2 Kings 7:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-2

Here, I. Elisha foretels that, notwithstanding the great straits to which the city of Samaria is reduced, yet within twenty-four hours they shall have plenty, 2 Kgs. 7:1. The king of Israel despaired of it and grew weary of waiting: then Elisha foretold it, when things were at the worst. Man's extremity is God's opportunity of magnifying his own power; his time to appear for his people is when their strength is gone, Deut. 32:36. When they had given over expecting help it came. When the son of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1

Then Elisha said, hear the word of the Lord ,.... This he said to the king and those that were with him: thus saith the Lord, tomorrow, about this time ; which very probably was the forenoon: shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel ; "a seah", the measure here spoken of, or "saturn", according to some F18 Godwin, ut supra. (Moses & Aaron, B. 6. c. 9.) , was a gallon and an half; but Bishop Cumberland F19 Of Scripture Weights and Measures, c. 3. p. 86. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 7:1

To-morrow about this time - This was in reply to the desponding language of the king, and to vindicate himself from the charge of being author of this calamity. See the end of the preceding chapter, 2 Kings 6:33 ; (note). A measure of fine flour - for a shekel - A seah of fine flour: the seah was about two gallons and a half; the shekel, two shillings and four-pence at the lowest computation. A wide difference between this and the price of the ass's head mentioned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1

Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord. This was a very solemn exordium, well calculated to arrest attention. It must be remembered that the prophet's life was trembling in the balance. The executioner was present; the king had not revoked his order; the elders would probably have suffered the king to work his will. All depended on Elisha, by half a dozen words, changing the king's mind. He therefore announces a Divine oracle. Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-2

The separation of these verses from the preceding narrative is most unfortunate. They are an integral part of it, and form its climax. In answer to the king's attempt upon his life, and hasty speech in which he has threatened to renounce Jehovah, Elisha is commissioned to proclaim that the siege is on the point of terminating, the famine about to be within twenty-four hours succeeded by a time of plenty. There is thus no reason for the king's despair or anger. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-2

The unbelieving lord. Elisha interrupts the king's evil design by a prediction of plenty in Samaria. His mention of a fixed time doubtless induced the king to wait until he should see if the prophecy was fulfilled. "Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow 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." It was a bold statement to make, for there was no human likelihood of its fulfillment. If the next day had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-2

A Divine teacher and a haughty skeptic. "Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow," etc. Here are two objects not only to be looked at, but to be studied. I. A DIVINE TEACHER . "Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow 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." Elisha was inspired and commanded by the Almighty God to make... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-2

The unbelieving lord. The spirit of despair had taken possession of Jehoram. It was at this point that Elisha interposed with his promise of deliverance. I. PREDICTED DELIVERANCE . Elisha made what must have seemed an incredible announcement. 1. The city was at that moment suffering the extremest horrors of famine. By the same hour on the morrow food would exist in plenty. 2. Such food as was then obtainable was of the coarsest, most loathsome, and most revolting nature. By... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-20

THE SIEGE OF SAMARIA ( continued ) : THE DELIVERANCE . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 7:1-20

The sin of the scoffer, and its punishment. Unbelief may be involuntary, and so neither incur guilt nor deserve punishment. St. Paul "obtained mercy" notwithstanding his bitter persecution of the, early Christians, "because he did it ignorantly in unbelief" ( 1 Timothy 1:13 ). Modem skeptics are, no doubt, in many cases unable to believe, their eyes being blinded through their education, through ingrained prejudice or invincible ignorance. But to scoff at religion must be at all times a... read more

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