2 Kings 7:12

12 So the king got up at night and told his officers what the Arameans had planned for them. He said, "They know we're starving, so they've left the camp to hide in the countryside. They're thinking, 'When they've left the city, we'll capture them alive and get into the city.'"

2 Kings 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 7:12

And the king arose in the night
Upon the report made to him:

and he said unto his servants, I will now show you what the Syrians
have done to us;
taking it to be a stratagem of theirs to decoy them:

they know that we be hungry;
and would be glad to come out of the city to get some food:

therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the
field;
to make us believe that they have broke up the siege, and have deserted the camp, and are gone, when they only lie in ambush:

saying, when they come out of the city;
which they supposed they would do through hunger:

we shall catch them alive;
take them captive at once:

and get into the city;
being open to let them out, and receive them on their return.

2 Kings 7:12 In-Context

10 So they called the city gatekeepers and told them, "We went into the Aramean camp, and we didn't see or hear anyone. The horses and donkeys were still tied up. Even the tents were left exactly as they were."

11 The gatekeepers announced the news to the royal palace.

12 So the king got up at night and told his officers what the Arameans had planned for them. He said, "They know we're starving, so they've left the camp to hide in the countryside. They're thinking, 'When they've left the city, we'll capture them alive and get into the city.'"

13 One of his officers replied, "Please let some men take five of the horses that are left here. Those men will be no worse off than the rest of the Israelites who are dying. Let's send them to take a look."

14 So they took two chariots with horses, and the king sent them to follow the Aramean army and told them to find out what happened.