Understanding 2 Kings 7:20

Verse: "And so it was, that 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. And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." (2 Kings 7:20)

Summary of Meaning

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of 2 Kings, offering insights into divine prophecy and human disbelief. The prophet Elisha foretells a miraculous provision of food in a time of famine, which seems incredulous to a high official who expresses doubt. Elisha's response serves as a warning that while the promise will be fulfilled, the scoffer will not partake in it.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the significance of faith in God's word. The nobleman's skepticism reflects the human condition—doubt in the face of divine assurance. By scoffing at the prophet's message, he seals his fate, illustrating that faith and obedience are necessary to receive God's blessings.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes that the "windows in heaven" are a metaphor for God’s limitless power to provide beyond human expectation. The high official's challenge shows a lack of understanding of God's authority. Barnes highlights the contrast between the certainty of God's promise and the uncertainty of man's doubts.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke analyses the cultural context, explaining how the message was both prophetic and temporal. He points out that the official's skepticism was rooted in despair due to the dire circumstances. Clarke also emphasizes that seeing the blessings perform does not equate to experiencing them firsthand.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse connects to several biblical themes and narratives:

• Genesis 7:11 - The opening of the "windows of heaven" during the flood illustrates God’s power to provide or withhold.
• Malachi 3:10 - God challenges His people to test Him in giving, promising to open the floodgates of heaven in return.
• Hebrews 11:1 - Providing the definition of faith, which contrasts with the official’s disbelief in God’s prophetic promise.
• Luke 1:37 - “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” reinforcing the assurance of God’s omnipotence.
• John 6:35 - The bread of life, connecting the physical food promises in 2 Kings with spiritual sustenance in the New Testament.
• 1 Kings 18:41 - Elijah’s promise of rain after a drought reflects on God’s providence and the blessings that follow faith.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 - The idea that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours complements the theme of divine foresight and provision.
• Matthew 14:17 - The feeding of the five thousand, another instance of miraculous provision in desperate circumstances.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 - Living by faith, not by sight, which is a principle illustrated in the lord’s response to Elisha’s promise.
• Philippians 4:19 - Assurance that God will meet all our needs further underscores God’s provision in all circumstances.

Connections Between Bible Verses

The scripture serves as a lesson on doubt and faith, closely tied to numerous biblical moments where God's provision meets human need. Analyzing the connections emphasizes the continuity of God's character and promises across both the Old and New Testaments.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Utilizing a bible concordance or a bible cross-reference guide can deepen your understanding of the narratives surrounding 2 Kings 7:20. Consider these approaches:

• Cross-reference Bible study: Engaging in thematic studies by linking related scriptures can unveil deeper truths.
• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament: Recognizing how Old Testament prophecies align with New Testament fulfillments enriches understanding.
• Comparative Bible verse analysis: Analyzing similar verses across scriptures enhances the comprehension of God's ongoing plan and human response.

Conclusion

2 Kings 7:20 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of faith, the nature of God's promises, and the consequences of doubt. Through understanding this verse and its connections, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of biblical prophecy and fulfillment.