2 Kings 7:1

Then 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 flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.'"

Study Bible

Then Elisha said,
Elisha, the successor of Elijah, is a prominent prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His role as a prophet is to communicate God's messages to the people and the king. Elisha's ministry is marked by miracles and divine interventions, demonstrating God's power and presence among His people. This statement comes during a time of severe famine in Samaria, caused by the Aramean siege.

“Hear the word of the LORD!
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. Prophets often begin their declarations with a call to listen, underscoring the importance of the message as coming directly from God. It is a reminder that the words spoken are not of human origin but are a revelation from the LORD, demanding attention and obedience.

This is what the LORD says:
The phrase introduces a direct quotation from God, a common prophetic formula that assures the audience of the authenticity and reliability of the message. It highlights the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God, conveying His will and purposes to the people.

‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria,
The specificity of the prophecy underscores God's control over time and events. The "gate of Samaria" is significant as city gates were central places for trade, legal matters, and public announcements. The prophecy's fulfillment at the gate would be a public demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.

a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel,
A "seah" is a unit of measure, approximately 7-9 liters or about 1/3 of an ephah. The mention of "fine flour" indicates a return to abundance and normalcy, contrasting sharply with the dire famine conditions. A "shekel" was a standard unit of currency, and the price indicates a dramatic reversal of the current economic crisis, showcasing God's ability to provide and restore.

and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’”
Barley, often considered a less desirable grain compared to wheat, is mentioned here to emphasize the abundance that will be available. The pricing indicates a significant drop in cost, reflecting a miraculous change in circumstances. This prophecy not only promises relief from famine but also serves as a testament to God's provision and the truth of His word, as seen in other biblical accounts of divine provision, such as the feeding of the 5,000 in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and delivering God's messages to the people of Israel.

2. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans at this time, leading to a severe famine.

3. The Siege of Samaria
A critical event where the city was surrounded by the Aramean army, causing extreme scarcity and desperation among the inhabitants.

4. The Word of the LORD
The divine message delivered by Elisha, promising a miraculous end to the famine and a return to normalcy in the economy.

5. The Gate of Samaria
A significant location in the city where trade and legal matters were conducted, symbolizing the center of public life.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Promises
Elisha's prophecy reminds us that God's promises are sure, even when circumstances seem impossible. We are called to trust in His word and timing.

God's Provision in Desperation
Just as God provided for Samaria, He is able to meet our needs in times of crisis. We should look to Him as our ultimate provider.

The Power of God's Word
The fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy demonstrates the power and reliability of God's word. We should hold fast to Scripture as our guide and source of truth.

Faith in the Face of Doubt
The people of Samaria were in a dire situation, yet Elisha's message required faith. We are encouraged to maintain faith even when others doubt.

God's Timing and Methods
God's ways are not our ways, and His timing is perfect. We should be patient and open to the unexpected ways He may choose to work in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elisha's prophecy challenge us to trust in God's promises, even when our circumstances seem dire?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, similar to how He provided for Samaria?

3. How does the power of God's word, as demonstrated in this passage, encourage us to rely on Scripture in our daily lives?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we need to exercise faith in the face of doubt or skepticism from others?

5. How can we learn to be patient and trust in God's timing and methods, especially when they differ from our expectations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides context for the dire situation in Samaria, describing the severe famine and the desperation of the people.

Genesis 18:14
Relates to the theme of God's ability to do the impossible, as seen in the promise to Abraham and Sarah about the birth of Isaac.

Matthew 19:26
Jesus speaks about the possibility of all things with God, echoing the miraculous provision promised through Elisha.

Isaiah 55:11
Highlights the power and certainty of God's word, which accomplishes what He desires, as seen in the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy.

John 6:35
Jesus as the Bread of Life, connecting the physical provision of food in Samaria to the spiritual provision found in Christ.