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2 Kings 13:7

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 13:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For he left not to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For he left not to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing.
2 Kings 13:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And Jehoahaz besought Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them.
5(And Jehovah 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.
6Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, wherewith he made Israel to sin, but walked therein: and there remained the Asherah also in Samaria.)
7For he left not to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing.
8Now 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?
9And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
10In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.
← 2 Kings 13:62 Kings 13:8 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, etc.] This is to be connected with (<121304>2 Kings 13:4), the verses (<121205>2 Kings 12:5,6), being to be read in a parenthesis, as in our version, and to be understood of the king of Syria, who left no more to the king of Israel, not of the people of the land, but of his army, than fifty horsemen, all the rest being either taken and carried captive by him, or slain: and ten chariots; military chariots, with the men they carried: and ten thousand footmen; foot soldiers; to so small a number was his army reduced through wars with the Syrians: for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“made them like the dust in threshing--Threshing in the East is performed in the open air upon a level plot of ground, daubed over with a covering to prevent, as much as possible, the earth, sand, or gravel from rising; a great quantity of them all, notwithstanding this precaution, must unavoidably be taken up with the grain; at the same time the straw is shattered to pieces. Hence it is a most significant figure, frequently employed by Orientals to describe a state of national suffering, little short of extermination (Isa 21:10; Mic 4:12; Jer 51:33). The figure originated in a barbarous war custom, which Hazael literally followed (Amo 1:3-4; compare Sa2 18:31; Jdg 8:7).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The meaning is that “he, the king of Syria” (2 Kings 13:4 Hazael) limited the standing army of Jehoahaz. Like the dust by threshing - An expression not only employed metaphorically, and importing defeat, conquest, and grinding oppression Jeremiah 51:33; Micah 4:12, but implying also the literal use of threshing-instruments in the execution of prisoners of war (marginal reference, and compare 2 Samuel 12:31). return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He - The king of Syria. People - Of his army, or men of war. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 13:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:7 Years of Aramean oppression severely reduced Israel’s army. Only God could save Israel from complete destruction (13:4-5). Ultimately, only God can rescue a helpless and lost humanity (Ps 35:10; Rom 5:6-8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“fifty horsemen: Sa1 13:6, Sa1 13:7, Sa1 13:15, Sa1 13:19-23; Kg1 20:15, Kg1 20:27; Isa 36:8 the king: Kg2 8:12, Kg2 10:32 like the dust: Psa 18:42; Isa 41:2, Isa 41:15, Isa 41:16; Joe 3:14 \*marg. Amo 1:3 4 Kings (2 Kings) 13:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification