Ep. 140. 2 Kings 6-8 | Famine

EPISODE 140

FAMINE: 2 KINGS 6-8

In the previous episode, we saw that the people of Israel were in dire need of food. Elisha promised that by the next day, there would be plenty of food for those trapped in the city, but the Captain of the King mocked this pronouncement as hopeless. He even mocked God, saying, "If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?" 

The Syrian army heard the sound of chariots and horses, that of a great army, and fled, leaving all their supplies behind. This was not the first time God had routed an army by supernatural means, though this army would fare way better than the later Assyrian army. 

If you are reading through the Kings, you will want to pay especially close attention to the leaders of the Syrian people. Ben-Hadad was the king of Syria who had previously opposed Ahab. Hazael murdered him and took the throne. Hazael was the man Elijah was supposed to anoint as king, but we don't see that ever happening. However, Elisha confirms with Hazael that he will be king. Hazael has a son named Ben-Hadad, who would become king after his father's death. It is important to remember that not every mention of Ben-Hadad references the same man. You can make it through your entire life without memorizing these kings, and you'll be just fine, but reading the Bible can be easier if you can hold at least a few names in your head. 

ADDITIONAL READING: 1 Kings 19: 15-17; 2 Samuel 7:12-15