2 Kings 7:16

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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.

Context

This verse describes the immediate aftermath of a miraculous deliverance for the city of Samaria. The city had been under a severe siege by the Syrian army, leading to a desperate famine where food became incredibly scarce and expensive, even resulting in cannibalism (see 2 Kings 6:25). The prophet Elisha had prophesied that within 24 hours, food would be abundant and cheap right at the city gate (read Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 7:1). This verse records the dramatic fulfillment of that prophecy, detailing how the starving people plundered the suddenly deserted Syrian camp.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The rapid and complete lifting of the siege was clearly an act of God, not human strategy.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The specific prices of flour and barley mentioned by Elisha are precisely matched in this verse, highlighting the accuracy and reliability of God's spoken word.
  • Abundance After Scarcity: The stark contrast between the extreme famine and the sudden availability of food demonstrates God's power to bring plenty out of desperation.
  • Trustworthiness of God's Word: The event serves as a powerful testament that God's promises and warnings will surely come to pass (see Isaiah 55:11).

Linguistic Insights

The term "shekel" (Hebrew: שקל, sheqel) was a common unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel and the surrounding regions. A "measure" (Hebrew: באה, se'ah) was a standard dry measure, roughly equivalent to about 7.3 liters. The prophecy and its fulfillment specify exact quantities (a measure of fine flour, two measures of barley) for a single shekel, indicating a dramatic drop in price from the famine conditions.

Commentary and Explanation

Following the miraculous flight of the Syrian army (caused by God making them hear a terrifying noise), the lepers who discovered the empty camp reported the news to the city. The king was initially suspicious, fearing a trap, but after sending scouts to confirm, the gates were opened. The starving population rushed out and found the Syrian camp full of provisions. They took everything, leading to such an abundance that grain prices plummeted exactly as Elisha had predicted. The fact that the specific prices prophesied were met confirms that this was not merely a fortunate turn of events, but a direct intervention by God to fulfill His word spoken through His prophet.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers a powerful reminder of God's ability to provide in the most desperate circumstances. When things seem impossible, and we face overwhelming lack or opposition, the story of Samaria's deliverance encourages us to trust in God's power and the certainty of His promises. It teaches us that God can turn despair into abundance and fulfill His word in ways we cannot foresee. Just as the people of Samaria went from starvation to plenty "according to the word of the LORD," we can rely on God to act according to His character and His revealed will.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 7:1 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 27:17 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 20:25 (2 votes)

    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.