2 Kings 7

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Elisha prophesying that the siege of Samaria would be lifted and food would be plentiful again, as stated in 2 Kings 7:1. However, the king's officer questioned the possibility of such a miracle, as seen in 2 Kings 7:2. Meanwhile, four leprous men decided to surrender to the Syrian army, only to find that the Lord had caused the Syrians to flee, leaving behind their camp and supplies, as described in 2 Kings 7:3-11. The leprous men reported this back to the king, and soon the city was filled with food and supplies, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy, as noted in 2 Kings 7:12-20. The king's officer, who had doubted Elisha's words, was trampled to death in the gate, as prophesied in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Kings, which describes the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. The chapter is set during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, who was facing a severe siege by the Syrian army. The chapter highlights God's power and faithfulness in the midst of desperation and hopelessness, and serves as a reminder of His ability to deliver His people from any situation. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise to provide for and protect His people.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, even when the situation seems impossible. It reminds us that God is able to provide for our needs and deliver us from any situation, and that we should always look to Him as our ultimate provider and deliverer. As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, we can draw comfort and strength from the knowledge that God is always with us, and that He will never leave or forsake us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of how God delivered the city of Samaria from a siege by the Syrian army. Through the obedience of four leprous men, God brought about a miraculous victory and provided for the people's needs. The chapter reminds us that God is always with us and will never leave or forsake us, as seen in 2 Kings 7:1-20. It encourages us to trust in His power and promises, even when the situation seems impossible.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord can make the most unlikely and improbable things to happen, and He delights to do so, that His people may know that it is He who has done it.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Lord's power is not limited by the difficulties or impossibilities that we see, but rather by our own faith and trust in Him.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Prophecy of Elisha (2 Kings 7:1-2) — Elisha prophesies that the siege of Samaria will be lifted and food will be plentiful again, as stated in 2 Kings 7:1. However, the king's officer questions the possibility of such a miracle, as seen in 2 Kings 7:2.
2. The Discovery of the Syrian Camp (2 Kings 7:3-11) — Four leprous men decide to surrender to the Syrian army, only to find that the Lord had caused the Syrians to flee, leaving behind their camp and supplies, as described in 2 Kings 7:3-11.
3. The Report to the King (2 Kings 7:12-15) — The leprous men report their discovery back to the king, who is skeptical at first but eventually sends out scouts to confirm the news, as seen in 2 Kings 7:12-15.
4. The Fulfillment of Elisha's Prophecy (2 Kings 7:16-20) — The city is filled with food and supplies, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy, as noted in 2 Kings 7:16-20. The king's officer, who had doubted Elisha's words, is trampled to death in the gate, as prophesied in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.
5. The Death of the King's Officer (2 Kings 7:17, 20) — The king's officer is trampled to death in the gate, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy, as seen in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.

Core Doctrines

The Providence of God

This chapter teaches that God is actively involved in the affairs of men, and that He can bring about miraculous victories and provision for His people, as seen in 2 Kings 7:1-20.

The Importance of Faith

The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, even when the situation seems impossible, as seen in the contrast between Elisha's faith and the king's officer's skepticism.

The Consequences of Unbelief

The chapter teaches that doubting God's power and faithfulness can have serious consequences, as seen in the death of the king's officer, who was trampled to death in the gate, as prophesied in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.

The Covenant Faithfulness of God

The chapter reminds us that God is always faithful to His covenant promises, and that He will never leave or forsake His people, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:1-20.

Lessons from 2 Kings 7

1. The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches that trusting in God's power and promises is essential for experiencing His deliverance and provision, as seen in the contrast between Elisha's faith and the king's officer's skepticism.
2. The Power of God's Providence — The chapter reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of men, and that He can bring about miraculous victories and provision for His people, as seen in 2 Kings 7:1-20.
3. The Consequences of Unbelief — The chapter teaches that doubting God's power and faithfulness can have serious consequences, as seen in the death of the king's officer, who was trampled to death in the gate, as prophesied in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.
4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His power and provision, as seen in the story of the four leprous men.
5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us that God is always faithful to His covenant promises, and that He will never leave or forsake His people, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:1-20.

Themes from 2 Kings 7

1. The Power of God — The chapter highlights God's power and ability to bring about miraculous victories and provision for His people, as seen in 2 Kings 7:1-20.
2. The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches that trusting in God's power and promises is essential for experiencing His deliverance and provision, as seen in the contrast between Elisha's faith and the king's officer's skepticism.
3. The Covenant Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us that God is always faithful to His covenant promises, and that He will never leave or forsake His people, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:1-20.
4. The Consequences of Unbelief — The chapter teaches that doubting God's power and faithfulness can have serious consequences, as seen in the death of the king's officer, who was trampled to death in the gate, as prophesied in 2 Kings 7:17 and 20.
5. The Provision of God — The chapter highlights God's ability to provide for His people, even in the midst of scarcity and famine, as seen in the abundance of food and supplies that the Syrians left behind, as described in 2 Kings 7:3-11.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that God has provided for you in the past, and how can you trust in His power and promises in your current circumstances?
2. How does the story of the four leprous men encourage you to take risks and trust in God's power and provision?
3. What are some ways that you can apply the lesson of the king's officer, who doubted Elisha's prophecy and suffered the consequences?
4. How does the chapter remind you of God's covenant faithfulness and His promise to provide for and protect His people?
5. What are some ways that you can trust in God's power and promises, even when the situation seems impossible, and how can you encourage others to do the same?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Kings 7

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 5-8 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of four leprous men who were starving in a city under siege by the Syrians. Despite their desperate situation, they decided to take
	The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 6 by W.F. Kumuyi	This sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's ability to fulfill His word. I
	Pastor Chuck Smith's Last Sermon - Be Strong in the Faith by Chuck Smith	This sermon focuses on the importance of faith and not staggering at the promises of God, using the example of Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise of a child despite seemi
	Led Into Abundance by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of four lepers men who were facing death and had little faith. Despite their doubts, they felt led by God to move forward. As they
	(2 Kings) Outcasts and Kings by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the four lepers in the Bible who were facing a severe famine. Despite their desperate situation, they decided to take action and
	Evangelism 03 Peter's Sermon in Acts by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity in preaching the message of Jesus Christ. He highlights the unity among the disciples as they stand together with Pet
	You Shall See but Not Eat by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical importance of responding to God's word with faith and confession, using the story from 2 Kings 7 to illustrate how one's response can determi
	12. Ventures of Faith by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of stepping out in faith to discover God's will, illustrating that God can work through anyone willing to venture forth. He warns against pr
	Ix. the Unfathomable Grace of God by John Sung	John Sung preaches about the unfathomable grace of God, illustrating how even in dire circumstances, such as the siege of Samaria, God's provision and grace can manifest in miracul
	The Duty of Helping Others to Seek the Saints' Rest by Richard Baxter	Richard Baxter preaches about the urgency and importance of helping others find the saints' everlasting rest, emphasizing the duty of Christians to actively work towards the salvat

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 7

Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Kings 7 highlights the power and faithfulness of God in the midst of desperation and hopelessness. The chapter is a testament to God's ability to turn any situation around and bring about victory and provision for His people. Henry notes that the story of the four leprous men serves as a reminder that God can use even the most unlikely and improbable means to bring about His purposes. The commentary also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, even when the situation seems impossible, and the consequences of doubting His faithfulness. As Henry writes, 'The Lord's power is not limited by the difficulties or impossibilities that we see, but rather by our own faith and trust in Him.' The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His promise to provide for and protect His people, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:1-20. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?