Topical Encyclopedia Elisha, the successor of the prophet Elijah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his powerful miracles and prophecies. Among his many prophetic acts, one significant event involves the prophecy concerning the death of an unbelieving prince, as recorded in the Second Book of Kings.Context and Background The narrative unfolds during a time of great distress for the Kingdom of Israel. The Arameans had besieged Samaria, leading to a severe famine within the city. The situation was dire, and the people were desperate. In this context, Elisha's role as a prophet of God becomes crucial, as he delivers messages of hope and judgment. The Prophecy In 2 Kings 7, Elisha prophesies the end of the famine and the deliverance of Samaria. He 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). This prophecy was astonishing, given the dire circumstances, and it was met with skepticism by some. The Unbelieving Prince The prophecy of Elisha is met with disbelief by a royal officer, often referred to as the "unbelieving prince." This officer, upon hearing Elisha's words, expresses doubt, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" (2 Kings 7:2). His skepticism is not merely a lack of faith in the prophecy but a challenge to the power and sovereignty of God. Elisha's Response and Fulfillment Elisha responds to the officer's disbelief with a solemn prophecy of judgment: "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it" (2 Kings 7:2). This pronouncement underscores a recurring biblical theme: the consequences of unbelief and the importance of trusting in God's word. The prophecy is fulfilled in a dramatic turn of events. The LORD causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, prompting them to flee, leaving behind their supplies. The people of Samaria plunder the Aramean camp, and the abundance of food fulfills Elisha's prophecy. However, the unbelieving prince meets his fate as foretold. As the people rush out to seize the plunder, the officer is trampled at the gate, witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy but not partaking in its blessings (2 Kings 7:17-20). Theological Implications This account highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the faithfulness of God in delivering His people, even in seemingly impossible situations. Second, it serves as a warning against unbelief and the consequences of doubting God's promises. The unbelieving prince's fate illustrates the peril of skepticism and the importance of faith in God's word. Elisha's prophecy concerning the unbelieving prince is a powerful testament to the authority of God's prophets and the certainty of His promises. It serves as a reminder of the need for faith and trust in God's provision and the consequences of rejecting His word. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 7:2Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat thereof. Nave's Topical Index Library Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... part ii Resources Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Elisha: Bones of, Restore a Dead Man to Life Elisha: Causes the King to Restore the Property of the Hospitable Shunammite Woman Elisha: Elijah Instructed to Anoint Elisha: Instructs That Jehu be Anointed As King of Israel Elisha: Life of, Sought by Jehoram Elisha: Miracles of Brings Blindness Upon the Army of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Divides the Jordan Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Bread to Feed One-Hundred Men Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Oil of the Woman Whose Sons Were to be Sold for Her Debt Elisha: Miracles of Neutralizes the Poison of the Stew Elisha: Miracles of Opens the Eyes of his Servant to See the Hosts of the Lord Elisha: Miracles of Purifies the Waters of Jericho by Casting Salt Into the Fountain Elisha: Miracles of Raises the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead Elisha: Miracles of Recovers the Ax That had Fallen Into a Stream by Causing It to Float Elisha: Miracles of Reveals the Counsel of the King of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Sends Naaman's Leprosy Upon Gehazi As a Judgment Elisha: Mocked by the Young Men of Beth-El Elisha: Prophecies of Bounty to the Starving People in Samaria Elisha: Prophecies of Elevation of Hazael to the Throne Elisha: Prophecies of Seven Years of Famine in the Land of Canaan Elisha: Prophecies of The Birth of a Son to the Shunammite Woman Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of Ben-Hadad, King of Syria Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of the Unbelieving Prince Elisha: Prophecies of The Victory of Jehoash Over Syria Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Select Readings: Elisha and the Widow's Oil Related Terms |
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