2 Kings 7:16

KJV

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} went out {H3318}, and spoiled {H962} the tents {H4264} of the Syrians {H758}. So a measure {H5429} of fine flour {H5560} was sold for a shekel {H8255}, and two measures {H5429} of barley {H8184} for a shekel {H8255}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people went out and ransacked the camp of Aram - with the result that six quarts of fine flour was sold for only a shekel and half a bushel of barley for a shekel, in keeping with what ADONAI had said.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the people went out, and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 7:16 records the immediate and dramatic fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy concerning the end of Samaria's severe famine. Following the miraculous, divinely orchestrated flight of the Syrian army, the starving inhabitants of Samaria poured out of the city gates to plunder the deserted Syrian camp. This sudden influx of provisions caused the prices of fine flour and barley to plummet to precisely the low levels Elisha had foretold, vividly demonstrating God's power to bring abundant provision out of desperate scarcity. This pivotal moment underscores the absolute reliability of God's word, as all transpired "according to the word of the LORD."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax and precise fulfillment of a narrative arc that begins with the dire siege of Samaria by the Arameans (Syrians) in [2 Kings 6:24](/2-kings/6-24 "The Siege of Samaria"). The city was experiencing horrific famine conditions, leading to exorbitant food prices and even acts of cannibalism, as vividly described in [2 Kings 6:25-29](/2-kings/6-25-29 "Extreme Famine and Cannibalism in Samaria"). In this desperate situation, the prophet Elisha boldly prophesied an astonishing reversal: within twenty-four hours, food would be incredibly cheap at the city gate ([2 Kings 7:1](/2-kings/7-1 "Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance")). An officer who doubted Elisha's word was told he would see the abundance but not partake of it ([2 Kings 7:2](/2-kings/7-2 "The Doubting Officer's Fate Foretold")). The miraculous turning point occurred when four lepers, venturing out of the city, discovered the Syrian camp deserted, as God had caused the Syrians to hear a terrifying sound and flee in panic ([2 Kings 7:3-11](/2-kings/7-3-11 "The Lepers Discover the Deserted Syrian Camp")). After initial skepticism from the king and a reconnaissance mission confirming the Syrians' flight ([2 Kings 7:12-15](/2-kings/7-12-15 "Verification of the Empty Camp")), the city gates were opened, leading directly to the events of [2 Kings 7:16](/2-kings/7-16 "Fulfillment of Prophecy").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The kingdom of Israel, with its capital Samaria, frequently endured military conflicts and sieges from its powerful northern neighbor, Aram (Syria), during the 9th and 8th centuries BC. Sieges were a common and brutal strategy in ancient warfare, designed to starve a city into submission, often resulting in extreme suffering and death for the inhabitants. The conditions detailed in [2 Kings 6](/2-kings/6 "Elisha's Miracles and the Siege of Samaria")—where items like a donkey's head and dove's dung were sold at exorbitant prices—accurately reflect the dire reality of such a prolonged siege. A "shekel" (שֶׁקֶל, _sheqel_) was a standard unit of weight and currency, typically silver, serving as a significant monetary value. A "measure" (סְאָה, _se'ah_) was a dry volume measure, roughly equivalent to one-third of an ephah, or about 7.3 liters (approximately 2 gallons). The prices prophesied by Elisha and fulfilled in this verse represent a dramatic return to, or even below, normal market rates, signifying an end to the famine and a superabundant supply. This immediate and radical reversal of fortunes would have been perceived by the ancient Israelites as an undeniable sign of divine intervention, as such a rapid economic shift was humanly impossible.

* **Key Themes:** The central and overarching theme of [2 Kings 7](/2-kings/7 "Deliverance of Samaria") and specifically this verse is **Divine Deliverance and Provision**. God's omnipotence is powerfully demonstrated as He, not human military might, lifts the siege and provides for His people through a supernatural act that causes the enemy to flee in terror. This event profoundly underscores the **Trustworthiness and Certainty of God's Word**, as Elisha's specific prophecy regarding the food prices is fulfilled to the letter, confirming God's faithfulness to His declarations. The stark **Contrast between Scarcity and Abundance** highlights God's ability to transform desperate situations into overflowing plenty, often in unexpected ways. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly addresses the theme of **Faith vs. Doubt**, particularly through the fate of the officer who doubted Elisha's word, perishing in the rush, seeing the abundance but not partaking of it, a detail explicitly mentioned in [2 Kings 7:17-20](/2-kings/7-17-20 "The Doubting Officer's Fate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoiled (Hebrew, בָּזַז, _bazaz_):** This verb (H962) means "to plunder," "to take as spoil," or "to seize." It implies a forceful or opportunistic taking of goods, often after a victory or retreat. In this context, it vividly describes the desperate and immediate action of the starving Samaritans as they descended upon the abandoned Syrian camp, seizing all the provisions left behind. The use of this word emphasizes the complete and sudden reversal of fortunes: the besieged now became the plunderers, taking from their former besiegers.
* **Measure (Hebrew, סְאָה, _se'ah_):** A standard dry measure (H5429) in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to one-third of an ephah, or about 7.3 liters (approximately 2 gallons). The specificity of this unit in both Elisha's prophecy and its fulfillment highlights the precise nature of God's word and its exact execution. The fact that a "measure" of fine flour and two measures of barley could be bought for a shekel indicates an extraordinary abundance, a stark contrast to the famine conditions where a donkey's head sold for eighty shekels ([2 Kings 6:25](/2-kings/6-25 "Exorbitant Prices During Famine")).
* **Word (Hebrew, דָּבָר, _dâbâr_):** From the root meaning "to speak" (H1697), this noun refers to a "word," "matter," "thing," or "decree." In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies a divine utterance, a prophetic declaration, or a command. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the entire miraculous reversal of fortune, from the Syrian flight to the plummeting food prices, was not a coincidence but a direct, intentional act of God, precisely fulfilling His spoken decree through Elisha. It underscores the power and reliability of God's authoritative communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians."**: This clause describes the immediate and overwhelming response of the Samaritans once the city gates were opened and the news of the deserted camp was confirmed. Driven by extreme hunger and desperation, they rushed out en masse to the abandoned Syrian encampment. "Spoiled" (בָּזַז, _bazaz_) conveys the frenzied, opportunistic nature of their actions, as they seized all the food, supplies, and valuables left behind by the fleeing enemy. This act of plundering signifies the complete reversal of power dynamics: the besieged became the beneficiaries of their former tormentors' sudden departure.
* **"So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel,"**: This part details the astonishing economic outcome of the plunder. The sudden, massive influx of food supplies from the Syrian camp caused the market prices to plummet dramatically. "Fine flour" was a more expensive, desirable grain, while "barley" was a coarser, more common staple. The specific prices mentioned—one measure of fine flour for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel—were precisely what Elisha had prophesied just the day before ([2 Kings 7:1](/2-kings/7-1 "Elisha's Prophecy")). This exact fulfillment underscores the supernatural nature of the event and God's absolute control over circumstances, including economic conditions.
* **"according to the word of the LORD."**: This concluding phrase is crucial, serving as the theological anchor of the verse. It explicitly attributes the entire miraculous turn of events—the flight of the Syrians, the abundance of food, and the precise price drop—not to chance, human strategy, or natural occurrences, but directly to the sovereign will and prophetic utterance of God. It confirms that the events unfolded exactly as God had declared through His prophet Elisha, reinforcing the reliability and power of God's spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Kings 7](/2-kings/7 "Deliverance of Samaria") is rich with literary devices, and [2 Kings 7:16](/2-kings/7-16 "Fulfillment of Prophecy") serves as its powerful **Climax**. The entire chapter builds from the extreme **Contrast** between the horrific famine and the sudden, overwhelming abundance. This verse provides the concrete evidence of that transformation. There is significant **Dramatic Irony** at play, particularly when considering the fate of the officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy. He was told he would see the abundance but not partake of it ([2 Kings 7:2](/2-kings/7-2 "The Doubting Officer's Doom")), and indeed, he is trampled to death at the gate as the people rush out to the spoil ([2 Kings 7:17-20](/2-kings/7-17-20 "The Doubter's Demise")). The exact numerical fulfillment of the prices (one measure of fine flour for a shekel, two measures of barley for a shekel) functions as a powerful form of **Verification**, leaving no doubt that the events were not coincidental but a direct act of God. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing** through Elisha's initial prophecy, which then finds its complete and precise **Fulfillment** in this verse, underscoring the theme of God's faithfulness to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of 2 Kings 7:16 powerfully demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, including the most desperate human conditions and the movements of nations. It is a profound testament to His ability to provide supernaturally for His people, turning scarcity into abundance in an instant. This passage reinforces the theological truth that God's word, once spoken through His prophets, will inevitably come to pass with precise accuracy, regardless of how impossible it may seem from a human perspective. It underscores His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to intervene dramatically on behalf of those who trust in Him, even when they are at their weakest and most vulnerable. The narrative stands as an enduring reminder that divine provision often comes in unexpected ways and through unlikely agents, showcasing God's limitless power and ingenious methods of deliverance.

* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "The Righteous Never Forsaken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Samaria's deliverance in 2 Kings 7, culminating in the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy in verse 16, offers profound encouragement for believers today. In moments of extreme personal or communal scarcity—whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or relational—this passage reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances. He can turn despair into overflowing provision, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles into pathways of abundance. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's word, recognizing that His promises are steadfast and His timing is perfect, even when His methods are beyond our comprehension. Just as the people of Samaria moved from starvation to plenty "according to the word of the LORD," we are invited to rest in the certainty that God will act according to His character and His revealed will, often in ways that exceed our expectations. This narrative challenges us to look beyond our immediate lack and to anticipate God's miraculous intervention, fostering a spirit of hope and patient endurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life or in the world today are you invited to trust God for, based on the principle of [2 Kings 7:16](/2-kings/7-16 "God's Supernatural Provision")?**
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy strengthen your confidence in the reliability and power of God's promises found in Scripture?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "go out" (like the people of Samaria) and claim the provisions He has already made available, even if they seem unconventional?**
* **What does the contrast between the extreme famine and sudden abundance teach you about God's character and His capacity to provide beyond measure?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the specific prices mentioned for flour and barley?**

Answer: The specific prices—a measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel—were incredibly significant because they were precisely what the prophet Elisha had foretold just the day before in [2 Kings 7:1](/2-kings/7-1 "Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance"). During the severe siege, food prices had skyrocketed to unimaginable levels (e.g., a donkey's head for eighty shekels, [2 Kings 6:25](/2-kings/6-25 "Famine Prices")). The sudden drop to these specific, very low prices represented a miraculous reversal of the famine conditions, demonstrating God's absolute control over the economy and the precise fulfillment of His prophetic word, leaving no doubt that it was a divine act.

**How did the Syrian army flee so suddenly, leaving all their provisions behind?**

Answer: The Syrian army's sudden and panicked flight was a direct result of divine intervention. [2 Kings 7:6-7](/2-kings/7-6-7 "The Syrians' Panic and Flight") explains that "the Lord had caused the army of the Arameans to hear a sound of chariots and horses and a great army." They interpreted this sound as the king of Israel hiring the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack them. In their terror, they abandoned their camp, including all their tents, horses, donkeys, and provisions, and fled for their lives into the night, fearing an overwhelming assault. This supernatural auditory illusion orchestrated by God led to their complete rout.

**What happened to the officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy?**

Answer: The officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy in [2 Kings 7:2](/2-kings/7-2 "The Doubting Officer") was told by Elisha, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it." This prophecy was fulfilled in [2 Kings 7:17-20](/2-kings/7-17-20 "The Doubter's Demise"). The king appointed this officer to be in charge of the city gate when the people rushed out to plunder the Syrian camp. In the ensuing stampede, the people trampled him to death at the gate, precisely as Elisha had foretold. His fate served as a stark warning against doubting the word of the Lord spoken through His prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision in [2 Kings 7:16](/2-kings/7-16 "God's Provision for Samaria") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided physical sustenance to a starving nation, Christ is the ultimate spiritual provision for a spiritually famished humanity. He declared Himself to be the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")," stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst. This echoes the abundant provision in Samaria, but on a spiritual plane, offering eternal satisfaction. Furthermore, the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy in this verse foreshadows the perfect and complete fulfillment of all God's promises in Christ. Every promise of God finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Christ's sacrifice on the cross provided the ultimate "spoil" for humanity, breaking the power of sin and death and offering spiritual abundance and eternal life where there was once only spiritual famine and despair ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Evil")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing true and lasting sustenance for the soul, far surpassing any physical provision.

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

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.

Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

Isaiah 33:4

And your spoil shall be gathered [like] the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.

Isaiah 44:26

That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:17

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

2 Chronicles 20:25

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.