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2 Kings 2:17

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

2 Kings 2:17 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of 2 Kings, depicts a story where a group of men were sent to search for a prophet named Elijah. Initially reluctant to be found, Elijah was eventually located after three days of searching. The verse highlights the persistence and determination of the men who were tasked with finding him. Despite Elijah's initial reticence, they continued their search until they found him. This story can be interpreted as a lesson in perseverance and the importance of not giving up, even when faced with challenges or obstacles. It also serves as a reminder of the power of determination and how it can lead to success in the end. By sending out fifty men and searching for three days, the group demonstrated their commitment to achieving their goal, ultimately resulting in the successful discovery of Elijah.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the way in which Elisha is being pursued by the men who were sent after him. Elisha’s response to being urged multiple times before agreeing to have men sent out to find him may symbolize his reluctance to accept help or intervention from others. This could be reflective of a theme found throughout the Bible of individuals facing struggles and challenges on their own before finally turning to God for assistance. In this case, Elisha’s eventual willingness to allow the men to go after him could serve as a reminder that it is okay to seek help from others when in need, as ultimately, God works through people as well as directly in our lives. Additionally, the fact that the men searched for Elisha for three days but could not find him may point to the idea that God’s timing is not always immediate, and that sometimes we need to wait patiently for His plan to unfold.

2 Kings 2:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

World English Bible

When they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, “Send them.” They sent therefore fifty men; and they searched for three days, but didn’t find him.

Douay-Rheims

But they pressed him, till he consented, and said: Send. And they sent fifty men: and they sought three days, but found him not.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Yet they were instant vpon him, til he was ashamed: wherefore he saide, Sende. So they sent fiftie men, which sought three dayes, but founde him not.