TRV
Translation
King James Version
And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
For the man of God had said to the king, "Tomorrow by this time six quarts of barley will sell for only a shekel and half a bushel of fine flour for a shekel [in the market] at the gate of Shomron";
Berean Standard Bible
It happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.”
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;
World English Bible Messianic
It happened as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria”;
Geneva Bible (1599)
And it came to passe, as the man of God had spoken to the King, saying, Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine floure shall be at a shekel, to morowe about this time in the gate of Samaria.
Young's Literal Translation
yea, it cometh to pass, according to the speaking of the man of God unto the king, saying, `Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine flour at a shekel are, at this time to-morrow, in the gate of Samaria;'
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In the KJVVerse 9,726 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Kings 7 verses 12–20
12 ¶ And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.
13 And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see.
14 They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.
15 And they went after them unto Jordan: and, lo, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king.
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.
17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
18 And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:
19 And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
20 And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.
Here we have,
I. The king's jealousy of a stratagem in the Syrian's retreat, Kg2 7:12. He feared that they had withdrawn into an ambush, to draw out the besieged, that they might fall on them with more advantage. he knew he had no reason to expect that God should appear thus wonderfully for him, having forfeited his favour by his unbelief and impatience. He knew no reason the Syrians had to fly, for it does not appear that he or any of this attendants heard the noise of the chariots which the Syrians were frightened at. Let not those who, like him, are unstable in all their ways, think to receive any thing from God; nay, a guilty conscience fears the worst and makes men suspicious.
II. The course they took for their satisfaction, and to prevent their falling into a snare. They sent out spies to see what had become of the Syrians, and found they had all fled indeed, commanders as well a common soldiers. They could track them by the garments which they threw off, and left by the way, for their greater expedition, Kg2 7:15. He that gave this advice seems to have been very sensible of the deplorable condition the people were in (Kg2 7:13); for speaking of the horses, many of which were dead and the rest ready to perish for hunger, he says, and repeats it, "They are as all the multitude of Israel. Israel used to glory in their multitude, but now they are diminished and brought low." He advised to send five horsemen, but, it should seem, there were only two horses fit to be sent, and those chariot-horses, Kg2 7:14. Now the Lord repented himself concerning his servants, when he saw that their strength was gone, Deu 32:36.
III. The plenty that was in Samaria, from the plunder of the camp of the Syrians, Kg2 7:16. Had the Syrians been governed by the modern policies of war, when they could not take their baggage and their tents with them they would rather have burnt them (as it is common to do with the forage of a country) than let them fall into their enemies' hands; but God determined that the besieging of Samaria, which was intended for its ruin, should turn to its advantage, and that Israel should now be enriched with the spoil of the Syrians as of old with that of the Egyptians. here see, 1. The wealth of the sinner laid up for the just (Job 27:16, Job 27:17) and the spoilers spoiled, Isa 33:1. 2. The wants of Israel supplied in a way that they little thought of, which should encourage us to depend upon the power and goodness of God in our greatest straits. 3. The word of Elisha fulfilled to a tittle: A measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel; those that spoiled the camp had not only enough to supply themselves with, but an overplus to sell at an easy rate for the benefit of others, and so even those that tarried at home did divide the spoil, Psa 68:12; Isa 33:23. God's promise may be safely relied on, for no word of his shall fall to the ground.
IV. The death of the unbelieving courtier, that questioned the truth of Elisha's word. Divine threatenings will as surely be accomplished as divine promises. He that believeth not shall be damned stands as firm as He that believeth shall be saved. This lord, 1. Was preferred by the king to the charge of the gate (Kg2 7:17), to keep the peace, and to see that there was no tumult or disorder in dividing and disposing of the spoil. So much trust did the king repose in him, in his prudence and gravity, and so much did he delight to honour him. He that will be great, let him serve the public. 2. Was trodden to death by the people in the gate, either by accident, the crowd being exceedingly great, and he in the thickest of it, or perhaps designedly, because he abused his power, and was imperious in restraining the people from satisfying their hunger. However it was, God's justice was glorified, and the word of Elisha was fulfilled. He saw the plenty, for the silencing and shaming of his unbelief, corn cheap without opening windows in heaven, and therein saw his own folly in prescribing to God; but he did not eat of the plenty he saw. When he was about to fill his belly God cast the fury of his wrath upon him (Job 20:23) and it came between the cup and the lip. Justly are those thus tantalized with the world's promises that think themselves tantalized with the promises of God. If believing shall not be seeing, seeing shall not be enjoying. This matter is repeated, and the event very particularly compared with the prediction (Kg2 7:18-20), that we might take special notice of it, and might learn, (1.) How deeply God resents out distrust of him, of his power, providence, and promise. When Israel said, Can God furnish a table? the Lord heard it and was wroth. Infinite wisdom will not be limited by our folly. God never promises the end without knowing where to provide the means. (2.) How uncertain life and the enjoyments of it are. Honour and power cannot secure men from sudden and inglorious deaths. He whom the king leaned upon the people trod upon; he who fancied himself the stay and support of the government was trampled under foot as the mire in the streets. Thus hath the pride of men's glory been often stained. (3.) How certain God's threatenings are, and how sure to alight on the guilty and obnoxious heads. Let all men fear before the great God, who treads upon princes as mortar and is terrible to the kings of the earth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 7:18 serves as a powerful retrospective confirmation, meticulously detailing the precise fulfillment of the prophet Elisha's astonishing prophecy. This verse underscores the miraculous end to the severe famine in Samaria, validating the divine origin and absolute reliability of the "man of God's" spoken word. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power to intervene dramatically in human affairs, transforming dire scarcity into abundant provision exactly as foretold, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 7, culminating in verse 18, is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. Repetition is a prominent feature, with the precise details of Elisha's prophecy from 2 Kings 7:1 being reiterated in 2 Kings 7:18, emphasizing the exactness of its fulfillment and reinforcing the reliability of God's word. Irony is powerfully employed in the fate of the unbelieving royal officer. He scoffs at the idea of God's provision and declares it impossible, only to witness its fulfillment while being trampled to death at the very gate where the abundance he doubted became manifest (2 Kings 7:17). This serves as a stark warning against human skepticism in the face of divine promise. The dramatic contrast between the horrific famine conditions (e.g., cannibalism in 2 Kings 6:29) and the sudden, overwhelming abundance highlights Hyperbole or extreme Contrast, underscoring the magnitude of God's miraculous intervention. The entire narrative functions as a profound example of Divine Intervention, where God acts directly and supernaturally to deliver His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over natural laws, military powers, and economic realities.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fulfillment recorded in 2 Kings 7:18 stands as a profound testament to the absolute reliability and power of God's spoken word. It affirms that when God declares something, it will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human skepticism or the seeming impossibility of the circumstances. This narrative illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating His ability to provide abundantly even in the direst of situations. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, capable of orchestrating events on a grand scale to deliver and sustain. The story serves as a powerful reminder that true security and hope rest not on human strength or resources, but on the sovereign power and unfailing promises of the Almighty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound miracle described in 2 Kings 7:18 offers enduring lessons for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as Samaria experienced a sudden, dramatic reversal from famine to abundance, we are reminded that God is capable of intervening in our personal and collective "impossible" situations. This passage calls us to shift our focus from the visible, often despair-inducing circumstances to the invisible, unfailing character and power of God. It encourages us to remember that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our understanding or our ability to see a way forward, but on His own nature. When doubt creeps in, we are to recall this historical account as a powerful anchor for our faith, knowing that the God who spoke and brought forth abundance in Samaria is the same God who promises to meet our needs, deliver us from distress, and fulfill His purposes in our lives. Our response to His word should be one of expectant faith, not cynical disbelief.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the "man of God" title significant here?
Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: 'ish ha'Elohim) is profoundly significant because it identifies Elisha not merely as a human messenger, but as a divinely appointed and empowered spokesman for God. His words were not his own, but God's. Therefore, the precise fulfillment of the prophecy in 2 Kings 7:18 serves as irrefutable proof of God's direct involvement and His absolute faithfulness to His word. It underscores that the miracle was not a coincidence or human ingenuity, but a direct act of the sovereign God, validating His prophet and His message.
How did the prices change so dramatically from famine to abundance?
Answer: The dramatic change in prices was due to a miraculous, divinely orchestrated event. The Lord caused the Aramean army, who were besieging Samaria, to hear sounds of a vast approaching army, leading them to believe that Israel had hired foreign kings to attack them (2 Kings 7:6). In their panic, they fled, abandoning their entire camp, including food, clothing, and treasures. Four desperate lepers discovered the deserted camp, plundered it, and reported their findings to the city. The people of Samaria then rushed out and plundered the Aramean camp, bringing in such an overwhelming quantity of food that prices plummeted instantly, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy to the letter. This was a supernatural act of God's provision, turning scarcity into overwhelming abundance overnight.
What is the significance of "the gate of Samaria" in this context?
Answer: The "gate of Samaria" was far more than just an entrance; it was the vibrant economic, social, and judicial center of the city. It was the primary marketplace where goods were bought and sold, the place where legal disputes were settled, and where public announcements were made. Therefore, the fulfillment of the prophecy at the gate meant that the abundance of food and the dramatic drop in prices were publicly displayed and experienced by everyone entering and leaving the city. This public setting made the miracle undeniable and visible to all, underscoring the completeness and public nature of God's deliverance and provision.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy in 2 Kings 7:18, demonstrating God's sovereign provision and the reliability of His word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential "man of God," not merely a prophet, but God incarnate, whose words are not just divine declarations but the very essence of truth and life (John 1:1, John 14:6). Just as God provided physical bread for Samaria, Jesus declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies and overcomes the famine of the human soul. His feeding of the five thousand with a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21) parallels the miraculous provision in Samaria, but points to a greater spiritual reality: His ability to provide eternal life and satisfy every spiritual hunger. Furthermore, the deliverance of Samaria from physical siege foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual siege of sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus delivered humanity from spiritual famine, offering abundant life (John 10:10) and the fulfillment of all God's promises in the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The precision and certainty of Elisha's prophecy's fulfillment find their echo in the absolute certainty of Christ's resurrection and the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecies concerning His return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4).