Highlights:
Can you imagine being so in tune with God that you hear and do all His Commandments (II Kin. 6:15)? The ax head made to float; the king of Syria attacks Israel (6:8); famine in Samaria; Elisha's prophecy fulfilled; the Holy Spirit guides them. God uses the most "unlikely" to satisfy the prophet's hunger (6:24 — 7:20).
The Syrian soldiers had been miraculously blinded and were then led by Elisha inside the walls of the capital city of Samaria. Once trapped there, the soldiers had been at the mercy of the king of Israel. However, at Elisha's command, the king prepared great provision (a great feast) for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria (II Kin. 6:23-25).
The once-powerful, luxurious, fortress city of Samaria was faced with all the horrors of an extended famine. To surrender to Syria meant death for King Jehoram (Joram) and slavery for his people. But, remaining within the walls eventually reduced the people to starvation; some even resorted to cannibalism, as one woman confessed: We boiled my son and did eat him (6:29). Because the Israelites had rejected the Word of God, they were helpless before the Syrians as God had forewarned (Lev. 26:14-29; Deut. 28:15,53).
But God, in mercy, once again intervened, and the prophet Elisha confidently prophesied that food would be plentiful and cheap the next day: Elisha said, Hear ye the Word of 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 (II Kin. 7:1). One of the king's officials ridiculed Elisha, saying: Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? Elisha replied: Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof (7:2).
The prophecy was miraculously fulfilled when God, in His marvelous mercy, sent fear into the hearts of the Syrian army and they hurriedly abandoned their camp, leaving their food. The king's official was trampled to death in the rush for food (7:17).
Obedient Christians can rejoice. God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). God has provided an abundance of spiritual food for all who will accept it.
Thought for Today:
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (II Kin. 8:11-12). We are reminded of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together . . . and ye would not! (Matt. 23:37).
Word Studies:
6:1 strait =b> small, too confined; 6:30 within =b> next to, underneath; 7:5 uttermost part =b> borders; 8:11 settled his countenance =b> stared intensely; 8:26 daughter =b> granddaughter.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. Mark Peterson • Government Officials: Rep. Ralph Hall (TX), Gov. C.L. Butch Otter (ID), Sen. David Vitter (LA), Sen. Jim Risch (ID), and Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Raise your hands in praise and prayer, and worship the Lord (I Tim. 2:8).
Optional Reading: Romans 6
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:3