2 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 5
And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ
And they rose up
H6965
וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ
And they rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף
in the twilight
H5399
בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף
in the twilight
Strong's:
H5399
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ
and when they were come
H935
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ
and when they were come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
of the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
5 of 15
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
6 of 15
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ
and when they were come
H935
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ
and when they were come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
of the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
10 of 15
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
11 of 15
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
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
And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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.