2 Kings 7:1 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

The division between the chapters is most awkward here. Elisha, in this verse, replies to the king’s challenge in 2 Kings 6:33 - that his God, Yahweh, will give deliverance in the space of a day. On the morrow, by the same time in the day, the famine will have ceased, and food will be even cheaper than usual.

A measure of fine flour - literally, “a seah of fine flour;” about a peck and a half.

For a shekel - About 2 shillings 8 12 d.

Two measures of burley - Or, “two seahs of barley;” about three pecks.

In the gate - The “gates,” or “gateways,” of Eastern towns are favorite places for the despatch of various kinds of business. It would seem that at Samaria one of the gates was used for the grain market.

2 Kings 7:1

1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith 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.