Topical Encyclopedia
The end of the famine in Samaria is a significant event in the biblical narrative, showcasing the power of divine prophecy and its fulfillment. This event is recorded in
2 Kings 6:24–7:20, where the city of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, is besieged by the Arameans under King Ben-Hadad. The siege results in a severe famine, leading to desperate conditions within the city.
Context and BackgroundThe historical context of this prophecy is set during the reign of King Joram (Jehoram) of Israel. The Arameans, led by Ben-Hadad, have laid siege to Samaria, causing extreme scarcity of food. The situation becomes so dire that the people resort to cannibalism, as described in
2 Kings 6:28-29. The king of Israel, in his distress, blames the prophet Elisha and seeks his life.
The ProphecyIn the midst of this crisis, Elisha delivers a prophetic word from the LORD. In
2 Kings 7:1 , Elisha declares, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.'" This prophecy predicts an abrupt end to the famine and a dramatic reversal of the city's fortunes within a single day.
Skepticism and FulfillmentThe prophecy is met with skepticism, particularly from the king's officer, who doubts the possibility of such a miraculous turnaround. In
2 Kings 7:2 , the officer responds, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of heaven, could this happen?" Elisha replies, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it."
The fulfillment of the prophecy unfolds through a series of divinely orchestrated events. Four lepers, residing at the city gate, decide to surrender to the Arameans, hoping for mercy. Upon reaching the Aramean camp, they discover it abandoned. The LORD had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee in panic, leaving behind their supplies (
2 Kings 7:6-7).
The lepers report their findings to the city, and the people rush out to plunder the Aramean camp. As a result, the prophecy is fulfilled: the abundance of food leads to the prices Elisha had foretold. Tragically, the skeptical officer is trampled at the gate by the surging crowd, witnessing the fulfillment but not partaking in it, as Elisha had prophesied (
2 Kings 7:17-20).
Theological SignificanceThe end of the famine in Samaria serves as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's word and the authority of His prophets. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and deliverance, demonstrating that God's promises, no matter how improbable they may seem, are certain to be fulfilled. This event also highlights the consequences of unbelief, as seen in the fate of the skeptical officer.
The narrative encourages faith in God's provision and timing, reminding believers that even in the most desperate circumstances, God is able to bring about miraculous deliverance. The account of the end of the famine in Samaria remains a compelling example of fulfilled prophecy within the biblical canon.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 7:1-18Then Elisha said, Hear you the word of the LORD; Thus said 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.
Nave's Topical Index
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The Sibylline Oracles.
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Resources
Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgHave any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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