2 Kings 7:12

So the king got up in the night and said to his servants, "Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving, so they have left the camp to hide in the field, thinking, 'When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.'"

Study Bible

So the king got up in the night and said to his servants
The king of Israel at this time is likely Jehoram, son of Ahab. His rising at night indicates urgency and concern, reflecting the dire situation in Samaria due to the Aramean siege. Nighttime meetings suggest secrecy and the need for immediate action. In biblical narratives, night often symbolizes a time of uncertainty or danger, as seen in other instances like Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night (John 3:2).

Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were frequent adversaries of Israel. The king's statement reflects a deep-seated mistrust and fear of their tactics. Historically, the Arameans were known for their military strategies and psychological warfare, which often involved deception. This context is crucial for understanding the king's suspicion.

They know we are starving
The famine in Samaria was severe, as described earlier in 2 Kings 6:25, where a donkey's head and dove's dung were sold at exorbitant prices. This dire situation fulfills the curses warned in Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53, where disobedience to God would lead to such desperate conditions. The king's acknowledgment of their starvation highlights the desperation and vulnerability of the city.

so they have left the camp to hide in the field
The king suspects a ruse, a common military tactic where an army feigns retreat to lure the enemy into a trap. This reflects the cunning strategies often employed in ancient warfare. The fields around Samaria would have provided ample cover for such an ambush, aligning with the geographical realities of the region.

thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.’”
The king fears that the Arameans plan to capture the Israelites alive, which would allow them to enter and conquer the city without a prolonged siege. This reflects the brutal realities of ancient warfare, where capturing a city often involved taking its inhabitants as prisoners or slaves. The king's suspicion underscores the tension and fear within the besieged city, as well as the cunning and ruthlessness attributed to the Arameans. This scenario also highlights the broader biblical theme of deliverance and trust in God's provision, as the subsequent verses reveal the miraculous provision that God provides for Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of Israel
Likely King Jehoram, who was ruling during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria. He is depicted as cautious and somewhat skeptical of the sudden disappearance of the Aramean army.

2. The Arameans
A neighboring nation that had besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine in the city. Their sudden departure from the camp is central to the account.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine conditions.

4. The Servants of the King
Advisors and attendants to the king, who are involved in the decision-making process regarding the situation with the Arameans.

5. The Open Country
The area surrounding Samaria where the Arameans were thought to be hiding, according to the king's suspicion.

Teaching Points

Skepticism vs. Faith
The king's reaction highlights a natural human tendency to doubt even in the face of potential deliverance. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and timing.

Divine Intervention
The sudden departure of the Arameans serves as a reminder of God's ability to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations, encouraging believers to remain hopeful.

The Danger of Assumptions
The king's assumption about the Arameans' strategy warns against making decisions based solely on human reasoning without seeking divine guidance.

The Role of Prophecy
Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine underscores the importance of heeding God's word and promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

Community and Counsel
The king's consultation with his servants illustrates the value of seeking wise counsel and the importance of community in decision-making processes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the king's reaction in 2 Kings 7:12 reflect common human responses to unexpected situations, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the Aramean siege and its resolution demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our current challenges?

3. How can Proverbs 3:5-6 guide us in situations where we are tempted to rely solely on our own understanding, as the king did?

4. What lessons can we learn from the king's skepticism about the importance of trusting in God's promises, as seen in the prophecy of Elisha?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as the king did with his servants, in our own decision-making processes, especially in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides context for the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, highlighting the dire conditions that led to the king's skepticism.

2 Kings 7:1-11
Details the prophecy of Elisha regarding the end of the famine and the discovery of the abandoned Aramean camp by the lepers, setting the stage for the king's reaction in verse 12.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding, contrasting the king's skepticism with a call to faith.

Isaiah 55:8-9
Reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, relevant to the unexpected deliverance of Samaria.