Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version One of his officers answered, “Have some men take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their plight will be like that of all the Israelites left here—yes, they will only be like all these Israelites who are doomed. So let us send them to find out what happened.” New Living Translation One of his officers replied, “We had better send out scouts to check into this. Let them take five of the remaining horses. If something happens to them, it will be no worse than if they stay here and die with the rest of us.” English Standard Version And one of his servants said, “Let some men take five of the remaining horses, seeing that those who are left here will fare like the whole multitude of Israel who have already perished. Let us send and see.” Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible And one of his servants answered and said, “Then let them take, please, five of the remaining horses, which are left in the city. Behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are left in it—indeed, like all the multitude of Israel left from those who are consumed. And let us send them and see.” King James Bible And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. New King James Version And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let several men take five of the remaining horses which are left in the city. Look, they may either become like all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; or indeed, I say, they may become like all the multitude of Israel left from those who are consumed; so let us send them and see.” New American Standard Bible One of his servants responded and said, “Please, have some men take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city. Behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who are left in it; behold, they will be like all the multitude of Israel who have already perished, so let us send them and see.” NASB 1995 One of his servants said, “Please, let some men take five of the horses which remain, which are left in the city. Behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who are left in it; behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who have already perished, so let us send and see.” NASB 1977 And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let some men take five of the horses which remain, which are left in the city. Behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who are left in it; behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who have already perished, so let us send and see.” Legacy Standard Bible And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let some men take five of the remaining horses, which remain in the city. Behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who remain in it; behold, they will be in any case like all the multitude of Israel who have already come to an end, so let us send and see.” Amplified Bible One of his servants replied, “Please let some men take five of the horses which remain inside the city. Consider this: [if they are caught then at worst] they will be like all the people of Israel who are left in the city; [even if they are killed then] they will be like all the people of Israel who have already died. So let us send [them] and see [what happens].” Berean Annotated Bible 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 (God prevails) who are left here. You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. So let us send them and find out. Christian Standard Bible But one of his servants responded, “Please, let messengers take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their fate is like the entire Israelite community who will die, so let’s send them and see.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But one of his servants responded, “Please, let messengers take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their fate is like the entire Israelite community who will die, so let’s send them and see.” American Standard Version And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are consumed); and let us send and see. Contemporary English Version One of his officers replied, "We have a few horses left--why don't we let some men take five of them and go to the Syrian camp and see what's happening? We're going to die anyway like those who have already died." English Revised Version And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are consumed:) and let us send and see. GOD'S WORD® Translation One of his officers replied, "Please let some men take five of the horses that are left here. Those men will be no worse off than the rest of the Israelites who are dying. Let's send them to take a look." Good News Translation One of his officials said, "The people here in the city are doomed anyway, like those that have already died. So let's send some men with five of the horses that are left, so that we can find out what has happened." International Standard Version One of his attendants suggested, "Please, let's take five of the remaining horses, since those who remain here will end up like the rest of Israel, which has already died, and we'll send them out to look." NET Bible One of his advisers replied, "Pick some men and have them take five of the horses that are left in the city. (Even if they are killed, their fate will be no different than that of all the Israelite people--we're all going to die!) Let's send them out so we can know for sure what's going on." New Heart English Bible And one of his servants answered, "Please let some take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city. Look, they are like the whole multitude of Israel who have already perished. Let us send and see." Webster's Bible Translation And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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.” World English Bible One of his servants answered, “Please let some people take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city. Behold, they are like all the multitude of Israel who are left in it. Behold, they are like all the multitude of Israel who are consumed. Let’s send and see.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd one of his servants answers and says, “Then please let them take five of the horses that are left, that have been left in it—behold, they [are] as all the multitude of Israel who have been left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who have been consumed—and we send and see.” Berean Literal Bible And one of his servants answered and said, “Then let them take, please, five of the remaining horses, which are left in the city. Behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are left in it—indeed, like all the multitude of Israel left from those who are consumed. And let us send them and see.” Young's Literal Translation And one of his servants answereth and saith, 'Then let them take, I pray thee, five of the horses that are left, that have been left in it -- lo, they are as all the multitude of Israel who have been left in it; lo, they are as all the multitude of Israel who have been consumed -- and we send and see.' Smith's Literal Translation And one of his servants will answer and say, They shall take five of the horses remaining which were left in it, (behold them as all the multitude of Israel which were left in it: behold them as all the multitude of Israel which were finished:) and we will send and see. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd one of his servants answered: Let us take the five horses that are remaining in the city (because there are no more in the whole multitude of Israel, for the rest are consumed,) and let us send and see. Catholic Public Domain Version But one of his servants responded: “Let us take the five horses that remain in the city (for there were no more amid the entire multitude of Israel, since the rest had been consumed), and sending, we will be able to explore.” New American Bible One of his servants, however, suggested: “Let some of us take five of the horses remaining in the city—they are just like the whole throng of Israel that has reached its limit—and let us send scouts to investigate.” New Revised Standard Version One of his servants said, “Let some men take five of the remaining horses, since those left here will suffer the fate of the whole multitude of Israel that have perished already; let us send and find out.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd one of his servants answered and said, Let some horsemen take five of the horses that remain; if they are captured, let them be considered a loss like all the army of Israel that has perished; therefore let us send and see. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And one of his Servants answered and said: we should bring five of the horsemen who are left; if they are captured, they are to be considered as all the people of Israel that is finished, and we will send and we will see.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And one of his servants answered and said: 'Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city--behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are consumed--and let us send and see.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And one of his servants answered and said, Let them now take five of the horses that were left, which were left here; behold, they are the number left to all the multitude of Israel; and we will send thither and see. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Siege Lifted…12So 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.’ ” 13But 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.” 14Then the scouts took two chariots with horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army, saying, “Go and see.”… Cross References But one of his servants replied, 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” 1 Samuel 25:14-17 Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them. / Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them. / They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. … 2 Chronicles 10:6-7 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” “Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city. 2 Kings 13:7 Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. 1 Kings 18:5-6 Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.” / So they divided the land to explore. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went the other way by himself. Judges 18:2-3 So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. / And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here. Jeremiah 24:8-10 But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. / I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. / And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” Jeremiah 29:16-17 this is what the LORD says about the king who sits on David’s throne and all the people who remain in this city, your brothers who did not go with you into exile— / this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will send against them sword and famine and plague, and I will make them like rotten figs, so bad they cannot be eaten. 2 Kings 25:12 But the captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields. You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. Jeremiah 21:8-10 Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. / For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’ Deuteronomy 28:52-57 They will besiege all the cities throughout your land, until the high and fortified walls in which you trust have fallen. They will besiege all your cities throughout the land that the LORD your God has given you. / Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. / The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, … Ezekiel 7:15-16 The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague. / The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity. So let us send them and find out.” 2 Kings 6:13 So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. Numbers 13:2-3 “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.” / So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, 2 Kings 6:33 While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” Treasury of Scripture And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray you, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. one 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? in the city [heb] in it 2 Kings 7:4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. 2 Kings 6:33 And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer? Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not. Jump to Previous City Consumed Five Horses Israel Israelites Multitude Please ServantsJump to Next City Consumed Five Horses Israel Israelites Multitude Please Servants2 Kings 7 1. Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria3. four lepers, venturing on the host of the Syrians, bring tidings of their flight 12. The king, finding by spies the news to be true, spoils the tents of the Syrians. 17. The lord who would not believe the prophecy of plenty is trampled in the press But one of his servants replied This phrase introduces a servant who speaks up with a suggestion. In the context of ancient Israel, servants often played significant roles in the narrative, sometimes providing wisdom or insight. This reflects the biblical theme that God can use anyone, regardless of their social status, to fulfill His purposes. 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 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 7:13?2. How does 2 Kings 7:13 demonstrate God's provision in desperate situations? 3. What role does faith play in the decision made in 2 Kings 7:13? 4. How can we apply the wisdom of cautious exploration from 2 Kings 7:13 today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Kings 7:13 and trusting God's promises? 6. How does 2 Kings 7:13 encourage us to act despite uncertainty or fear? 7. How does 2 Kings 7:13 demonstrate God's provision in times of desperation? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 7:13? 9. How does 2 Kings 7:13 challenge our understanding of faith during crises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 7? 11. What is the meaning of a spirit of fear? 12. Should we pray for the well-being of our leaders? 13. In Ezekiel 3:6-7, why would God say foreign nations would be more receptive than Israel--does historical evidence support this claim? 14. In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time? What Does 2 Kings 7:13 Mean But one of his servants repliedThe king of Israel is wavering after Elisha’s prophecy of sudden deliverance (2 Kings 7:1-2). In that tense moment, an unnamed servant steps forward—much like Naaman’s servants did earlier (2 Kings 5:13). God often uses humble voices to direct those in authority (1 Samuel 3:8-9; John 6:9). The servant’s reply is a spark of commonsense faith amid widespread fear. Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city Samaria is under siege (2 Kings 6:24-25). Horses are scarce and precious, yet the servant proposes using five—symbolizing a token yet sufficient force (Judges 7:7). His plan echoes Joshua’s spies in Jericho (Joshua 2:1) and Moses’ twelve in Canaan (Numbers 13:2). Faith never ignores facts; it prudently gathers them, trusting God will act through ordinary means. Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here The logic is simple: nothing to lose. This mirrors the four lepers’ earlier reasoning, “If they kill us, we will only die” (2 Kings 7:4). Esther voiced the same courage—“If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). When hope in human resources is gone, confidence in God’s word can flourish (Psalm 33:16-18). You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed Famine and despair are visibly crushing the city (2 Kings 6:28-29). The servant articulates the dire reality everyone can “see” (compare Lamentations 4:4-10). Acknowledging true need prepares hearts for divine intervention (Luke 15:17-18). God’s deliverances often come when circumstances are undeniably impossible (Exodus 14:10-14). So let us send them and find out Action follows conviction. The suggestion moves the king from paralysis to obedience, leading to the discovery of the deserted Aramean camp and the fulfillment of Elisha’s word (2 Kings 7:14-16). James later affirms, “Faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:17). Small steps taken in faith can unlock God’s promised abundance (Malachi 3:10; John 2:5-9). summary 2 Kings 7:13 records a servant’s practical yet faith-filled counsel during Samaria’s darkest hour. He proposes a limited reconnaissance with the few horses left, reasoning that the risk is no greater than their present doom. By facing reality honestly and acting on God’s prophetic word, the servant becomes a catalyst for the miracle that follows. The verse reminds us that trusting God’s promises often involves taking sensible steps, even when resources are minimal and outcomes seem uncertain. (13) Let some take.--Literally, And (i.e., then) let them take. (Comp. 2Kings 2:9; 2Kings 4:41.)Five.--Used as an indefinite small number, like our "half a dozen." (Comp. Leviticus 26:8; Isaiah 30:17.) The actual number taken was two pairs (2Kings 7:14). . . . Verse 13. - And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain. One of Jehoram's "servants," i.e. of the officers attached to his person, suggested that a small body of horse (four or five) should be sent out to reconnoiter. The besieged had still some horses left, though apparently not many. Note the phrase, "five of the horses that remain." The majority had died of want, or been killed to furnish food to the garrison. (Behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it - i.e. in Samaria - behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed); i.e. they will run no more risk than the other troops who remain in the city, for these, too, "are consumed," i.e. are on the point of perishing. Supposing that they fall into the enemy's hands, it will go no harder with them than with the "multitude" which is on the point of starvation. And let us send and see. We can do nothing until we know whether the siege is really raised, or whether the pretended withdrawal is a mere ruse. We must send and have this matter made clear.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But oneאֶחָ֨ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of his servants מֵעֲבָדָ֜יו (mê·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant replied, וַיַּעַן֩ (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “Please, נָ֞א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' have [scouts] take וְיִקְחוּ־ (wə·yiq·ḥū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3947: To take five חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 2568: Five of the horses הַסּוּסִים֮ (has·sū·sîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that remain הַֽנִּשְׁאָרִים֮ (han·niš·’ā·rîm) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant in the city. בָהּ֒ (ḇāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew Their plight הִנָּ֗ם (hin·nām) Interjection | third person masculine plural Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! will be no worse than all כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Israelites יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that are left נִשְׁאֲרוּ־ (niš·’ă·rū-) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant here. בָ֔הּ (ḇāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew You can see הִנָּ֕ם (hin·nām) Interjection | third person masculine plural Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! that כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every all the Israelites יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc here אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that are doomed. תָּ֑מּוּ (tām·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8552: To be complete or finished So let us send them וְנִשְׁלְחָ֖ה (wə·niš·lə·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out and find out.” וְנִרְאֶֽה׃ (wə·nir·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural Strong's 7200: To see 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 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 7:13 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 7:13 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 7:13 French Bible 2 Kings 7:13 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 7:13 One of his servants answered Please let (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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