Elisha’s Prophecy of Plenty 1Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine floura will sell for a shekel,b and two seahs of barleyc will sell for a shekel.’” 2But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” The Arameans Flee 3Now there were four men with leprosyd at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? 4If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” 5So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. 6For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” 7Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. 8When the lepers reached the edge of the camp, they went into a tent to eat and drink. Then they carried off the silver, gold, and clothing, and went and hid them. On returning, they entered another tent, carried off some items from there, and hid them. 9Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 10So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” 11The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household. 12So the king got up in the night and said to his servants, “Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving, so they have left the camp to hide in the field, thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.’” 13But one of his servants replied, “Please, have scouts take five of the horses that remain in the city. Their plight will be no worse than all the Israelites who are left here. You can see that all the Israelites here are doomed. So let us send them and find out.” 14Then the scouts took two chariots with horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army, saying, “Go and see.” 15And they tracked them as far as the Jordan, and indeed, the whole way was littered with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown off in haste. So the scouts returned and told the king. Elisha’s Prophecy Fulfilled 16Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. 17Now the king had appointed the officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the gate, but the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king had come to him. 18It happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.” 19And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” 20And that is just what happened to him. The people trampled him in the gateway, and he died. Footnotes: 1 a A seah is approximately 6.6 dry quarts or 7.3 liters (probably about 8.2 pounds or 3.7 kilograms of flour); here and in verses 16 and 18. 1 b A shekel is approximately 0.4 ounces or 11.4 grams, probably of silver; here and in verses 16 and 18. 1 c 2 seahs is approximately 13.2 dry quarts or 14.6 liters (probably about 19.3 pounds or 8.8 kilograms of barley); here and in verses 16 and 18. 3 d Leprosy was a term used for various skin diseases; here and in verse 8; see Leviticus 13. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 7 Summary Elisha's Prophecy of PlentyVerses 1–2 – Prophetic Promise of Abundance Verses 3–11 – Lepers Discover the Empty Camp Verses 12–15 – The King Investigates Verses 16–20 – Prophecy Fulfilled and Skeptic Judged 2 Kings 7 narrates the transformation of despair into joy, and scarcity into abundance, in the besieged city of Samaria. It follows the prophet Elisha's proclamation of the coming relief and its subsequent fulfillment. The chapter, with its divine intervention and miracles, emphasizes faith, prophecy, and the power of God's deliverance. Historical Setting • Timeframe: c. 850 BC, during the reign of King Joram (Jehoram) of Israel. • Enemy: Ben-hadad II’s Aramean army. Continuing pressure from Aram had already taken Naaman to Elisha (2 Kings 5) and provoked earlier skirmishes (2 Kings 6:8-23). • The siege began in 2 Kings 6:24-25, where a donkey’s head—an unclean, nearly inedible item—sold for eighty shekels, highlighting the desperation now reversed in chapter 7. People and Roles • Elisha: God’s spokesman, undaunted by circumstances. • King Joram: indecisive, often straddling trust and panic. • Royal Officer: embodies proud disbelief; his fate illustrates Proverbs 3:34—“He mocks the mockers.” • Four Lepers: social outcasts turned unlikely heralds. Their transformation echoes 1 Corinthians 1:27—God chooses the weak to shame the strong. • Ben-hadad’s Troops: instruments in God’s plan even in their absence. Siege Economy and Measurements • Seah: about seven quarts (7.3 L). • Shekel: roughly two-fifths of an ounce (11 g) of silver. • Elisha’s forecast shifted the market from cannibal-level scarcity (6:29) to bargain-level surplus overnight—an economic swing only explainable by divine intervention. Archaeological and Geographic Notes • Samaria (modern Sebastia) sits on a 300-foot-high hill with steep slopes, ideal for defense. Excavations have uncovered city walls, royal buildings, and grain silos, supporting biblical descriptions of storage capacity and siege hardship. • Aramean encampment likely spread across the valley floor west of the city. Nighttime winds in that basin can carry and distort sound; God used natural acoustics to amplify the imagined army. • A ninth-century BC Aramean victory inscription from Tel Dan shows Aram’s strength at the time, fitting the narrative of a formidable foe abruptly undone by the Lord. The Flow of the Story 1. Promise (vv. 1-2) – God’s word spoken. 2. Provision (vv. 3-11) – God’s unseen action. 3. Proof (vv. 12-15) – empirical verification. 4. Plenty & Payback (vv. 16-20) – blessing for believers, judgment for scoffers. Each movement stresses that God speaks, acts, confirms, and vindicates. Themes of Faith and Unbelief • God’s Word vs. Human Reason: The officer’s logic (“windows of heaven”) mirrors earlier doubters—Sarah laughed at Isaac’s promise (Genesis 18:12); Nicodemus puzzled over new birth (John 3:4). • Great Reversal: Famine flips to surplus; lepers move from hopeless to heroic; the high-ranking officer falls. Similar reversals appear in Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:4-8) and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:52-53). • Good News Meant to Be Shared: The lepers’ conviction, “We are not doing right… let us go,” foreshadows the Christian call in 2 Corinthians 5:14—“the love of Christ compels us.” Connections to Other Scriptures • “Windows of heaven” recalls the floodgates in Genesis 7:11 and blessing imagery in Malachi 3:10. • Miraculous provision echoes: – Exodus 16: manna in the wilderness. – 1 Kings 17:14–16: Elijah, the widow, and unending flour. – Mark 6:41–44: Jesus feeding the five thousand. • Outcasts first receiving revelation parallels: – Luke 17:11–19: ten lepers cleansed, one returns. – Luke 2:8–18: shepherds announce Messiah’s birth. • Judgment for unbelief: Hebrews 3:19—Israel in the desert “could not enter because of unbelief.” Foreshadowing of the Gospel Elisha’s message sounds impossible, just as the resurrection seemed to the disciples (Luke 24:11). The lepers proclaim “good news” that brings life to a dying city, a miniature picture of how unlikely messengers carry the gospel (Acts 4:13). The officer’s fate warns that hearing without believing ends in loss (John 3:18). Lessons for Today • Trust God’s Word even when every sense screams the opposite. • Share God’s deliverance promptly; spiritual riches hoarded spoil. • Position or education does not guarantee faith; humility before God does. • God can turn the tide overnight—never discount last-minute breakthroughs. Key Words and Phrases • “Hear the word of the LORD” (v. 1) – authoritative summons; cf. Isaiah 55:11. • “Windows of heaven” (v. 2) – divine supply channel. • “Good news” (v. 9) – first Hebrew use of the term in 2 Kings; it later becomes the Greek “euangelion,” gospel. • “According to the word of the LORD” (vv. 16, 18) – refrain anchoring the outcome to God’s reliability. Practical Takeaways • When God speaks, the smart response is immediate trust. • Crisis can create unexpected openings for witness; look for them. • Skepticism may feel sophisticated but can be deadly when it resists clear truth. • The same gate that becomes a doorway to abundance can also become a place of judgment, depending on the stance of one’s heart toward God’s promise. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 55:8-9For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingElisha declares, Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow, at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.' (2 Kings 7:1). God's timing is perfect, and His plans are beyond human understanding. The Danger of Doubt The officer on whose arm the king leaned doubted Elisha's prophecy, saying, Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen? (2 Kings 7:2). Doubt can blind us to God's power and prevent us from experiencing His blessings. Unexpected Instruments of Deliverance God uses four lepers, outcasts of society, to bring the news of the Arameans' flight and the abundance left behind (2 Kings 7:3-9). God often uses unlikely people and means to accomplish His purposes. Fulfillment of God's Word The prophecy is fulfilled exactly as Elisha had spoken. The officer who doubted sees the abundance but does not partake in it, as he is trampled at the gate (2 Kings 7:17-20). God's word never fails. Practical Applications Trust in God's PromisesEven when circumstances seem dire, remember that God's promises are sure and His timing is perfect. Guard Against Doubt Cultivate faith and trust in God's power, resisting the temptation to doubt His ability to intervene in your situation. Be Open to God's Methods Be willing to see God's hand at work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. Share the Good News Like the lepers who shared the news of the abundance, we are called to share the good news of God's provision and salvation with others. People 1. ElishaElisha is the prophet of God who delivers the prophecy about the end of the famine in Samaria. In 2 Kings 7:1, Elisha says, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel.'" 2. The King of Israel Although not named in this chapter, the king of Israel is involved in the narrative. He is the one who sends a messenger to Elisha and later goes to verify the situation at the Aramean camp. The king's skepticism and actions are central to the unfolding events. 3. The Officer on Whose Arm the King Leaned This officer expresses doubt about Elisha's prophecy, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" (2 Kings 7:2). Elisha responds that the officer will see it happen but will not eat of it, which later comes to pass. 4. The Four Lepers These lepers are unnamed but play a crucial role in the story. They decide to go to the Aramean camp, reasoning that they have nothing to lose. Their discovery of the deserted camp leads to the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. 5. The Arameans While not individually named, the Arameans are the enemy army besieging Samaria. God causes them to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee and abandon their camp, which results in the end of the famine. 6. The Messengers of the King These are the individuals sent by the king to verify the report of the lepers about the deserted Aramean camp. They confirm the truth of the lepers' report, leading to the plundering of the camp. In this chapter, the interplay between faith, prophecy, and divine intervention is highlighted, with Elisha serving as the mouthpiece of God's promise and the lepers as unexpected agents of its fulfillment. Places 1. SamariaSamaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the time of the divided monarchy. In 2 Kings 7, it is under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine within the city. The Hebrew root for Samaria is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron). 2. Aramean Camp The Aramean camp is located outside of Samaria. It is where the Aramean army is encamped during their siege of the city. The camp is abandoned after the Lord causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee in panic. Events 1. Elisha's ProphecyElisha prophesies that the famine in Samaria will end, saying, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel.’” (2 Kings 7:1). The Hebrew word for "seah" (סְאָה) refers to a unit of dry measure. 2. The Officer's Doubt An officer on whose arm the king leaned expresses doubt, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" Elisha responds, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it." (2 Kings 7:2). The term "floodgates" (אֲרֻבּוֹת) in Hebrew can also mean "windows," indicating divine provision. 3. The Lepers' Decision Four lepers at the city gate decide to go to the Aramean camp, reasoning that they have nothing to lose, whether they stay or go. (2 Kings 7:3-4). 4. The Arameans Flee The LORD causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee, leaving their camp intact. (2 Kings 7:5-7). The Hebrew root for "sound" (קוֹל) can also mean "voice" or "noise," indicating a supernatural intervention. 5. Lepers Discover the Abandoned Camp The lepers find the camp deserted and begin to take silver, gold, and clothes, hiding them. They later decide to report their findings to the city. (2 Kings 7:8-9). 6. The King's Suspicion The king of Israel suspects a trap and sends scouts to investigate the Aramean camp. They find the road littered with clothing and equipment the Arameans discarded in their haste. (2 Kings 7:10-15). 7. The Prophecy Fulfilled The people plunder the Aramean camp, and as Elisha prophesied, a seah of fine flour and two seahs of barley are sold for a shekel. (2 Kings 7:16). 8. The Officer's Fate The officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy is trampled at the gate by the people and dies, fulfilling Elisha's words that he would see the abundance but not partake in it. (2 Kings 7:17-20). Topics 1. Elisha's Prophecy of AbundanceElisha prophesies that there will be an abundance of food in Samaria within a day. This prophecy is significant as it demonstrates God's power to provide and fulfill His promises, even in dire circumstances. The Hebrew root for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) emphasizes the authority and certainty of God's message through Elisha. 2. The Officer's Doubt and Consequence An officer of the king expresses skepticism about Elisha's prophecy, questioning its possibility. Elisha responds that the officer will see the fulfillment but will not partake in it. This highlights the theme of faith versus doubt and the consequences of disbelief. The Hebrew word for "see" (רָאָה, ^ra'ah^) underscores the idea of witnessing God's work without experiencing its benefits. 3. The Lepers Discover the Abandoned Aramean Camp Four lepers decide to visit the Aramean camp, hoping for mercy. They find it deserted, as the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of a great army, prompting them to flee. This event illustrates God's intervention and the unexpected ways He can deliver His people. The Hebrew root for "sound" (קוֹל, ^qol^) signifies the divine orchestration of events. 4. The Lepers Share the Good News The lepers return to Samaria to report the deserted camp, leading to the plundering of the Aramean tents. This act of sharing good news parallels the Christian call to evangelism, spreading the message of salvation. The Hebrew word for "good news" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, ^besorah^) is akin to the concept of the gospel. 5. The Fulfillment of Elisha's Prophecy The abundance of food in Samaria fulfills Elisha's prophecy, as the people plunder the Aramean camp. The officer who doubted is trampled at the gate, fulfilling Elisha's warning. This serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. The Hebrew root for "fulfill" (קָיָם, ^qayam^) emphasizes the completion and realization of God's promises. Themes 1. Divine Prophecy and FulfillmentThe chapter begins with Elisha prophesying that there will be an abundance of food in Samaria, despite the severe famine. This theme highlights the power of God's word and its fulfillment. Elisha declares, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.'" (2 Kings 7:1). The Hebrew root for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) emphasizes the authoritative and creative power of God's declarations. 2. Skepticism and Unbelief The officer assisting the king expresses doubt about Elisha's prophecy, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this really happen?" (2 Kings 7:2). This theme explores human skepticism and the consequences of unbelief, as the officer is later trampled to death, fulfilling Elisha's warning that he would see the abundance but not partake in it. 3. Divine Intervention and Deliverance God causes the Aramean army to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee and abandon their camp. This miraculous intervention underscores God's ability to deliver His people in unexpected ways. The text states, "For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army..." (2 Kings 7:6). The Hebrew root for "caused to hear" (שָׁמַע, ^shama^) indicates God's active role in orchestrating events. 4. Provision and Abundance The lepers discover the deserted Aramean camp and find it full of food and supplies, which they share with the city. This theme highlights God's provision and the abundance that follows His deliverance. The narrative describes how the people "went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans" (2 Kings 7:16), fulfilling Elisha's prophecy of abundance. 5. Judgment and Justice The officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy is trampled at the gate, illustrating the theme of divine justice. His fate serves as a warning against unbelief and a testament to the certainty of God's word. The text concludes, "And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died." (2 Kings 7:20). The Hebrew root for "trampled" (רָמַס, ^ramas^) conveys the idea of being overwhelmed or crushed, symbolizing the consequences of disbelief. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Kings 7:1 — How can a city under severe famine suddenly have an abundance of food within 24 hours? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How did Elisha's prophecy challenge the belief of the king's officer? Can you relate to the officer's skepticism? 2. In what ways does the story of the four lepers demonstrate taking a leap of faith? Can you think of any situations in your own life that required such a step? 3. How does the transformation of Samaria's dire situation inspire you to trust God's promises, even in your own difficult circumstances? 4. What does the fate of the king's officer teach us about doubt and faith? 5. How did the lepers act ethically once they discovered the abandoned Aramean camp? What does this teach us about sharing and community responsibility? 6. The lepers' actions benefited an entire city. Can you think of a time where a small action had a large impact in your own life or the lives of others? 7. What role does prophecy play in this chapter? How does it affect the course of events? 8. How does the unfolding of events in this chapter testify to God's sovereignty? 9. How can you relate Elisha's prophecy to the promises God has made in your life? 10. How does 2 Kings 7 encourage you to maintain faith in times of extreme despair and suffering? 11. Can you recall a situation where God provided for you when all seemed lost, just like in Samaria? 12. What are the implications of the Aramean army's sudden departure? How does this event reveal the power of God? 13. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of good communication, especially in the report of the lepers and the king's scouts? 14. Why was it significant for the lepers to share their discovery with Samaria, and what does this suggest about our responsibilities to our communities? 15. What can we learn from the king's initial skepticism of the lepers' news? 16. Can you think of an instance in which you saw an improbable prophecy or promise fulfilled? 17. How does the account of the king's officer contrast with the story of the lepers in terms of faith and doubt? 18. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of divine justice? 19. How might the events of this chapter inspire you to respond differently to difficult situations in your own life? 20. The lepers, despite being societal outcasts, played a significant role in God's plan. How does this impact your view of every person's worth and potential contribution? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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