Wed, 26 October, 2005: Today’s Bible readings.
1 But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD: thus says the LORD, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the LORD himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
2 Kings 7 continues the story that started yesterday in the end of chapter 6. Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria is besieging Samaria. King Jehoram of Israel, Ahab’s son, comes to Elisha with the intent of executing him. Jehoram, blaming God for the famine due to the siege, plans to exact punishment on God’ prophet.
In today’s chapter, Elisha stands up to the king and tells Jehoram that the famine will be over by tomorrow. Jehoram’s officer doubts it can be. The rest of the chapter relates how the siege ends, and the officer dies in the stampede to get the spoils, fulfilling Elisha’s prophecy that he will see the plenty but not enjoy any of it.
What do we learn from this?
Ahab’s son is right in his theology, but wrong in his application. He acknowledges that God is in control of the circumstances, but he rebels against God, attempting to strike back at God by killing Elisha. His reaction Jehoram shows that he is an enemy of God by continuing in his rebellion and not repenting of his sins, and seeking God’s mercy.
We should both acknowledge God’s providence over all events, and submit to Him, trusting in Him rather than rebelling against Him.
Where is Christ in this passage?
In today’s passage we see people who are on the point of death by famine have their fortunes reversed and have poverty replaced with plenty. Where there was only the expectation of death, they now have abundant life.
This is the same situation we are in. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, and had no expectation of anything but God’s judgment. But unexpectedly, God convicts us of our sins and draws us to Himself. He grants us faith and changes our nature so that instead of rebelling against Him, as Jehoram did, we come to Him in faith through faith in Jesus Christ.
