Old Testament
2 Kings 7:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment of desperation, one of the king's officials suggests a daring plan.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
One of his officials replied, "Please, let's send a few men with 5 of the horses still left in the city. If they die, they're no worse off than the rest of us who are about to perish anyway. Let's send them to find out what's going on."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment of desperation, one of the king's officials suggests a daring plan. With only five horses left in the city, he proposes sending them out to gather information about the enemy. The official realizes that their situation is dire, and if the horses perish, it won't change their fate. This reflects a willingness to take risks for the chance of survival. The official's suggestion highlights the importance of seeking knowledge, even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s a reminder that sometimes, taking a small step can lead to significant outcomes. In times of crisis, we must be willing to explore options, even if they seem unlikely. This moment captures the essence of hope amidst despair, showing that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of possibility. The official's courage to act, despite the fear of failure, serves as an inspiration for us to face our challenges head-on and seek solutions, no matter how small they may seem. Every effort counts when survival is at stake.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 7:13 to your life
When faced with tough situations, consider taking a small risk to find a solution. Like the official, be willing to explore options that may seem unlikely. Every effort can lead to new opportunities, even in the darkest times. Don't let fear hold you back from seeking answers and making a change. Your actions matter, no matter how small they seem.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 7:13 mean?
2 Kings 7:13 describes a moment of desperation where one of the king's officials suggests sending out five remaining horses to gather information about the enemy. This reflects a willingness to take risks for the chance of survival, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge even in dire situations.
What is the significance of the horses in 2 Kings 7:13?
The horses in 2 Kings 7:13 symbolize the last remaining resources of the city. The official's suggestion to use them highlights the urgency of the situation and the need to take risks to gain information that could lead to survival.
How does 2 Kings 7:13 relate to taking risks?
In 2 Kings 7:13, the official's proposal to send out horses despite the dire circumstances illustrates the concept of taking calculated risks. It shows that sometimes, even small actions can lead to significant outcomes, especially when survival is at stake.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Kings 7:13?
From 2 Kings 7:13, we learn the importance of being proactive in difficult situations. It encourages us to take small risks to seek solutions and highlights that every effort counts, even when the odds seem against us.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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