2 Kings 7:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֖וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֖וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דְּבַר
ye the word
H1697
דְּבַר
ye the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֹּ֣ה׀
H3541
כֹּ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּעֵ֤ת׀
about this time
H6256
כָּעֵ֤ת׀
about this time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
9 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
מָחָר֙
To morrow
H4279
מָחָר֙
To morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
וְסָאתַ֧יִם
and two measures
H5429
וְסָאתַ֧יִם
and two measures
Strong's:
H5429
Word #:
11 of 18
a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain
בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל
be sold for a shekel
H8255
בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל
be sold for a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
13 of 18
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
וְסָאתַ֧יִם
and two measures
H5429
וְסָאתַ֧יִם
and two measures
Strong's:
H5429
Word #:
14 of 18
a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain
בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל
be sold for a shekel
H8255
בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל
be sold for a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
16 of 18
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
Cross References
Joshua 3:5And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.Exodus 16:12I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.Ezekiel 37:4Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.Exodus 14:13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.1 Samuel 11:9And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.Psalms 46:5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.Exodus 8:23And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.2 Kings 20:16And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.Revelation 6:6And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.2 Kings 4:42And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 7 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Deliverance from Famine) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 7 regarding god's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.