2 Kings 7: Divine Provision in Famine – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary ✨

2 Kings 7 narrates a remarkable story of divine intervention during a severe famine in Samaria. Elisha prophesies an abundance of food within 24 hours, a prediction met with skepticism by a royal officer. The narrative then shifts to four lepers who, facing starvation, venture into the Syrian camp, only to find it deserted. Discovering vast quantities of food and supplies, they alert the city, leading to the fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy and the alleviation of the famine. This chapter underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of extreme adversity, and the power of faith to overcome doubt. The fulfillment of prophecy highlights the importance of listening to God’s messengers, while the lepers, initially outcasts, become instruments of salvation for the entire city. This account powerfully demonstrates that divine provision in famine comes in unexpected ways, through unexpected people, and at unexpected times.

The story in 2 Kings 7 stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak and impossible, God’s power to deliver remains absolute. This commentary explores the depths of this narrative through a Coptic Orthodox lens, drawing upon Patristic wisdom and weaving together historical context, doctrinal understanding, and practical spiritual applications for our lives today. We will unpack how the miraculous events serve as a testament to God’s love, His concern for His people, and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.

Commentary on 2 Kings 7 📖

2 Kings 7:1 (KJV)

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.

2 Kings 7:1 (NKJV)

Then Elisha said, “Hear now the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’”

Elisha, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims God’s word amidst the despair of the famine. The specification of the timing (“tomorrow about this time”) and the price of the flour and barley underscores the precision of God’s prophetic word. The “gate of Samaria” was not only a place of commerce but also a public space where judgment was rendered and news was disseminated. God’s promise wasn’t vague; it was concrete and immediate. This immediacy is a crucial aspect of God’s character – He is not distant or uncaring but intimately involved in the lives of His people. Consider how often God has promised near help. It’s essential to remember this promise, especially when struggling with web hosting. If you need affordable options, explore this web hosting service!

Spiritual Application: In our own lives, we must learn to trust in God’s timing and precision. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we should remember that God’s promises are sure and His timing is perfect. We must cultivate ears that are attuned to hear God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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.

2 Kings 7:2 (NKJV)

So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

The officer’s incredulity highlights the human tendency to doubt God’s power when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances. His question, “If the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” reveals a lack of faith in God’s boundless abilities. He essentially sets limits on God, suggesting that such a miracle would require a dramatic, unprecedented intervention. Elisha’s response, “Thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof,” serves as a prophetic judgment, foreshadowing the officer’s demise. This judgment isn’t born of vindictiveness but rather a consequence of his hardened heart and refusal to believe. The Fathers teach that such disbelief stems from pride and a lack of humility, hindering one’s ability to recognize God’s active presence. “Ἀπίστου ψυχὴ οὐκ ἔχει θεόν” (“An unbelieving soul does not have God” – St. Macarius the Great, Homily 11).

Spiritual Application: This verse serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of doubt. We must guard against allowing skepticism and worldly reasoning to cloud our faith in God’s promises. We must pray for a spirit of humility and openness, that we may be receptive to God’s will and recognize His hand at work in our lives. Like the king’s officer, we may be in positions of authority and influence, but our worldly status means nothing before the divine will.

2 Kings 7:3-5 (KJV)

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

2 Kings 7:3-5 (NKJV)

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the edge of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there.

The lepers, social outcasts due to their affliction, find themselves in a desperate situation. Their isolation ironically places them in a position to discover God’s miraculous intervention. They reason that they have nothing to lose by venturing into the Syrian camp, demonstrating a level of faith that the royal officer lacked. It’s often those on the margins of society, those who have been pushed to the brink, who possess the clearest vision and the greatest capacity for trust. The “twilight” setting adds to the sense of uncertainty and desperation. Their willingness to take a risk, driven by sheer desperation, becomes the catalyst for the salvation of Samaria. This is reminiscent of the Coptic emphasis on the intercession of the saints; often, God works through unexpected and humble individuals.

Spiritual Application: This passage teaches us that God often uses the marginalized and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes. We should not despise those who are suffering or consider them incapable of contributing to God’s plan. Instead, we should be open to recognizing God’s work in unexpected places and through unexpected people. Moreover, we should embrace a willingness to take risks for God, even when the outcome is uncertain. Sometimes, faith requires us to step out into the unknown, trusting that God will guide our steps.

2 Kings 7:6-7 (KJV)

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

2 Kings 7:6-7 (NKJV)

For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses—the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!” Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left their tents, their horses, and their donkeys—just as they were—and they fled for their lives.

This verse reveals the supernatural cause of the Syrian army’s flight. God orchestrates a “noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host,” creating the illusion of a massive approaching army. This detail highlights God’s power to manipulate perception and instill fear in the hearts of His enemies. The Syrians, fearing a coalition between Israel and powerful neighboring kingdoms (the Hittites and Egyptians), panic and abandon their camp. This is a demonstration of God’s ability to defend His people without requiring them to lift a finger. The flight in “twilight” mirrors the lepers’ journey and emphasizes the pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. This reminds us of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Spiritual Application: This passage illustrates the power of God to fight our battles. We need not rely solely on our own strength or resources; we can trust that God will intervene on our behalf. We should cultivate a spirit of prayer, seeking God’s guidance and protection in all circumstances. We must also be mindful of the spiritual battles that rage around us, recognizing that our ultimate victory lies in Christ.

2 Kings 7:8-11 (KJV)

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household. So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were. And he called the porters; and they told it to the king’s house within.

2 Kings 7:8-11 (NKJV)

And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried away silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid it; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some away from there also, and went and hid it. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” So they went and called to the gatekeepers of the city, and told them, saying, “We went to the Syrian camp, and surprisingly no one was there, not a sound of a man; but horses and donkeys tied, and the tents just as they were.” And the gatekeepers called out, and they told it to the king’s household inside.

Initially, the lepers are motivated by self-preservation, indulging in the bounty they discover. However, a sense of moral obligation eventually overcomes them. They recognize that withholding the “good tidings” of the deserted Syrian camp would be wrong, potentially leading to harm for the rest of the city. Their decision to inform the king demonstrates a growing sense of responsibility and compassion. Their initial act of hoarding reflects a natural human impulse, but their subsequent act of sharing reflects a transformation of heart. This aligns with the Christian teaching on stewardship: we are called to use the blessings God gives us for the benefit of others, not just ourselves. St. Basil the Great, in his homilies on wealth, emphasizes the importance of using our possessions to alleviate the suffering of others (“Ὅσα πλεονάζει σοι, τούτων στερεῖ ὁ δεόμενος” – “That which is superfluous to you is lacking to the needy” – St. Basil the Great, Homily 6, On Luke 12:18).

Spiritual Application: This passage challenges us to examine our own motivations. Are we primarily driven by self-interest, or are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort and convenience for the sake of others? We must be sensitive to the needs of those around us and be willing to share the blessings God has given us. Just as the lepers recognized the importance of sharing the good news of the Syrian camp, we must be diligent in sharing the good news of the Gospel with those who are lost and suffering. We must avoid the temptation to hoard blessings, but use them to build community.

2 Kings 7:12-15 (KJV)

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. 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 Israel that are consumed:) and let us send and see. They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see. 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.

2 Kings 7:12-15 (NKJV)

So the king arose in the night and said to his servants, “Let me now tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry; therefore they have 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.’” And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let some men take five of the remaining horses which are left in the city. Look, they may either meet the same fate as all the multitude of Israel who are left in the city; or indeed, they may meet the same fate as all the multitude of Israel who are consumed. So let us send them to see.” Therefore they took two chariot horses; and the king sent them after the army of the Syrians, saying, “Go and see.” And they went after them to the Jordan; and indeed all the road was full of garments and weapons which the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. So the messengers returned and told the king.

The king’s initial reaction is one of suspicion. He assumes that the Syrians have devised a cunning ambush, exploiting the famine to lure the Israelites out of the city. This reflects a deeply ingrained sense of distrust and a lack of faith in God’s deliverance. However, one of his servants suggests a reconnaissance mission to verify the lepers’ account. This shows a glimmer of prudence and a willingness to investigate, even if tinged with doubt. The mention of the “Jordan” River provides a geographical marker, indicating the direction of the Syrians’ flight. The discarded garments and weapons along the road confirm the Syrians’ hasty retreat, dispelling the king’s suspicions. This section illustrates the tension between faith and reason, and the importance of seeking verification while remaining open to the possibility of divine intervention.

Spiritual Application: This passage encourages us to exercise discernment and prudence, even when confronted with seemingly miraculous events. We should not blindly accept everything we hear, but rather seek to verify the truth through careful examination and prayerful reflection. However, we must also be careful not to allow our skepticism to blind us to the possibility of God’s working. We must strike a balance between faith and reason, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment.

2 Kings 7:16-20 (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. 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. For 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. 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. And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.

2 Kings 7:16-20 (NKJV)

Then the people went out and plundered the tents of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord. The king had appointed the officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. But the people trampled him in the gate; and he died, just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. So it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, shall be sold tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria.” Then that officer had answered the man of God, and said, “Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he had said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gate, and he died.

The fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy marks the climax of the narrative. The abundance of food validates God’s word and demonstrates His faithfulness to His promises. The officer’s demise, trampled in the gate, serves as a stark warning against disbelief and arrogance. His death is not simply a matter of chance; it is a direct consequence of his rejection of God’s word. The phrase “according to the word of the Lord” is repeated, emphasizing the divine origin and unwavering accuracy of Elisha’s prophecy. The account concludes with a clear affirmation of God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His word, even in the face of human doubt and opposition. This echoes the words of Christ: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

Spiritual Application: This passage underscores the importance of honoring God’s word and heeding the warnings of His prophets. We must cultivate a spirit of faith and humility, recognizing that God’s wisdom surpasses our own. We must also be mindful of the consequences of disbelief and pride. Like the officer, we may face judgment if we reject God’s truth and harden our hearts against His guidance. Therefore, let us embrace a spirit of teachability and openness, allowing God’s word to transform our lives.

Subtopic: The Lepers as Unlikely Saviors 💡

The role of the four lepers in this story is profoundly significant. Their marginalized status makes them unlikely candidates for heroic figures, yet they become instruments of salvation for the entire city. This underscores a key theme in Scripture: God often uses the weak and the foolish to shame the strong and the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

• Overcoming Social Stigma: The lepers’ willingness to defy social convention and enter the Syrian camp highlights the irrelevance of worldly status in God’s eyes.
• Driven by Desperation: Their desperate circumstances forced them to take a risk, revealing a faith that was absent in those who were more comfortable and secure.
• Recognizing Divine Providence: They discerned the “good tidings” of the deserted camp and recognized their responsibility to share the news.
• Instruments of God’s Grace: Through their actions, God demonstrated His power to deliver His people, even through the most unlikely of individuals.
• The Value of Humility: Their humility contrasted sharply with the arrogance of the royal officer, highlighting the importance of a teachable spirit.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did God choose to deliver Samaria through such an unconventional means, using lepers?

A: God often chooses the unexpected to demonstrate His power and to challenge human assumptions. The lepers, being social outcasts, were the least likely candidates to bring salvation to the city, highlighting that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This choice emphasizes that God’s grace extends to all, regardless of their social standing or perceived limitations.

Q: What does this story teach us about the nature of prophecy and its fulfillment?

A: This narrative showcases the precision and reliability of God’s prophetic word. Elisha’s prediction of abundance within 24 hours was fulfilled exactly as he had proclaimed, underscoring that God’s promises are sure and His timing is perfect. The story reinforces the importance of heeding the words of God’s messengers and trusting in His ability to bring His plans to fruition.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of this story to our own lives, especially when facing difficult circumstances?

A: The story of 2 Kings 7 encourages us to maintain faith in God’s power to deliver, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us that God often works through unexpected people and circumstances, and that He can bring abundance out of scarcity. We should cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our dependence on God and seeking His guidance in all things. We must trust in His provision, even amidst famine.

Conclusion ✨

The narrative of 2 Kings 7 is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness and His boundless ability to provide, even in the most dire of circumstances. The fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy, the unlikely role of the lepers, and the demise of the skeptical officer all contribute to a message of hope, humility, and the importance of trusting in God’s word. This chapter teaches us that divine provision in famine is not limited by human constraints or worldly expectations. God’s power transcends our understanding, and He often works through unexpected channels to accomplish His purposes. We must cultivate a spirit of faith, remaining open to His guidance and trusting in His ability to provide for our needs, both spiritual and material. Let us be reminded that even in our darkest hours, God’s light can break through, bringing hope and abundance where there once was only despair.

Tags

2 Kings 7, Elisha, Samaria, Famine, Prophecy, Miracle, Lepers, Divine Provision, Faith, Doubt

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Discover the miraculous story of 2 Kings 7: Divine Provision in Famine. A Coptic Orthodox commentary explores Elisha’s prophecy, the lepers’ role, and God’s faithfulness.