2 Kings 7:1
2 Kings 7:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Elisha said, “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 will sell for a shekel.’”
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith 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.
And Elisha said, Hear ye the word of Jehovah: thus saith Jehovah, 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.
Then Elisha said, Give ear to the word of the Lord: the Lord says, Tomorrow, about this time, a measure of good meal will be offered for the price of a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the market-place of Samaria.
Elisha replied, “Listen to the message from the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Around this time tomorrow a seah of the best flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”
Then Elisha saide, Heare ye the worde of the Lord: thus saith the Lord, To morowe this time a measure of fine floure shalbe solde for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel in the gate of Samaria.
And Elisha saith, 'Hear ye a word of Jehovah: thus said Jehovah, About this time to-morrow, a measure of fine flour [is] at a shekel, and two measures of barley at a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.'
Elisha said, “Hear the LORD’s word. The LORD says, ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.’”
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith 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.
And Eliseus said: Hear ye the word of the Lord: Thus saith the Lord: Tomorrow about this time a bushel of fine hour shall be sold for a stater, and two bushels of barley for a stater, in the gate of Samaria.
Elisha replied to the king, “Listen to what Yahweh says: ‘He says that by this time tomorrow, at the marketplace here in Samaria, you will be able to buy ◄ten pounds/five kg.► of fine wheat or ◄20 pounds/ten kg.► of barley for only one piece of silver.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 7:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 7:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
שִׁמְע֖וּ
דְּבַר
יְהוָ֑ה
כֹּ֣ה
אָמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֗ה
כָּ/עֵ֤ת
מָחָר֙
סְאָֽה
סֹ֣לֶת
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
שִׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כֹּ֣ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּ/עֵ֤ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
מָחָר֙
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
סְאָֽה
çᵉʼâh
H5429
seah
N-fs
סֹ֣לֶת
çôleth
H5560
fine flour
N-fs
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Prep | N-ms
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
seah
Conj | N-fd
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
N-fp
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-ms
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 7:1
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
שִׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כֹּ֣ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּ/עֵ֤ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
מָחָר֙
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
סְאָֽה
çᵉʼâh
H5429
"seah"
N-fs
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Definition: 1) seah, a measure of flour or grain 1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 7:1; 2 Kings 7:18.
סֹ֣לֶת
çôleth
H5560
"fine flour"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to fine flour, often used in baking and as an offering. It is translated as 'fine flour' or 'meal' in the KJV Bible, and is mentioned in various books, including Leviticus.
Definition: fine flour
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (fine) flour, meal. See also: Genesis 18:6; Numbers 7:61; Ezekiel 46:14.
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Prep | N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
"seah"
Conj | N-fd
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Definition: 1) seah, a measure of flour or grain 1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 7:1; 2 Kings 7:18.
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Prep | N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
בְּ/שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 7:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 7:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 7:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 7:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 7:1
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 7:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
- Sermons on 2 Kings 7:1
Context — Elisha’s Prophecy of Plenty
1Then Elisha said, “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 will sell for a shekel.’”
2But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” 3Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 3:5 | Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” |
| 2 | Exodus 16:12 | “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 37:4 | And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 11:9 | So they said to the messengers who had come, “Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.’” And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced. |
| 5 | Exodus 14:13 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. |
| 6 | Exodus 9:5–6 | The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land.” And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. |
| 7 | Psalms 46:5 | God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. |
| 8 | Exodus 8:23 | I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 20:16 | Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: |
| 10 | 2 Kings 6:25 | So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. |
2 Kings 7:1 Summary
[This verse is a promise from God that he will provide for his people, even in the toughest times. Elisha says that tomorrow, food will be plentiful and cheap, which is a big change from the scarcity and high prices they were experiencing, similar to the provision described in Isaiah 41:17. This shows that God is a God of abundance and provision, who cares for his people and wants to bless them, as seen in verses like Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the prices mentioned in 2 Kings 7:1?
The prices mentioned, a seah of fine flour for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel, indicate a dramatic reversal of the economic situation in Samaria, as the city was under siege and food was scarce, similar to the situation described in 2 Kings 6:25, where a donkey's head cost 80 shekels of silver.
Is Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 7:1 a promise of immediate relief?
Yes, Elisha's prophecy is a promise that the Lord will provide immediate relief to the people of Samaria, as he says 'about this time tomorrow' the prices will drop, indicating a swift answer to their prayers, much like the Lord's provision in Exodus 16:4, where he provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Kings 7?
This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events that unfold in 2 Kings 7, as Elisha's prophecy is fulfilled and the Lord provides for his people, demonstrating his power and provision, as seen in verses like 2 Kings 7:6, where the Lord causes the Aramean army to flee.
What can we learn about God's character from 2 Kings 7:1?
From this verse, we can learn that God is a God of provision and promise, who cares for his people and provides for their needs, as seen in verses like Psalm 23:1, where David says 'the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision, just like the people of Samaria?
- How can I apply Elisha's faith and trust in God's promises to my own life, especially in times of uncertainty?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's provision, like the Israelites did when they followed Moses into the wilderness, as described in Exodus 14:31?
- How can I share God's promise of provision with others, just like Elisha shared it with the people of Samaria?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, hear the word of the Lord,.... This he said to the king and those that were with him: thus saith the Lord, tomorrow, about this time; which very probably was the forenoon: shall a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
2 KINGS CHAPTER 7 Elisha prophesieth incredible plenty in Samaria; and the death of a great lord, who would not believe the prophecy, ,2. Four lepers visit the camp of the Syrians, and bring tidings of their flight, being hasted away by God, . The king sendeth spies, who confirm this report; and he spoileth their tents. Great plenty. The lord on whose hand the king leaned is trodden upon by the people, and dieth, . Elisha said; either to the messenger, to be reported to the king; or rather, to the king, being then come to him, as it is expressed, ; and to his courtiers, who were come with him, . Thus saith the Lord: the Lord, whom you have so highly offended, and at present despise and refuse to wait upon, of his own mere grace and bounty hath sent you the glad tidings of your deliverance. A measure, Heb. seah; a measure containing 6 cabs, or 144 egg-shells, or about a peck and a pottle of our measure. Be sold for a shekel: compare this with .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith 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.Ver. 1. Tomorrow about this time.] Man’ s perverseness stoppeth not the current of God’ s infinite goodness. "What should I wait for the Lord any longer?" said wicked Joram. "Tomorrow shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel," &c., saith the Lord, as if he would condescend, where he might judge; and would please them who deserved nothing but punishment. Shall a measure of fine flour.] Not meal, but flour, and fine flour too, a peck and a pottle of it sold for a shekel; that is, for half-a-crown at most - some say, for half the money; where an ass’ s head and a cab of dove’ s-dung had been at such unreasonable rates. This was a wonderful change on such a sudden. What cannot the Lord do! In the last year, save one, of Queen Mary, wheat was sold here in England for four marks the quarter; malt for two pounds four shillings the quarter; peas at two pounds six shillings eight pence. Whereas after the next harvest, wheat was sold for five shillings the quarter; malt at four shillings eight pence; and in some places a bushel of rye was exchanged for a pound of candies, which came to fourpence. In the year 1555, when, by reason of unseasonable weather, there was a great dearth in this land, there sprang up upon the rocks without tillage or sowing, in the county of Essex, betwixt Orford and Adleborough, such a crop of peas, that in August there were gathered above a hundred quarters; and in blossoming there remained as many more, where never grass grew, nor earth was ever seen, but hard solid rock for three yards deep under their roots.
Mr Clark’ s Martyrol. Speed in Suffolk.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
VII.(1) Then Elisha said.—And Elisha said. The division of the chapters is unfortunate, there being no break in the story here. The prophet addresses the king and his attendants (2 Kings 7:18). A measure.—Heb., a seah: the most usual corn measure. (Comp. 1 Kings 18:32; 2 Kings 6:25.) The prophet’s words are more abrupt in the original: “Thus hath Jehovah said, About this time to-morrow a seah (in) fine flour at a shekel, and two seahs (in) barley at a shekel, in the gate of Samaria!” Fine flour.—Genesis 18:6. Barley.—Not only as fodder for the horses (Thenius). but also for human consumption, in the shape of barley cakes, &c. (Judges 7:13). The gate.—The corn market, therefore, was held in the open space just within the gate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
CHAPTER VII Elisha foretells abundant relief to the besieged inhabitants of Samaria, 1. One of the lords questions the possibility of it; and is assured that he shall see it on the morrow, but not taste of it, 2. Four lepers, perishing with hunger, go to the camp of the Syrians to seek relief and find it totally deserted, 3-5. How the Syrians were alarmed, and fled, 6, 7. The lepers begin to take the spoil, but at last resolve to carry the good news to the city, 8-11. The king, suspecting some treachery, sends some horsemen to scour the country, and see whether the Syrians are not somewhere concealed; they return, and confirm the report that the Syrians are totally fled, 12-15. The people go out and spoil the camp, in consequence of which provisions become as plentiful as Elisha had foretold, 16. The unbelieving lord, having the charge of the gate committed to him, is trodden to death by the crowd, 17-20. NOTES ON CHAP. VII Verse 1.
To-morrow about this time] This was in reply to the desponding language of the king, and to vindicate himself from the charge of being author of this calamity. See the end of the preceding chapter. 2Kg 6:33. A measure of fine flour - for a shekel] A seah of fine flour: the seah was about two gallons and a half; the shekel, two shillings and four-pence at the lowest computation. A wide difference between this and the price of the ass's head mentioned above.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 7:1
Ch. 2 Kings 7:1. Hear ye the word of the Lord] Having seen the change in the king’s disposition, even though it were a change to despondency, rather than trust, Elisha in the name of the Lord gives a solemn assurance that help is nigh. This he does in the presence of the elders who had been sitting with him, and of those persons who had come in the king’s retinue. a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel] The measure is the Hebrew seah, which is said to be about a peck. It was six times as much as the Kab mentioned in 2 Kings 6:5. So that the change which Elisha foretells would provide six times as much good food for one-fifth of the price for which, in the famine, the vilest had been sold. in the gate of Samaria] Where people congregated for markets and other purposes.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 7:1
The division between the chapters is most awkward here. Elisha, in this verse, replies to the king’s challenge in 2 Kings 6:33 - that his God, Yahweh, will give deliverance in the space of a day.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:1
1. Hear ye the word of the Lord — The king had waited for the Lord, and the Lord now answers by his prophet. The Lord announces that he shall not wait longer than the morrow.
Sermons on 2 Kings 7:1
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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Ii Kings 7:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the siege of Samaria and the incredible promise from God to end the famine, emphasizing how the people's unbelief stemmed from their limited understanding of |
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Sanctify Yourself- for Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctifying ourselves and setting our minds to walk with God, believing in His power to do wonders among us. It calls for a three-day fast |