Summary
King Jehoash of Israel faces a siege by the Aramean army. Elisha proclaims that a measure of fine flour and two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel at the city gate, a sign of impending famine. While the city suffers, a group of leprous men discover the Syrians’ camp deserted in a panic. They loot the tents, taking silver, gold, and clothing, and report the sighting to the city gate. The king acts, sends men to secure the abandoned camp, and the people reap the spoils. The price of grain is set as promised, and the prophetic words are fulfilled. The chapter ends with the death of the “lord on whose hand the king leaned” after the gate is trampled.