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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 7 - Verse 18

7:18
And 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:

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Kings, we see the prophet Elisha giving a prophecy to the king of Israel, promising that the dire famine in the city of Samaria would come to an end. Elisha's specific prediction of the prices of barley and fine flour plummeting to affordable rates proves to be true, providing much-needed relief to the suffering people of Samaria. This miraculous event demonstrates the power of God working through his chosen servants, reassuring believers that God is faithful to his promises and is always in control, even in the midst of scarcity and despair. It serves as a reminder that God's providence is sufficient to provide for our needs, no matter how impossible the situation may seem. The fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy not only brought physical sustenance to the people of Samaria but also served as a spiritual sign of God's mercy and compassion towards his people.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in the book of 2 Kings, showcases a prophecy made by the man of God to the king of Israel regarding the coming abundance of food in the midst of a severe famine. The theological interpretation of this verse centers on the theme of God's faithfulness and provision even in the midst of dire circumstances. The promise of plentiful food at a low price demonstrates God's ability to intervene supernaturally in the affairs of His people, providing for their needs in unexpected ways. This passage also highlights the importance of trusting in God's word and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. It serves as a reminder that God is always in control and is able to turn a seemingly impossible situation around for the good of His people. The word study of this verse reveals the significance of the specific measurements mentioned, indicating the abundance and affordability of the promised food items. Barley and fine flour were staple foods in ancient Israel, and the fact that they would be available at such a low cost emphasizes the miraculous nature of the prophecy.

American Standard Version

And 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;
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