2 Kings 7:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Elisha {H477} said {H559}, Hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}; Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, To morrow {H4279} about this time {H6256} shall a measure {H5429} of fine flour {H5560} be sold for a shekel {H8255}, and two measures {H5429} of barley {H8184} for a shekel {H8255}, in the gate {H8179} of Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha answered, "Listen to the word of ADONAI. Here is what ADONAI says: 'Tomorrow, by this time, six quarts of fine flour will sell for only a shekel, and half a bushel of barley for a shekel [in the market] at the gate to Shomron."

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 7:1 records the prophet Elisha's astonishing declaration of divine intervention, promising an immediate and dramatic reversal of fortunes for the besieged city of Samaria. In the midst of an agonizing famine, where desperation had driven its inhabitants to unthinkable acts of cannibalism, Elisha boldly proclaims that within twenty-four hours, food would become so abundant and cheap that a measure of fine flour and two measures of barley would each sell for a mere shekel at the city gate, signaling the miraculous end of the crippling siege and starvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal turning point in a narrative steeped in extreme suffering and human failure. Immediately preceding this declaration, the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, is under a brutal and prolonged siege by the Aramean army led by King Ben-hadad, a situation detailed in [2 Kings 6:24-33](/2_kings/6-24-33 "2 Kings 6:24-33 - The Siege of Samaria and King Jehoram's Despair"). The famine within the city had reached catastrophic levels, leading to unspeakable horrors, including a mother resorting to cannibalism to survive, a vivid and shocking account in [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28-29 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - The Cannibalism in Samaria"). King Jehoram, in his despair and rage, blamed Elisha for the nation's plight and vowed to execute him, as seen in [2 Kings 6:31-33](/2_kings/6-31-33 "2 Kings 6:31-33 - King Jehoram's Oath Against Elisha"). It is precisely in this atmosphere of utter hopelessness, human depravity, and royal despair that Elisha, unprovoked and undeterred, steps forward with a direct, authoritative word from the LORD, shifting the narrative from human failure to divine omnipotence and miraculous intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of siege warfare was common in the ancient Near East, and prolonged sieges inevitably led to famine as supplies dwindled, making survival precarious. Samaria, a well-fortified city, was designed to withstand such attacks, but its resilience was being tested to its limits by the Aramean forces. The exorbitant prices mentioned in the preceding chapter—a donkey's head for eighty shekels of silver and a quarter of a cab of dove's dung for five shekels ([2 Kings 6:25](/2_kings/6-25 "2 Kings 6:25 - Exorbitant Prices During the Siege"))—underscore the severity of the famine, indicating that even inedible or undesirable items were astronomically expensive. The "gate of Samaria" was not merely an entrance but a central hub for commerce, legal proceedings, and public announcements. Prophetic declarations, especially those concerning national fate, were often made publicly in such prominent locations to ensure wide dissemination and to serve as a verifiable witness to the divine word. The cultural expectation was that only God could reverse such a desperate situation, highlighting the truly miraculous nature of Elisha's prophecy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several major themes that resonate throughout the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over circumstances, even the most dire human situations, and His ability to bring about instantaneous and complete turnarounds. Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority and the Power of God's Word**, as Elisha speaks not his own words but prefaced with the emphatic "Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD," validating his role as a true messenger and emphasizing that God's word is efficacious and will not return void, a concept powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty"). Thirdly, the prophecy illustrates **God's Miraculous Provision and Abundance After Scarcity**, promising a dramatic shift from exorbitant prices due to famine to incredibly low prices due to overwhelming abundance, symbolizing God's capacity to provide supernaturally when all natural means have failed. Finally, it offers a profound message of **Hope in Despair**, challenging the prevailing skepticism and hopelessness of the city's inhabitants, as exemplified by the king's officer's reaction in [2 Kings 7:2](/2_kings/7-2 "2 Kings 7:2 - The Officer's Doubt and Elisha's Response"), and calling for faith in God's power despite seemingly impossible circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elisha (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyshâʻ'_):** Contracted from a name meaning "God is salvation," Elisha is the famous prophet and successor to Elijah. His very name encapsulates the message of this verse, as he is the instrument through whom God's salvation and provision are declared and manifested for Samaria, demonstrating that deliverance comes from the LORD.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Jewish national name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." The repeated use of "the LORD" in Elisha's proclamation ("Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD") emphasizes that the prophecy is not from human wisdom or power, but a direct, authoritative, and certain declaration from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, Yahweh, who alone possesses the power to fulfill such an impossible promise.
* **Tomorrow (Hebrew, _mâchâr'_):** This word, meaning "the morrow" or "hereafter," specifies a remarkably precise and immediate timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment. This immediacy intensifies the dramatic tension and highlights the miraculous nature of God's intervention, promising a complete reversal of fortunes within a mere twenty-four hours, making the divine power undeniably evident.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD":** This opening establishes Elisha as the authoritative prophet, delivering a direct, undeniable oracle from Yahweh. The double declaration ("word of the LORD," "Thus saith the LORD") emphasizes the divine origin, absolute authority, and certainty of the message, positioning Elisha as God's faithful mouthpiece in a moment of national crisis.
* **"To morrow about this time":** This phrase injects a sense of immediate, tangible hope and a precise timeframe. The prophecy is not vague or distant but promises an astonishing reversal of fortunes within a mere twenty-four hours, allowing for immediate verification of God's power and faithfulness and intensifying the dramatic impact.
* **"[shall] a measure of fine flour [be sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel":** This is the heart of the prophecy, detailing the specific, miraculous economic turnaround. Fine flour was a more desirable and expensive grain, while barley was a staple for the common people. The promise of both in abundance at such incredibly low prices signifies a complete collapse of the famine-driven market and an overflowing supply of food for all, rich and poor, indicating not just relief but overflowing provision.
* **"in the gate of Samaria":** This detail specifies the public location where this miraculous market reversal would occur. The city gate was the commercial hub, the place of justice, and public assembly. Its mention ensures that the fulfillment would be public, undeniable, and accessible to everyone, leaving no room for doubt about the divine intervention and God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to underscore its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the reader is made privy to God's miraculous plan through Elisha's prophecy, while the characters within the narrative (especially the king and his officer) remain in their state of despair and disbelief, setting up the tension for the prophecy's fulfillment. **Contrast** is perhaps the most striking device, sharply juxtaposing the extreme famine and exorbitant prices of [2 Kings 6:25](/2_kings/6-25 "2 Kings 6:25 - Exorbitant Prices During the Siege") with the promised abundance and incredibly low prices in [2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance"). This sharp contrast magnifies the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The use of a **Prophetic Oracle** with its formulaic "Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD" lends immense authority and gravitas to Elisha's words, establishing them as a non-negotiable divine decree rather than a mere prediction. Furthermore, the specificity of time ("To morrow about this time") and place ("in the gate of Samaria") adds to the **Verisimilitude** and testability of the prophecy, challenging both the characters and the reader to observe God's faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 7:1 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His capacity to intervene decisively in human affairs, even when circumstances appear utterly hopeless. It underscores the truth that God is not limited by human limitations, economic realities, or military might. His word, once spoken through His chosen prophet, carries inherent power to bring about its own fulfillment, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are in a state of despair due to their own sin or external pressures. This passage teaches that God's provision is not merely sufficient but often abundant, turning scarcity into overflowing supply, and that His timing is precise, often delivering salvation at the eleventh hour to magnify His glory. It challenges believers to trust in God's promises even when they defy human logic or experience, reminding us that His ways are higher than our ways.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Never Forsaken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 7:1 offers profound encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges today. Just as Samaria was trapped in a physical famine, we often encounter "famines" in our lives—periods of financial hardship, emotional depletion, spiritual dryness, or relational brokenness. In such moments of despair, when all human solutions have failed and hope seems lost, this verse reminds us that God's word is the ultimate source of hope and the guarantee of supernatural provision. It calls us to shift our gaze from the overwhelming circumstances to the unwavering character and omnipotent power of God, who can turn our deepest scarcity into overflowing abundance, often in ways we least expect and within timelines that defy logic. Our role is to "hear the word of the LORD" and to cling to His promises with unwavering faith, even when a "shekel for a measure" seems utterly impossible. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of expectant faith, believing that God's power is not diminished by our impossibility, but rather magnified through it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "famines" or seemingly impossible situations are you currently facing in your life that require a supernatural intervention from God?**
* **How does the specificity of Elisha's prophecy ("To morrow about this time") challenge your patience and trust in God's timing?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human effort or despair, rather than "hear the word of the LORD" and trust in His miraculous provision?**
* **How can the story of Samaria's deliverance strengthen your faith to believe God for the impossible in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What was the immediate reaction to Elisha's prophecy?**

Answer: The immediate reaction, as recorded in [2 Kings 7:2](/2_kings/7-2 "2 Kings 7:2 - The Officer's Doubt and Elisha's Response"), was one of profound skepticism, particularly from a high-ranking officer accompanying the king. This officer scoffed, declaring that such a thing could not happen "though the LORD should make windows in heaven." Elisha immediately pronounced judgment upon him, stating that he would see the abundance with his own eyes but would not partake of it. This reaction highlights the human tendency to doubt God's power when faced with overwhelming circumstances that defy natural explanation.

**How was the prophecy of 2 Kings 7:1 fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy was fulfilled miraculously and dramatically, as detailed in [2 Kings 7:3-16](/2_kings/7-3-16 "2 Kings 7:3-16 - The Discovery by the Lepers and the Aramean Flight"). Four lepers, desperate and facing certain death, decided to surrender to the Arameans. As they approached the enemy camp, the LORD caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to believe that the king of Israel had hired the Hittite and Egyptian armies to attack them. In a panic, the Arameans fled in the night, abandoning their entire camp, including vast quantities of food, clothing, silver, and gold. The lepers discovered the deserted camp and its immense provisions, then reported it to the city. The people of Samaria then plundered the camp, leading to such an abundance of food that the prices plummeted exactly as Elisha had prophesied, fulfilling every detail of [2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance").

**What is the significance of the prophecy being fulfilled "in the gate of Samaria"?**

Answer: The "gate of Samaria" was the central marketplace, the place where goods were bought and sold, and where legal and public announcements were made. Its mention in the prophecy and its subsequent fulfillment there ([2 Kings 7:16](/2_kings/7-16 "2 Kings 7:16 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy")) emphasizes the public, undeniable, and verifiable nature of God's miraculous intervention. It meant that the abundance was not hidden or limited to a select few, but was openly available to all citizens, confirming the complete reversal of the famine and the direct hand of God in their deliverance. It served as a public testimony to the power and faithfulness of the LORD, leaving no room for doubt about His ability to transform impossible situations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic reversal witnessed in [2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance"), where famine gives way to overflowing abundance through the prophetic word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha declared a word of life over a city facing physical death by starvation, Jesus, the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), came to a humanity spiritually besieged by sin and facing eternal death. He is the true "Bread of Life" who satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger, declaring, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). The physical provision for Samaria foreshadows the spiritual abundance found in Christ, who offers not just temporary relief but eternal life and an inexhaustible supply of grace, mercy, and righteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus broke the siege of sin and death, providing a way for humanity to move from spiritual destitution and despair to an overflowing inheritance in God's kingdom ([Ephesians 2:4-7](/ephesians/2-4-7 "Ephesians 2:4-7 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")). The "shekel for a measure" of grain points to the immeasurable and free gift of salvation and spiritual nourishment provided by Christ, "without money and without price" ([Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Drink Freely")). He is the one who turns our spiritual famine into a feast, fulfilling all the promises of God in Himself, for "all the promises of God find their Yes in him" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 3:5

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Exodus 16:12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God.

Ezekiel 37:4

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

1 Samuel 11:9

And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed [it] to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Exodus 9:5

And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.

Exodus 9:6

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.