Then Elisha said, “Listen to the word of the Lord; this is what the Lord says: ‘About this time tomorrow a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’” The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning responded to the man of God and said, “Even if the Lord were to make windows in heaven, could this thing happen?” Then he said, “Behold, you are going to see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it.” 2 Kings 7:1-2
“The imagery is that of God handing out through the windows unexpected material blessings from His heavenly storehouse. It will need a miracle of great proportions — similar to God’s provision of manna in the wilderness — if economic conditions are to stabilize in the way Elisha describes, and Jehoram’s officer simply does not believe that it is possible. Ironically, the miracle does not come via “windows” in the heavens, but via four rather mundane lepers.”
Iain W. Provan in 1 & 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995) 203.
I could likely rename this post: “What a difference a day makes!”
One day the finest flour or barley was costly. The prophet proclaimed that the next day it would be a fraction of the cost, and added that the officer who expressed disbelief would not experience any of the unexpected material blessings.
What’s the lesson for us related to generosity today?
Even as God provided the manna, He can supply our needs, great and small. If we walk in disbelief, we will miss the blessing. If, alternatively, we trust, then we will see what can come from the windows of heaven.
Take a moment. Read all of 2 Kings 7. Where do you see yourself in the story?