2 Kings 7:2

KJV

Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, [if] the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see [it] with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then a lord {H7991} on whose hand {H3027} the king {H4428} leaned {H8172} answered {H6030} the man {H376} of God {H430}, and said {H559}, Behold, if the LORD {H3068} would make {H6213} windows {H699} in heaven {H8064}, might this thing {H1697} be? And he said {H559}, Behold, thou shalt see {H7200} it with thine eyes {H5869}, but shalt not eat {H398} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant on whose arm the king was leaning answered the man of God: "Why, this couldn't happen even if ADONAI made windows in heaven!" Elisha answered, "All right, you yourself will see it with your own eyes; but you won't eat any of it!"

Berean Standard Bible

But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”

American Standard Version

Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if Jehovah should make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 7:2 vividly portrays a moment of profound human skepticism in the face of divine promise. During the dire Aramean siege of Samaria, a high-ranking royal official, a trusted aide to the king, cynically dismisses the prophet Elisha's miraculous prophecy of immediate abundance. His incredulity, expressed through a rhetorical question challenging God's ability to act supernaturally beyond all natural means, is met with Elisha's swift and severe judgment: the official would indeed witness the divine provision with his own eyes but would be tragically prevented from partaking in it, serving as a stark and immediate consequence for his unbelief in God's revealed word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Aramean siege of Samaria, following a harrowing depiction of extreme famine and suffering within the city, where conditions had deteriorated to the point of cannibalism, a grim fulfillment of covenant curses for disobedience, as recounted in [2 Kings 6:29](/2_kings/6-29 "2 Kings 6:29 - Cannibalism During the Siege"). King Jehoram, overwhelmed by despair, unjustly blames Elisha for the calamity and seeks his life. In this atmosphere of utter hopelessness and human desperation, Elisha delivers a startling prophecy from the LORD in [2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance"), promising an impossible abundance of food within twenty-four hours. The official's cynical response in [2 Kings 7:2](/2_kings/7-2 "2 Kings 7:2 - The Official's Doubt and Elisha's Judgment") directly follows this divine promise, immediately highlighting the human reaction of incredulity to God's supernatural intervention. The subsequent verses (2 Kings 7:3-20) then meticulously detail the miraculous fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy, underscoring the dramatic contrast between human doubt and divine omnipotence and faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient sieges were notoriously brutal military strategies designed to starve a city into submission, and Samaria's plight, as described in 2 Kings 6, was a classic, albeit extreme, example of such tactics. The "lord on whose hand the king leaned" (Hebrew: הַשָּׁלִישׁ, _hashshalish_) was not a commoner but a high-ranking royal official, likely an aide-de-camp, a chief military officer, or a trusted advisor, signifying his close proximity to the king and his position of significant authority and influence within the royal court. His role often involved advising the king and executing his commands. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, prophets like Elisha were understood to be direct spokespersons for Yahweh, delivering His very word. To doubt or dismiss a prophet's word, especially one prefaced with the authoritative "Thus says the LORD," was not merely questioning a man but directly challenging God Himself. This official's public skepticism was therefore a profound act of defiance against divine authority, carrying severe implications for both himself and potentially for the king and the people who witnessed his unbelief.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge and are powerfully illustrated in this verse. Firstly, it profoundly highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating God's absolute ability to intervene miraculously in human affairs, transcending natural laws and human limitations. The official's rhetorical question about "windows in heaven" inadvertently alludes to an overwhelming, supernatural outpouring, reminiscent of God opening the floodgates during the deluge in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Floodgates of Heaven") or pouring out blessings in [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Opening the Windows of Heaven for Blessings"). Secondly, the verse starkly contrasts **Faith vs. Unbelief**. Elisha's unwavering confidence in God's word stands in sharp opposition to the official's cynical, human-centered reasoning. This tension underscores the ongoing biblical theme of the necessity of faith for experiencing God's promises. Thirdly, it emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Disbelief**. The official's immediate and severe judgment serves as a solemn warning that questioning God's direct word through His prophet carries serious repercussions, demonstrating that unbelief can act as a barrier to receiving divine blessings, even when they are publicly displayed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _shâlîysh_):** This term (H7991) refers to a high-ranking official, literally "a general of the third rank (upward, i.e. the highest); captain, (great) lord, prince." The phrase "on whose hand the king leaned" further specifies his role as a trusted aide or confidant, indicating his close proximity to royal power and influence. His position made his public skepticism particularly weighty and impactful, as it came from a voice of authority.
* **Windows (Hebrew, _ʼărubbâh_):** This word (H699) denotes "a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot... chimney... sluice." In this context, "windows in heaven" (אֲרֻבֹּת הַשָּׁמָיִם, _arubbot hashshamayim_) is a powerful metaphor for an overwhelming, sudden, and supernatural outpouring or opening of the heavens. The official uses it to convey the utter human impossibility of Elisha's prophecy, suggesting only an act as inconceivable as opening literal floodgates in the sky could bring such abundance.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal_):** The verb (H398) means "to eat (literally or figuratively);... consume, devour... dine, eat." In Elisha's pronouncement, "shalt not eat thereof," it signifies a direct and severe judgment. Despite witnessing the miraculous provision, the official would be excluded from personally benefiting from it, highlighting the direct correlation between his unbelief and his inability to partake in the very blessing he doubted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said,"**: This opening clause introduces the key human antagonist to Elisha's prophecy, emphasizing his prominent status and close relationship with the king. His "answer" is not a genuine inquiry but a cynical retort, immediately setting up the tension between human reason and divine revelation.
* **"Behold, [if] the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?"**: This is a rhetorical question, saturated with profound skepticism and incredulity. The official employs hyperbole ("windows in heaven") to dismiss Elisha's prophecy as utterly impossible from a human perspective, thereby directly challenging God's omnipotence and Elisha's authority as His prophet. It reveals a mind that prioritizes natural limitations over supernatural possibilities.
* **"And he said, Behold, thou shalt see [it] with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof."**: This is Elisha's immediate, divinely inspired judgment. The emphatic "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) underscores the certainty of both the coming abundance and the official's tragic exclusion. He would be a compelled witness to God's faithfulness and power, seeing the miraculous provision unfold, but his personal unbelief would prevent him from partaking in the blessing, leading to a tragic and ironic end.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Irony**, as the very abundance the official disbelieved in ultimately becomes the context of his demise; he sees the miraculous provision but is prevented from partaking, dying amidst plenty. There is a stark **Contrast** drawn between the prophet Elisha's unwavering faith in God's word and the official's profound human skepticism and reliance on logical impossibility. The official's question employs both **Hyperbole** and **Metaphor** with the phrase "windows in heaven," which vividly exaggerates the perceived impossibility of the prophecy, drawing on imagery of overwhelming, supernatural outpouring. Elisha's response functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, immediately predicting the official's tragic fate and thus building narrative tension towards the fulfillment of both the prophecy of abundance and the judgment. The entire exchange also serves as a potent **Didactic Narrative**, teaching a profound lesson about the consequences of unbelief and the certainty of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This exchange powerfully underscores the biblical tension between human doubt and divine omnipotence. It serves as a stark reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His ability to act is not constrained by human logic or perceived impossibilities. The official's cynical question directly challenged the very nature of God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His word, and the authority of His chosen messenger. His punishment highlights the gravity of unbelief, not merely as a lack of intellectual assent but as a spiritual rebellion that can prevent one from participating in God's blessings, even when those blessings are made manifest. This narrative teaches that faith is not just a virtue but a necessary posture for receiving and experiencing God's miraculous provision, demonstrating that God honors His word and holds those accountable who scorn it.

* [Numbers 11:23](/numbers/11-23 "Numbers 11:23 - Is the LORD's Arm Shortened?")
* [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - The Reason for Failure to Enter Rest")
* [Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zechariah's Mute Punishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the doubting official in 2 Kings 7:2 serves as a timeless mirror for our own hearts, challenging us to examine the posture of our faith. In moments of extreme difficulty, when circumstances seem utterly hopeless and human solutions are exhausted, where do we place our ultimate trust? Are we quick to dismiss God's promises as unrealistic or impossible, allowing our limited understanding and cynical reasoning to overshadow divine revelation? This narrative compels us to confront our own tendencies towards unbelief, reminding us that God's power is not confined by our logical frameworks or the severity of our crises. Just as the official saw the abundance but could not partake, our own cynicism can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God's provision and joy, even when His blessings are manifest all around us. True faith, however, is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His word, regardless of how impossible it may seem, enabling us to fully participate in His miraculous work and receive the abundant life He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with seemingly impossible circumstances in my life, where do I tend to place my trust: in my own abilities, human systems, or God's limitless power?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to doubt God's ability to provide, intervene, or fulfill His promises? What are the "windows in heaven" moments I find hard to believe in?**
* **How does my faith (or lack thereof) impact my personal experience of God's blessings and provision? Am I sometimes "seeing it with my eyes, but not eating thereof" due to my own unbelief?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "lord on whose hand the king leaned"?**

Answer: This individual was a high-ranking royal official, likely an aide-de-camp or a chief military officer, who held a position of significant trust and authority close to King Jehoram. The phrase "on whose hand the king leaned" indicates his role as a trusted advisor, perhaps even physically supporting the king, especially in times of weakness or distress. His prominent position means his public doubt was not merely personal skepticism but a challenge to divine authority from a voice of influence within the kingdom. His identity is not specified, making him a representative figure of human reason and unbelief.

**What is the significance of "windows in heaven"?**

Answer: "Windows in heaven" is a powerful metaphorical expression in Hebrew, signifying an overwhelming, supernatural outpouring or supply that bypasses all normal means. It suggests a sudden, abundant, and miraculous provision directly from God. The official uses this phrase rhetorically to convey the utter absurdity and human impossibility of Elisha's prophecy from his perspective. It is an image found elsewhere in scripture, such as in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Floodgates of Heaven") describing the floodgates of heaven opening for the deluge, and in [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Opening the Windows of Heaven for Blessings") where God promises to open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings for those who are faithful in tithing.

**Why was the punishment so severe for simply doubting?**

Answer: The punishment was severe because the official's doubt was not merely a private thought but a public, cynical challenge to God's direct word spoken through His prophet, Elisha. In ancient Israel, prophets were God's spokespersons, and to doubt their word was to doubt God Himself. This act questioned God's omnipotence, His faithfulness, and the authority of His chosen messenger. The immediate and public judgment served several purposes: it validated Elisha's prophetic authority, demonstrated the seriousness of unbelief, and provided a stark warning to others present that God's word is absolute and cannot be mocked or dismissed without consequence. It underscored that faith is essential for receiving God's blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the doubting official in 2 Kings 7:2 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, illuminating the ultimate consequences of unbelief in the face of divine revelation. Just as the official questioned Elisha, the prophet of God, humanity often questions the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ, who is the very Word made flesh, dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The official's cynical "windows in heaven" challenge to God's power is answered definitively in Christ's earthly ministry, where He demonstrated absolute authority over nature and the impossible. He miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves and fish ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), walked on water ([Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water")), and turned water into wine ([John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - Jesus Turns Water into Wine")), proving that with God, nothing is impossible ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - With God Nothing Is Impossible")). The official's tragic fate – seeing the provision but not partaking – powerfully foreshadows the spiritual reality of those who witness God's redemptive work in Christ but refuse to believe. They see the offer of eternal life and abundant grace, yet their unbelief prevents them from entering into it, ultimately leading to a spiritual hunger even amidst the spiritual feast provided by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ Himself is the ultimate Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and only those who believe in Him will truly eat and never hunger, receiving the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). The judgment on the official serves as a solemn warning that while God's provision is limitless, our access to it is conditioned on faith in His revealed word, culminating in saving faith in His Son.

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

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Genesis 7:11

¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Psalms 78:41

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Romans 3:3

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Hebrews 3:17

But with whom was he grieved forty years? [was it] not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

Hebrews 3:19

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.