Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, unbelief is a recurring theme that manifests in various forms and contexts. One notable instance of unbelief is found in the account of a Samaritan lord during the time of the prophet Elisha. This account is recorded in 2 Kings 7, where the prophet Elisha prophesies the end of a severe famine in Samaria, promising that food would be abundant and affordable by the next day.Context and Background The city of Samaria was under siege by the Arameans, leading to a dire famine. The situation was so desperate that people resorted to extreme measures for survival. In this context, Elisha delivers a message from the LORD, declaring, "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 Samaritan Lord's Unbelief The prophecy was met with skepticism by a high-ranking officer, referred to as "the king's officer" or "the lord on whose hand the king leaned" (2 Kings 7:2). This officer expressed his disbelief by questioning the possibility of such a miraculous turnaround, saying, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" (2 Kings 7:2). His response exemplifies a profound unbelief in the power and providence of God, despite the clear prophetic word delivered by Elisha. Consequences of Unbelief Elisha responded to the officer's doubt with a solemn pronouncement: "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it" (2 Kings 7:2). This statement underscores a biblical principle that unbelief can lead to missing out on the blessings and promises of God. The narrative continues to describe how the prophecy was fulfilled exactly as Elisha had foretold. The Arameans fled, leaving behind an abundance of supplies, which led to the end of the famine. As the people rushed out to plunder the Aramean camp, the skeptical officer was stationed at the gate. In the ensuing chaos, he was trampled by the crowd and died, thus fulfilling Elisha's prophecy that he would see the provision but not partake of it (2 Kings 7:17-20). Theological Implications The account of the Samaritan lord's unbelief serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubting God's word and promises. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. The narrative also illustrates the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises, regardless of human skepticism or disbelief. In the broader biblical context, unbelief is often contrasted with faith, which is commended and rewarded by God. The account of the Samaritan lord reminds believers of the necessity to trust in God's word and to remain steadfast in faith, even when circumstances appear insurmountable. 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 Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. Chapter xxi. Claiming. The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ... Character of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is that Large River by which the Mystical ... The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament. John Chapter vi. 15-44 Olney Hymns Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ... Resources Why does unbelief appear to be increasing in the world today? | GotQuestions.orgDid Christ die for all sin except for the sin of unbelief? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “I believe; help my unbelief” in Mark 9:24? | GotQuestions.org Unbelief: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Unbelief was an Impediment to the Performance of Miracles Unbelief: All, by Nature, Concluded In Unbelief: Believers should Hold No Communion With Those In Unbelief: Defilement Inseparable From Unbelief: Exhibited in Departing from God Unbelief: Exhibited in not Believing the Works of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Questioning the Power of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Christ Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Evidence of Miracles Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting the Gospel Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting the Word of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Staggering at the Promise of God Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Impugns the Veracity of God Unbelief: Miracles Designed to Convince Those In Unbelief: Pray for Help Against Unbelief: Proceeds From: An Evil Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: Disinclination to the Truth Unbelief: Proceeds From: Hardness of Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: Judicial Blindness Unbelief: Proceeds From: Not Being Christ's Sheep Unbelief: Proceeds From: Seeking Honor from Men Unbelief: Proceeds From: Slowness of Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: The Devil Blinding the Mind Unbelief: Proceeds From: The Devil Taking Away the Word out of the Heart Unbelief: The Half-Brothers of Christ Unbelief: The Jews Rejected For Unbelief: The Portion of, Awarded to all Unfaithful Servants Unbelief: The Thessalonian Jews Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of are Condemned Already Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Cannot Please God Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Excite Others Against Saints Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Harden Their Necks Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Have not the Word of God in Them Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Have the Wrath of God Abiding Upon Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Malign the Gospel Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persecute the Ministers of God Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persevere in It Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Cast Into the Lake of Five Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Condemned Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Destroyed Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall Die in Their Sins Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall not be Established Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall not Enter Rest Related Terms |
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