area surrounding Samaria where the Arameans were thought to be hiding, according to the king's suspicion.

Teaching Points

Skepticism vs. Faith
The king's reaction highlights a natural human tendency to doubt even in the face of potential deliverance. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and timing.

Divine Intervention
The sudden departure of the Arameans serves as a reminder of God's ability to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations, encouraging believers to remain hopeful.

The Danger of Assumptions
The king's assumption about the Arameans' strategy warns against making decisions based solely on human reasoning without seeking divine guidance.

The Role of Prophecy
Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine underscores the importance of heeding God's word and promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

Community and Counsel
The king's consultation with his servants illustrates the value of seeking wise counsel and the importance of community in decision-making processes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the king's reaction in 2 Kings 7:12 reflect common human responses to unexpected situations, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the Aramean siege and its resolution demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our current challenges?

3. How can Proverbs 3:5-6 guide us in situations where we are tempted to rely solely on our own understanding, as the king did?

4. What lessons can we learn from the king's skepticism about the importance of trusting in God's promises, as seen in the prophecy of Elisha?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as the king did with his servants, in our own decision-making processes, especially in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides context for the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, highlighting the dire conditions that led to the king's skepticism.

2 Kings 7:1-11
Details the prophecy of Elisha regarding the end of the famine and the discovery of the abandoned Aramean camp by the lepers, setting the stage for the king's reaction in verse 12.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding, contrasting the king's skepticism with a call to faith.

Isaiah 55:8-9
Reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, relevant to the unexpected deliverance of Samaria.