Old Testament
2 Kings 13:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jehoahaz was left with only fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like dust by threshing.
Compare translations
Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.
What 2 Kings 13:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Jehoahaz, the king of Israel, faced a dire situation. He was left with only a small army: fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers. This was a stark contrast to the once powerful nation he ruled. The king of Syria had ravaged his forces, reducing them to almost nothing. The imagery of being made like dust by threshing illustrates the complete destruction and helplessness Jehoahaz experienced. It was a time of great loss and vulnerability for Israel. Jehoahaz's limited resources reflected the consequences of previous choices and the ongoing conflict with Syria. This moment serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights the need for strength and unity in challenging times, as well as the impact of external forces on a nation’s fate. Jehoahaz's story is a lesson in humility and the reality of relying on God for strength and guidance in difficult situations, rather than solely on military might.
How to apply 2 Kings 13:7 to your life
In our lives, we may face overwhelming challenges that leave us feeling powerless. Like Jehoahaz, we must recognize our limitations and seek support from others. It’s essential to remain resilient and find strength in unity, especially during tough times. Remember, even in moments of weakness, there is always hope for recovery and growth. Trust in a greater purpose can guide us through adversity and lead to renewal and strength.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 13:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 13:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 13:7 reveal about Jehoahaz's military situation?
2 Kings 13:7 highlights the dire military situation of Jehoahaz, the king of Israel. He was left with only fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers after the king of Syria had decimated his forces. This verse illustrates the significant loss and vulnerability of Israel, emphasizing the consequences of their conflicts and choices. It serves as a reminder of how quickly a nation's power can diminish due to external pressures.
How does the imagery of 'made like dust by threshing' relate to Jehoahaz's plight?
The phrase 'made like dust by threshing' in 2 Kings 13:7 symbolizes complete destruction and helplessness. It conveys the extent of the devastation inflicted by the king of Syria on Jehoahaz's army. This imagery reflects not only the physical loss of military strength but also the emotional and spiritual toll on the nation of Israel, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for divine support in times of crisis.
What lessons can we learn from Jehoahaz's experience in 2 Kings 13:7?
Jehoahaz's experience in 2 Kings 13:7 teaches us about the importance of resilience and humility in the face of overwhelming challenges. It reminds us to recognize our limitations and seek support from others, as well as to trust in a higher purpose during difficult times. This story encourages us to remain united and strong, even when circumstances seem dire, and to rely on faith for guidance and strength.
How does 2 Kings 13:7 connect to themes of vulnerability and resilience?
2 Kings 13:7 connects to themes of vulnerability and resilience by showcasing Jehoahaz's weakened military position and the dire consequences of conflict. Despite his limited resources, the verse emphasizes the need for strength and unity in adversity. It serves as a reminder that even in moments of vulnerability, there is potential for recovery and growth, urging us to find hope and resilience in challenging situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.