2 Kings 7

20 verses

TL;DR

During a siege by the Arameans, prophet Elisha foretells famine and a miraculous price for grain; the Israelites discover an abandoned Syrian camp, leading to victory and the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Summary

King Jehoash of Israel faces a siege by the Aramean army. Elisha proclaims that a measure of fine flour and two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel at the city gate, a sign of impending famine. While the city suffers, a group of leprous men discover the Syrians’ camp deserted in a panic. They loot the tents, taking silver, gold, and clothing, and report the sighting to the city gate. The king acts, sends men to secure the abandoned camp, and the people reap the spoils. The price of grain is set as promised, and the prophetic words are fulfilled. The chapter ends with the death of the “lord on whose hand the king leaned” after the gate is trampled.

Outline

King Jehoash under siege and Elisha’s prophecy of famine
Leper men discover and loot the abandoned Syrian camp
King’s response leads to victory and fulfillment of the prophecy

Themes

Divine prophecy and fulfillmentFaith amid crisisTriumph over enemies and scarcity

Keywords

famineprophecyArameansSyriansSamariagrainleperssiegetriumph

People

ElishaKing Jehoash (King of Israel)The lord on whose hand the king leanedThe king’s servantsPorters of the cityThe Syrians

Places

SamariaCity gate of SamariaCamp of the SyriansJordanField outside the city

Things

fine flourbarleyhorseschariotstentssilvergoldgarments

Key Verses

2 Kings 7:11: Elisha’s prophecy of grain prices
2 Kings 7:16: Fulfillment of the grain price prophecy

Questions

How does Elisha’s prophecy influence the actions of King Jehoash?
What does the abandonment of the Syrian camp suggest about divine intervention?
In what ways does the narrative address faith during crisis?
How does the story portray the relationship between scarcity and divine provision?
What lessons can be drawn about leadership under siege?

Sentiment

neutral