2 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 14
They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְח֕וּ
They took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֕וּ
They took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
רֶ֣כֶב
chariot
H7393
רֶ֣כֶב
chariot
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
3 of 12
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אַֽחֲרֵ֧י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֧י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מַֽחֲנֵה
the host
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵה
the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
8 of 12
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
אֲרָ֛ם
of the Syrians
H758
אֲרָ֛ם
of the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
9 of 12
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 7 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Deliverance from Famine) 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 7 regarding god's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged?
- 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
They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.