“Joram son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria … and he reigned twelve years. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight … Joram clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. He did not turn away from them” (2 Kings 3:1–3).
As a consequence of Israel’s sin, God sent the Syrians against them. “The wages of sin is death!” (Romans 6:23).
Syria’s King “brought all his military units together and marched up and laid siege to Samaria” (2 Kings 6:24). He surrounded the walled city, completely strangling it. Cowering in fear, the Israelites were soon starving to death. The Syrians “continued the siege against it until a donkey’s head sold for thirty-four ounces of silver, and a cup of dove’s dung sold for two ounces of silver” (2 Kings 6:25).
Can you imagine being that hungry? Bird poop for supper? Worse… can you imagine cannibalizing a small child? (2 Kings 6:28-29). They were just that hungry.
When Israel was at its lowest point, Elisha prophesied sweet relief … God’s grace. “About this time tomorrow at Samaria’s gate, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a half ounce of silver and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a half ounce of silver” (2 Kings 7:1).
How could it be?
Not far from the capital city of Samaria, the Syrians had set up their camp. It was like a small city, home to the vast army.
In the darkness of night, the Lord caused the evil army “to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a large army” (2 Kings 7:6). Thinking that Israel had hired a foreign army to come to their relief, the Syrians sounded a retreat. They ran for their lives … from a non-existent enemy.
In their haste, they left behind storehouses of food and supplies… enough to feed the starving masses in the city of Samaria.
Israel deserved God’s harshest judgments! “The wages of sin is death… but God’s gracious gift is life!” (Romans 6:23). The sweet relief foretold by Elisha became a reality. God’s grace!
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
I am blessed