King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:7 Mean?

2 Kings 13:7 in the King James Version says “Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the k... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 13:7 · KJV


Context

5

(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime . as beforetime: Heb. as yesterday, and third day

6

Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) walked: Heb. he walked remained: Heb. stood

7

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.

8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

9

And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא֩2 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִשְׁאִ֨יר3 of 21

Neither did he leave

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

לִיהֽוֹאָחָ֜ז4 of 21

to Jehoahaz

H3059

jehoachaz, the name of three israelites

עָ֗ם5 of 21

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּ֣י6 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם7 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים8 of 21

but fifty

H2572

fifty

פָּֽרָשִׁים֙9 of 21

horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וַֽעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת10 of 21

and ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

רֶ֔כֶב11 of 21

chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וַֽעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת12 of 21

and ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲלָפִ֖ים13 of 21

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

רַגְלִ֑י14 of 21

footmen

H7273

a footman (soldier)

כִּ֤י15 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִבְּדָם֙16 of 21

had destroyed

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מֶ֣לֶךְ17 of 21

for the king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֔ם18 of 21

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וַיְשִׂמֵ֥ם19 of 21

them and had made

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

כֶּֽעָפָ֖ר20 of 21

them like the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

לָדֻֽשׁ׃21 of 21

by threshing

H1758

to trample or thresh


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 13:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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