Elisha-The King Who Died Hungry

By Mary Vee
II Kings 6

From Elisha's Scrolls

Photo Courtesy

I sat in my house with the elders of the city. We discussed the Word of God and problems our city faced. 

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram took great joy in making life difficult for us here in Samaria. Not that long ago he sent the captain of his army, a man named Naaman, to be healed from leprosy. God chose to heal the man.

Despite this kindness given to the Arameans, Ben-Hadad gathered his army and circled the city. His goal was to starve us to death, break down the gates, and steal all that we had. Not the best way to say thank you for helping his captain.

They have been here for quite a while and our food is mostly gone. No one, not even the rich can afford to buy what little food is left in the city. Of course, no one can leave the city walls lest they be killed by Ben-Hadad's army.

God chose to let me know the Israelite king had felt overwhelmed and turned to rage. He sent a messenger to my house, he should arrive soon. The king is following close behind him. 

Once God finished letting me know, I leaped to my feet and shouted to the elders, "A murderer is sending someone to cut off my head. When the messenger arrives, shut the door and hold it shut against him because his master will be close behind."

While I was speaking, the messenger pounded on my door. The king did the same within a moment's time. The king shouted through the door, "This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord to give an answer any longer? We are starving."

I said to him, "Hear the word of the Lord. About this time tomorrow, flour and barley will sell in the city streets as it once had."

I peeked through the window and saw the king leaning on an officer. He had little strength left due to his hunger. 

The officer who the king leaned on said, "Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, how could your words possibly come true?"

Yes. The doubt. When will these Israelites learn to believe the Word of the Lord and trust Him to take care of them?

I sighed. "You will see this all right. With you own eyes. But, you will not eat any of it."

The king's eyes squinted his continued unbelief. Foolish man. 

The king and his guards left my door, mumbling and complaining. Little did they realize God's answer to their problem was about to be shown to them.

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1. What did the Elders and Elisha talk about?
2. What did God tell Elisha would happen?
3. What had God done for Ben-Hadad's captain?
4. Did Ben-Hadad show his thanks?
5. What did Ben-Hadad do to the city of Samaria where the Israelite king and Elisha lived?
6. What happened to the people of Samaria?
7. When the king of Israel went to see Elisha, what did Elisha tell him?