King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:7 Mean?

2 Kings 7:7 in the King James Version says “Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.”

2 Kings 7:7 · KJV

Context

5

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

7

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

8

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.

9

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. some: Heb. we shall find punishment

Read 2 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 7 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Deliverance from Famine) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 7 regarding god's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged?
  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 · 16 words
וַיָּקוּמוּ֮1 of 16

“Wherefore they arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ2 of 16

“and fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

בַנֶּשֶׁף֒3 of 16

“in the twilight”

H5399

properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)

וַיַּֽעַזְב֣וּ4 of 16

“and left”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת5 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 16

“their tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְאֶת7 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סֽוּסֵיהֶם֙8 of 16

“and their horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וְאֶת9 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲמֹ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם10 of 16

“and their asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה11 of 16

“even the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר12 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִ֑יא13 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ14 of 16

“and fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אֶל15 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נַפְשָֽׁם׃16 of 16

“for their life”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 7:7 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 7:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 48:4-6Proverbs 28:1Matthew 24:16-18Hebrews 6:18Numbers 35:11-12Isaiah 2:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 7 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes