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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 7 - Verse 17

7:17
And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.

Meaning

This verse, found in 2 Kings 7:17, illustrates the consequences of not believing in the word of God. In the story, the Lord foretold through the prophet Elisha that the king's officer, who doubted the prophecy of abundance in the midst of a great famine, would not live to see it fulfilled. Despite being appointed to oversee the gate, the officer met his demise as he was trampled by the desperate and hungry people rushing out to collect the promised provisions. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's word. It also emphasizes the power of God's prophetic utterances and the certainty of their fulfillment. The man of God's prediction came to pass exactly as he had foreseen, reinforcing the divine authority behind his words. Ultimately, this verse highlights the consequences of disbelief and serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of trusting in God's promises.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Kings 7:17 depicts a significant event in the biblical narrative where a prophecy is fulfilled. The passage describes how the king appointed his trusted advisor to oversee the gate, but he eventually meets his demise in the gate as foretold by the man of God. This story underscores the power and authority of divine prophecy in the life of the people of Israel. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of heeding the words of the prophets and the consequences of disobedience. The phrase 'and the people trode upon him in the gate' is particularly significant, as it symbolizes the fulfillment of the prophecy and the judgment upon the advisor. This verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God's word and the consequences of disregarding his commands. Through careful word studies, one can uncover deeper meanings and nuances within this verse that shed light on the theological implications within the text.

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