Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great
 host
 To terrify the inhabitants from attempting to defend the prophet, but deliver him up at once: 
 and they came by night;
 that they might come upon them unawares, and their design not be discovered, so as to have timely help from Samaria, which was not far off: 
 and compassed the city about;
 that the prophet might not make his escape out of it.