What does 2 Kings 7:20 mean?
"And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died." - 2 Kings 7:20
2 Kings 7:20 (KJV) states, "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
This verse is found in the Old Testament and describes a specific event during a time of great famine in the land of Samaria. To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, we must first delve into the events leading up to this moment.
The city of Samaria was under siege by the Syrians, and the people within the city were suffering from a severe famine. In the preceding verses, Elisha the prophet had prophesied that the situation would dramatically change in one day. A group of lepers outside the city gates discovered that the Syrian army had fled, leaving behind their tents, horses, and supplies. The lepers joyously shared this news with the people in the city, and they went out to plunder the camp, bringing back food and goods.
The verse in question, 2 Kings 7:20, follows this sequence of events. It refers to a specific man who was trampled to death at the city gate while the people rushed out to seize the spoils left by the fleeing Syrians. Upon first glance, this verse may seem like a simple description of an unfortunate incident. However, when viewed in its full context, it conveys deeper spiritual and symbolic meanings.
The death of this man in the midst of an unprecedented turn of events serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence and unpredictability of life. It is a sobering reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence and the swift changes that can occur in the course of a single day. The abruptness of the man's demise amidst the jubilation of others also underscores the contrasting emotions that often coexist in times of great upheaval and change.
Furthermore, this verse also highlights the theme of divine providence and intervention. The miraculous turn of events, from a city besieged by famine to one suddenly blessed with an abundance of resources, is a testament to the power and sovereignty of God. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges, God is able to bring about deliverance and provision in ways that surpass human understanding.
The symbolism of the city gate is also significant in this verse. In biblical times, the city gate was a central location for various activities, including commerce, governance, and public gatherings. It was a place of both opportunity and vulnerability. The fact that the man met his end at the gate serves as a metaphor for the intersection of life and death, of promise and peril.
In a broader sense, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the transitory nature of human life. It prompts us to reflect on our own priorities and the value we place on material wealth in relation to the eternal truths of faith and spiritual well-being.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 7:20, when examined in the context of the events leading up to it, offers profound insights into the themes of impermanence, divine providence, and the intersection of life and death. It serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for an eternal perspective in the face of temporal circumstances. This verse ultimately invites us to consider the deeper truths and enduring values that transcend the vicissitudes of earthly existence.
Have questions about 2 Kings 7:20?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 7:20 Artwork
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
"And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died." - 2 Kings 7:20
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered." - 2 Kings 20:7
2 Kings 7:2
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
1 Kings 7:20 - "And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter."
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 7:7 - "Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life."
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 20:10 - "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."
2 Kings 3:20 - "And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water."
2 Kings 16:20 - "And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead."
"Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying," - 2 Kings 20:2
2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."