In 2 Kings 7:18, we read these words: 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, will be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.” (v.18). The “man of God” here refers to the prophet Elisha, who ministered in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the mid-9th century BC. His pronouncement in the midst of famine declared that the abundance of grain would be sold for a nominal cost in less than a day. Given the context—Samaria’s dire circumstances in a siege—this prophecy seemed impossible. Yet God’s promise swiftly came to pass.
Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by King Omri around the year 880 BC, when he purchased the hill of Samaria and built upon it. It later became the center of influence in that region, although it also fell prey to idolatrous practices in subsequent generations. Eventually, in 722 BC, the city was conquered by the Assyrians and the people were exiled, but during Elisha’s time, Samaria still served as the seat of royal power and the heart of Israel’s affairs. Despite the hardships of siege and famine, Elisha’s prophetic word, spoken on God’s authority, demonstrated the Lord’s sovereignty to transform circumstances overnight.
Spiritually, this fulfilled prophecy underscores the consistent biblical theme that God’s word cannot be hindered, no matter how overwhelming the opposition may appear. Just as He miraculously multiplied flour and barley at Samaria’s gate, He later fully revealed His power in Jesus Christ, who also displayed divine provision (Mark 6:41-44). Elisha’s announcement and its immediate fulfillment provided Israel with a tangible sign of God’s mercy, urging them—and us—to trust the Lord’s faithfulness even when events seem impossible.
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2 Kings 7:18 meaning
In 2 Kings 7:18, we read these words: 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, will be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.” (v.18). The “man of God” here refers to the prophet Elisha, who ministered in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the mid-9th century BC. His pronouncement in the midst of famine declared that the abundance of grain would be sold for a nominal cost in less than a day. Given the context—Samaria’s dire circumstances in a siege—this prophecy seemed impossible. Yet God’s promise swiftly came to pass.
Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by King Omri around the year 880 BC, when he purchased the hill of Samaria and built upon it. It later became the center of influence in that region, although it also fell prey to idolatrous practices in subsequent generations. Eventually, in 722 BC, the city was conquered by the Assyrians and the people were exiled, but during Elisha’s time, Samaria still served as the seat of royal power and the heart of Israel’s affairs. Despite the hardships of siege and famine, Elisha’s prophetic word, spoken on God’s authority, demonstrated the Lord’s sovereignty to transform circumstances overnight.
Spiritually, this fulfilled prophecy underscores the consistent biblical theme that God’s word cannot be hindered, no matter how overwhelming the opposition may appear. Just as He miraculously multiplied flour and barley at Samaria’s gate, He later fully revealed His power in Jesus Christ, who also displayed divine provision (Mark 6:41-44). Elisha’s announcement and its immediate fulfillment provided Israel with a tangible sign of God’s mercy, urging them—and us—to trust the Lord’s faithfulness even when events seem impossible.