2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 14
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַח
Therefore sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח
Therefore sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
שָׁ֛מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֛מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
2 of 11
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וְרֶ֖כֶב
and chariots
H7393
וְרֶ֖כֶב
and chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
4 of 11
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וְחַ֣יִל
host
H2428
וְחַ֣יִל
host
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
5 of 11
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
כָּבֵ֑ד
and a great
H3515
כָּבֵ֑ד
and a great
Strong's:
H3515
Word #:
6 of 11
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לַ֔יְלָה
by night
H3915
לַ֔יְלָה
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
וַיַּקִּ֖פוּ
about
H5362
וַיַּקִּ֖פוּ
about
Strong's:
H5362
Word #:
9 of 11
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 6 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Miracles and Siege) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 6 regarding god's protection and provision for his servants?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.