2 Kings 6:14

Authorized King James Version

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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
סוּסִ֥ים he thither horses H5483
סוּסִ֥ים he thither horses
Strong's: H5483
Word #: 3 of 11
a horse (as leaping)
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
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָעִֽיר׃ the city H5892
הָעִֽיר׃ the city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 11 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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.

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

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