2 Kings 7:6
For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
Original Language Analysis
הִשְׁמִ֣יעַ׀
to hear
H8085
הִשְׁמִ֣יעַ׀
to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 29
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
had made the host
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
had made the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
4 of 29
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
אֲרָ֗ם
of the Syrians
H758
אֲרָ֗ם
of the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
5 of 29
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
רֶ֙כֶב֙
of chariots
H7393
רֶ֙כֶב֙
of chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
7 of 29
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
חַ֣יִל
host
H2428
חַ֣יִל
host
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
11 of 29
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
גָּד֑וֹל
of a great
H1419
גָּד֑וֹל
of a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
12 of 29
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 29
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אָחִ֗יו
to another
H251
אָחִ֗יו
to another
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
16 of 29
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
עָלֵינוּ֩
H5921
עָלֵינוּ֩
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
21 of 29
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
2 Samuel 5:24And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.Isaiah 31:1Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!1 Kings 10:29And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.Revelation 9:9And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.Isaiah 36:9How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?Psalms 14:5There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.Job 15:21A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.Ezekiel 10:5And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
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.