Topical Encyclopedia Historical ContextSyria, known in ancient times as Aram, was a significant kingdom located to the northeast of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, Syria frequently interacted with the Israelites, often as an adversary. The capital of Syria was Damascus, a city of considerable influence and power. The relationship between Israel and Syria was marked by periods of conflict and uneasy alliances, with the Syrian kingdom often seeking to expand its territory at the expense of Israel. Biblical Account The siege of Samaria by the Syrians is a notable event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a frequent target of Syrian aggression. One of the most significant sieges occurred during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, as detailed in 2 Kings 6-7. 2 Kings 6:24-25 : "Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they continued the siege until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver." The siege led to a severe famine in Samaria, causing desperation among the inhabitants. The dire conditions are vividly described, highlighting the extreme scarcity of food and the exorbitant prices for even the most undesirable items. Divine Intervention The narrative of the siege is not merely a historical account but also a demonstration of divine intervention. The prophet Elisha, a central figure in the account, plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. Despite the dire circumstances, Elisha prophesies deliverance and the end of the famine. 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, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.'" Elisha's prophecy is fulfilled in a miraculous manner. The Lord causes the Syrian army to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to believe they are under attack by a great army. In their panic, they abandon their camp, leaving behind food and supplies. 2 Kings 7:6-7 : "For 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.' So they got up and fled at dusk, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives." The sudden departure of the Syrian forces results in the end of the siege and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. The people of Samaria plunder the abandoned Syrian camp, and the famine is alleviated. Theological Significance The siege of Samaria and its miraculous resolution underscore several key theological themes. First, it highlights the sovereignty of God over nations and events. Despite the formidable threat posed by the Syrian army, God's intervention demonstrates His ultimate control and ability to deliver His people. Second, the account emphasizes the role of prophetic ministry in Israel. Elisha, as God's prophet, serves as a conduit for divine revelation and guidance. His presence and words bring hope and assurance to the beleaguered city, showcasing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. Finally, the narrative serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Even in times of judgment and hardship, God remains committed to His promises and provides deliverance in unexpected ways. The account of the besieged Samaria is a testament to God's power, mercy, and the fulfillment of His word through His prophets. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 6:24-29And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ... The Woman of Samaria How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ... How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ... How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ... How Upon the Quarrel Between Antiochus Grypus and Antiochus ... At that Time, Ahab, King of Samaria, Coveted the vineyard of ... Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Concerning the Successors of Judas, who were Jonathan and Simon ... Elisha's Closing Ministry Resources Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Antioch in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Syria: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Syria: A Saviour Raised up for Israel Against Syria: Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Syria: And It Included Phoenicia Syria: Army of, Miraculously Routed Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar Syria: Conquest of by Jeroboam Syria: Conquest of by Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria Syria: Damascus the Capital of Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Syria: David: Destroyed the Army of, Which Assisted Hadadezer Syria: David: Garrisoned and Made Tributary Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites Syria: Death of the King of, and the Cruelty of his Successor Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over Syria: God Smote With Blindness Those Sent Against Elisha by The Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: Inhabitants of an Idolatrous People Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians of Damascus Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language Syria: Israel Delivered Into the Hands of, for the Sins of Jehoahaz Syria: Israel Followed the Idolatry of Syria: Joined With Israel Against Ahaz and Besieged Jerusalem Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Rehob, Also Called Beth-Rehob Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Zobah, Also Called, Zobah and Zoba Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Damascus Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Geshur Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Hamath Syria: More Properly the Country Around Damascus Syria: Originally Included Mesopotamia Syria: Paul Goes To, With Letters to Apprehend the Christians Syria: People of, Colonized in Samaria by the King of Assyria Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Burning of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Ceasing to be a Kingdom Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Inhabitants Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Rezin King of Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Calamities, the Punishments of Its Sins Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection With the Macedonia Empire Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Captives Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Plundering of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews Syria: Subdued and Governed by the Romans Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria Syria: The Fame of Jesus Extended Over Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain Syria: The Israelites: Encouraged and Assisted by God Overcame a Second Time Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year Syria: The Israelites: Harassed by Frequent Incursions of Syria: The Israelites: Heard the Secrets of, from Elisha Syria: The Israelites: Insignificant Before Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Sought to Recover Ramoth-Gilead From Syria: The Roman Province of, Included the Land of Canaan Related Terms |
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