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2 Kings 7:2

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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.

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.

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!"

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.”

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

2 Kings 7:2 records a significant exchange during a time of extreme distress in ancient Samaria, highlighting themes of skepticism, divine power, and the consequences of unbelief.

Context

This verse takes place amidst a severe famine in Samaria, brought on by the siege of the Aramean army. The situation was so dire that people resorted to cannibalism (2 Kings 6:29). In this desperate hour, the prophet Elisha had just delivered a startling prophecy from the LORD: "About this time tomorrow shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria" (2 Kings 7:1). This promised abundance was humanly impossible given the circumstances.

The "lord on whose hand the king leaned" was a high-ranking royal official, likely a close advisor and confidant to King Jehoram, signifying his position of influence and authority. His response to Elisha's prophecy reveals profound doubt and a reliance on human reasoning over divine promise.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Skepticism vs. Faith: The official's question, "Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" expresses outright disbelief in God's ability to fulfill such a radical promise. He saw the situation through the lens of impossibility, contrasting sharply with Elisha's unwavering faith in God's word. This highlights the ongoing tension between human logic and divine omnipotence.
  • Divine Omnipotence and Provision: Elisha's prophecy, and its subsequent fulfillment, powerfully demonstrates God's capacity to act beyond natural limitations and human comprehension. The phrase "windows in heaven" alludes to an overwhelming, miraculous outpouring of provision, similar to God opening the floodgates (Genesis 7:11) or pouring out blessings (Malachi 3:10).
  • Consequences of Unbelief: Elisha's swift and severe judgment – "Behold, thou shalt see [it] with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof" – underscores the gravity of doubting God's direct word through His prophet. The official would witness the miraculous provision but would not personally benefit from it, a direct consequence of his cynical unbelief. This serves as a solemn warning against questioning God's power and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "windows in heaven" (Hebrew: אֲרֻבֹּת הַשָּׁמָיִם, arubbot hashshamayim) is a vivid metaphor for an extraordinary, overwhelming outpouring from God. It suggests a sudden, abundant, and supernatural supply that bypasses normal means. The official's use of this phrase was meant to convey the utter absurdity and impossibility of Elisha's prophecy from a human perspective.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust – in our limited understanding and circumstances, or in the limitless power and promises of God. When faced with seemingly impossible situations, are we quick to doubt, or do we hold fast to the truth that with God nothing shall be impossible? The story of this unnamed lord illustrates the peril of allowing cynicism to overshadow faith, leading to a spiritual hunger even amidst a feast of divine blessing. Our faith, or lack thereof, can significantly impact our experience of God's provision.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 3:10 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:13 (6 votes)

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

  • Romans 3:3 (6 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 3:17 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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