But one of his servants replied, "Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city. Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here. You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. So let us send them and find out." But one of his servants replied,A servant in the king’s court offered counsel when the leaders of Samaria had little hope left. God often brings needed wisdom through those of low social standing, exposing the helplessness of human power and directing attention toward His provision. 2Ki 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,… “Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city. The siege had reduced Samaria to desperate scarcity, leaving only a few surviving horses. The proposed mission required risking valuable animals and men, yet remaining behind the city walls promised no safety. Reconnaissance was a reasonable response to the mysterious report that the Aramean camp had been abandoned. 2Ki 13:7 Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen,… Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here. Death from famine already threatened everyone within the city. The servant recognized that the scouts faced no greater danger outside the gates than the people faced inside them, where starvation had become certain. Jer 24:8-10 But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,… You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. The terrible conditions fulfilled the warnings associated with covenant disobedience, including siege, hunger, and national humiliation foretold in Deuteronomy 28. Yet the extremity of Israel’s need prepared the way for the Lord’s deliverance, exactly as Elisha had proclaimed. Jer 21:8-10 Furthermore, you are to tell this people… So let us send them and find out.” The king’s servants acted on the available evidence rather than surrendering to despair. Their investigation would reveal that the Lord had caused the Aramean army to flee, turning a hopeless siege into an unexpected rescue for Samaria. 2Ki 6:13 So the king said, “Go and see where he is,”… Persons / Places / Events 1. The King of IsraelThe ruler during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria, who is faced with a dire situation and is seeking a solution. 2. The Servant An unnamed servant of the king who suggests sending men to investigate the situation with the Arameans, showing initiative and faith in the possibility of deliverance. 3. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine. 4. The Arameans The enemy army besieging Samaria, causing the famine and desperation among the Israelites. 5. The Horses Representing the limited resources left in the city, highlighting the desperation and the risk involved in the servant's suggestion. Teaching Points Faith in ActionThe servant's suggestion to send men to investigate demonstrates faith in God's deliverance. In times of crisis, we should be willing to take steps of faith, trusting in God's promises. Resourcefulness in Desperation The use of the remaining horses shows a willingness to use available resources wisely. In our lives, we should be good stewards of what God has provided, even in difficult times. Courage to Speak Up The servant's boldness in speaking to the king highlights the importance of voicing faith-filled ideas, even when the situation seems hopeless. We should not be afraid to share our convictions and insights. Hope Amidst Despair The situation in Samaria was dire, yet the servant's suggestion was a glimmer of hope. As believers, we should always look for and offer hope, grounded in God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the servant's suggestion in 2 Kings 7:13 teach us about taking initiative in faith during challenging times?2. How can we apply the principle of using limited resources wisely, as seen with the horses, in our own lives? 3. In what ways does the servant's courage to speak up inspire us to share our faith and ideas in difficult situations? 4. How does the context of Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 7:1-2 influence our understanding of the servant's actions in verse 13? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly hopeless situation. How can the account in 2 Kings 7:13 encourage you to trust in God's deliverance? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 6:24-33Provides context for the siege of Samaria and the dire conditions that led to the servant's suggestion. 2 Kings 7:1-2 Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine, which sets the stage for the events in verse 13. Exodus 14:13-14 The Israelites facing the Red Sea, where Moses encourages them to trust in God's deliverance, similar to the faith required in 2 Kings 7:13. Proverbs 3:5-6 Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, relevant to the servant's faith in God's potential deliverance.
People Aram, Egyptians, Elisha, Hittites, Israelites, SyriansPlaces Egypt, Jordan River, SamariaTopics Already, Answereth, Behold, Case, Consumed, Death, Destruction, Doomed, Fare, Horses, Israelites, Multitude, Perished, Please, Plight, Remaining, Seeing, Servants, Town, YesDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 7:8-11Library Silent Christians'Then they said one to another, We do not well; this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace; if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us; now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.'--2 KINGS vii. 9. The city of Samaria was closely besieged, and suffering all the horrors of famine. Women were boiling and eating their children, and the most revolting garbage was worth its weight in silver. Four starving lepers, sitting by the gate, plucked … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'Impossible, --Only I Saw It' The Sin of Unbelief The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful An Address to a Soul So Overwhelmed with a Sense of the Greatness of Its Sins, that it Dares not Apply Itself to Christ with Any The Section Chap. I. -iii. Kings Links 2 Kings 7:13 NIV2 Kings 7:13 NLT 2 Kings 7:13 ESV 2 Kings 7:13 NASB 2 Kings 7:13 KJV 2 Kings 7:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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