Background and Context

Elisha, the successor of Elijah, was a prominent prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. His ministry was marked by numerous miracles and prophetic acts that demonstrated the power and provision of God. One of the most significant events in Elisha's ministry was his prophecy of deliverance during a severe famine in Samaria, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:24–7:20.

The Siege of Samaria

The city of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was besieged by Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram (Syria). The siege resulted in a devastating famine, causing extreme scarcity of food and leading to desperate conditions among the inhabitants. The situation was so dire that the people resorted to cannibalism, as described in 2 Kings 6:28-29. The king of Israel, in his distress, blamed Elisha for the calamity and sought his life.

Elisha's Prophecy

In the midst of this crisis, Elisha delivered a bold prophecy of hope and divine intervention. According to 2 Kings 7:1 , Elisha declared, "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.'" This prophecy promised an abrupt end to the famine and a miraculous provision of food at affordable prices.

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

Skepticism greeted Elisha's prophecy, particularly from the king's officer, who doubted the possibility of such a turnaround, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" (2 Kings 7:2). Elisha responded with a further prophecy, stating that the officer would see the fulfillment but would not partake in it.

The prophecy was fulfilled through a series of divinely orchestrated events. Four lepers, outcasts due to their condition, decided to surrender to the Arameans, hoping for mercy. Upon reaching the enemy camp, they discovered it abandoned. The LORD had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, prompting them to flee in panic, leaving behind their provisions (2 Kings 7:6-7).

The lepers reported the good news to the city, and the people of Samaria plundered the Aramean camp, resulting in an abundance of food. As Elisha had foretold, the prices of flour and barley dropped dramatically, fulfilling the prophecy of provision and deliverance (2 Kings 7:16).

The Officer's Fate

In a tragic turn of events, the skeptical officer met his demise as Elisha had predicted. As the people rushed out to seize the provisions, the officer was trampled at the gate and died, witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy but unable to enjoy its benefits (2 Kings 7:17-20).

Significance

Elisha's prophecy and its fulfillment underscore the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in providing for His people, even in the most desperate circumstances. The narrative highlights the importance of faith and the consequences of doubt, as exemplified by the contrasting fates of the lepers and the skeptical officer. Through Elisha, God demonstrated His power to deliver and sustain His people, reaffirming His covenantal promises to Israel.2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, Hear you the word of the LORD; Thus said the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
Nave's Topical Index

Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elijah and Elisha? | GotQuestions.org

Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus