Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The End of the Famine in Samaria
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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 Background

The 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 Prophecy

In 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 Fulfillment

The 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 Significance

The 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.
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2 Kings 7:1-18
Then 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.
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The Sibylline Oracles.
... Being of this miscellaneous character, the Sibyllines must be ... when my predictions
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Resources
Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.org

Have any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Prophecy

Prophecy is a Light in Dark Place

Prophecy is a Sure Word

Prophecy is for the Benefit of After Ages

Prophecy is not of Private Interpretation

Prophecy is the Foretelling of Future Events

Prophecy Of Habakkuk

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Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Cannibalism Among the People of Israel

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Captivity of the Jews Predicted and Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Concerning John the Baptist (As the Forerunner of the Messiah)

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Concerning the Rebuilding of Jericho

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Conquests of Jeroboam

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Death of the Prophet of Judah

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Ben-Hadad's Army

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Sennacherib's Army, and his Death

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Extinction of Baasha's House

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Extinction of Jeroboam's House

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Four Generations of Jehu's Descendants to Sit Upon the Throne of Israel

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Jezebel's Tragic Death

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Judas Iscariot's Self-Destruction Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Judas' Self-Destruction Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Rachel Weeping for Her Children

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Spiritual Blindness of the Jewish Leaders Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: That Blindness Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: That Purpose Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Betrayal of Jesus by Judas Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Birth and Zeal of Josiah

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Captivity of the Southern Kingdom (Judah)

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of a Man Who Refused to Strike a Prophet

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of Ahab

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of Ahaziah

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of the Samaritan Lord

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Deliverance of Jeremiah Predicted and Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Destruction of the Ship Predicted and Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Drought, Foretold by Elijah

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The End of the Famine in Samaria

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Invasion of Judah by the Chaldeans Fulfilled

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Invasion of the Southern Kingdom by the Chaldeans Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Mission of Jesus Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Predicted

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Outpouring of the Spirit Fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Striking of Syria by Joash

Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Transporting of Elijah to the Heavens

Prophecy: Old Testament Messianic Passages Quoted in the New Testament

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Prophecy: Punishment For: Not Giving Ear To

Prophecy: Punishment For: Pretending to the Gift of

Prophecy: Receive in Faith

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Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke by the Holy Spirit

Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke in the Name of the Lord

Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke With Authority

Prophecy: Written by an Amanuensis

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Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Drought, Foretold by Elijah
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