2 Kings 7:12
And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֨קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 33
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
לַ֗יְלָה
in the night
H3915
לַ֗יְלָה
in the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
3 of 33
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
אַגִּֽידָה
I will now shew
H5046
אַגִּֽידָה
I will now shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 33
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
נָּ֣א
H4994
נָּ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
8 of 33
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֥שׂוּ
have done
H6213
עָ֥שׂוּ
have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 33
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲרָ֑ם
you what the Syrians
H758
אֲרָ֑ם
you what the Syrians
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
14 of 33
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
יָֽדְע֞וּ
to us They know
H3045
יָֽדְע֞וּ
to us They know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 33
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 33
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵצְא֤וּ
When they come out
H3318
יֵצְא֤וּ
When they come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
19 of 33
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
20 of 33
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙
of the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
21 of 33
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
25 of 33
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵצְא֤וּ
When they come out
H3318
יֵצְא֤וּ
When they come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
26 of 33
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
27 of 33
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָעִ֖יר
into the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
into the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
28 of 33
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְנִתְפְּשֵׂ֣ם
we shall catch
H8610
וְנִתְפְּשֵׂ֣ם
we shall catch
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
29 of 33
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
חַיִּ֔ים
them alive
H2416
חַיִּ֔ים
them alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
30 of 33
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
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
And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.
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.