The Courage to Investigate: A Call to Action

"They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." - 2 Kings 7:14

"They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." - 2 Kings 7:{verse.verse_number}

In the story found in 2 Kings 7:14, we encounter a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's history during a severe famine. The verse states, "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." This passage brings forth significant themes around faith, action, and divine providence that we can apply to our own lives today.

To understand the depth of this verse, we must consider the context in which it was written. Israel was under siege by the Syrians, leading to dire circumstances where food became scarce and desperation ruled the hearts of the people. It is in this environment of hopelessness that the prophet Elisha announces a miraculous provision from God that would come by the next day. But the immediate reaction of King Joram, the ruler at that time, reflects the struggle of a leader burdened by the weight of despair.

The king, recognizing the need for confirmation of Elisha's prophetic word, sends two chariot horses into the Syrian camp with a simple command: "Go and see". This request encapsulates an attitude that is often overlooked in our faith journey: the necessity of investigation and action combined with a willingness to trust in God's promises.

The phrase "Go and see" serves as an invitation for us to engage actively with God’s Word and His promises. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and into situations where divine intervention may be required. How often do we hear the promises of God, yet refrain from acting upon those truths? The call to investigate (to 'go and see') requires courage, a willingness to confront our fears, and an audience with the One who holds the answers.

Furthermore, there’s a profound implication in the choice of sending two horses. Horses were symbols of strength and speed in ancient warfare. In sending two charioteers, the king not only took action but also signified determination. When we face challenges, we must also harness strength and readiness. Our spiritual tasks often require us to bolster our resolve and gather strength from the Lord in order to pursue the goals set before us.

In our lives, we may encounter 'sieges' that bring us to places of scarcity—scarcity of hope, joy, or resources. It is easy to succumb to the fear and insurgency of thoughts that tell us God’s promises are not for us, that there is no way out, or that our situation is hopeless. Yet, the beauty of this story lies in how God's power would be revealed to those willing to take a step of faith. In choosing to send the chariots, the king is not just fulfilling a task; he is partaking in God’s narrative of rescue.

As believers, we are called to imitate this behavior of inquiry which precedes manifestation. We must dare to ask tough questions and explore untraveled territories of spiritual understanding. We should engage with God in prayer, study His Word earnestly, and be those who actively partake in community, leveraging both the chariots of our faith and the guidance of scripture to navigate through troubled times.

Ultimately, King Joram’s decision to dispatch men to investigate represents a turning point—an act where hope and faith intersect. When the chariots returned, the report they brought confirmed the fulfillment of God’s promise. In this, we are reminded that if we step out to investigate, to "go and see," we will often find God's miraculous provision waiting just beyond our fear.

May we, like the king, possess the courage to 'go and see.' Let us affirm our faith in God's Word and be propelled into action, knowing that although the world around us may be dark, God's light shines brightest through those willing to discover the truth of His promises.

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2 Kings 7:14 Artwork

2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."

2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."

"They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." - 2 Kings 7:14

"They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see." - 2 Kings 7:14

2 Kings 14:7 - "He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day."

2 Kings 14:7 - "He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day."

2 Kings 7:2

2 Kings 7:2

2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."

2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."

2 chronicles 7:14

2 chronicles 7:14

2 chronicles 7:14

2 chronicles 7:14

2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."

2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."

2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."

2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."

2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."

2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."

2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."

2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."

2 Kings 7:7 - "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."

2 Kings 7:7 - "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."

2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."

2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."

"He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." - 2 Kings 14:7

"He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day." - 2 Kings 14:7

2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."

2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."

2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"

2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."

2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."

2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."

2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."

"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18

"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18

2 Kings 14:1 - "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah."

2 Kings 14:1 - "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah."

2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."

2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."

1 Kings 2:14 - "He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on."

1 Kings 2:14 - "He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on."

2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."

2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."

Humble ourselves and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14

Humble ourselves and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."

2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."

2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."

2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."

2 Kings 6:14 - "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about."

2 Kings 6:14 - "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about."

2 Kings 14:2 - "He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem."

2 Kings 14:2 - "He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem."