They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.

2 KINGS 7:14KJV
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2 Kings 7:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 7:14 mean?

2 Kings 7:14 describes how the king of Israel ordered two chariot horses to be taken and sent messengers after the Syrian army to investigate what had happened to them. The king wanted to confirm whether the Syrians had truly abandoned their camp, as had been reported.

This verse takes place during a siege of Samaria by the Syrians. After hearing a report that the enemy camp was deserted, the cautious king sends a small group to check if the news is true or if it might be a trap. The verse shows the king’s hesitation and need for proof before taking action.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 7:14

  • "took" (לָקַח, lāqach): This word means to take or seize. The action here is deliberate, showing the king’s careful approach.
  • "after" (אַחַר, achar): This word means "behind" or "after." It clarifies that the messengers are following the route of the Syrians, not just going to the camp but pursuing the path the army took.
  • "host" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word means "camp" or "army." It emphasizes that the search is directed at the whole Syrian force, not just a few individuals.

Why 2 Kings 7:14 matters

  • This verse highlights the king’s skepticism and the tense atmosphere in Samaria, where people are desperate but wary of enemy tricks.
  • The king’s decision to send only two horses shows how cautious and resource-strapped Israel was during the siege.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of God’s deliverance, setting up the discovery that the Syrians had indeed fled, as Elisha had prophesied.

Where else these words appear

“chariot” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“Syrians” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?