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2 Kings 7:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 7:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the king appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the king appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
2 Kings 7:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14They took therefore two chariots with horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.
15And they went after them unto the Jordan: and, lo, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king.
16And the people went out, and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of Jehovah.
17And the king appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
18And it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;
19and that captain answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if Jehovah should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? and he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof:
20it came to pass even so unto him; for the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died.
← 2 Kings 7:162 Kings 7:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the king appointed the lord, on whose hand he leaned, to have the charge of the gate, etc.] Not to keep out the enemy, of which there was no danger; but to prevent disorders and tumults among the people, and that they might go out in an orderly and regular manner: and the people trod upon him in the gate; being eager to get out for food; and he endeavouring to keep order among them, they pressed upon him, and threw him down, and trampled him under foot; or he was placed here to regulate the market, that everyone might be supplied in course, but through the people’s pressing to get provisions, he was overborne, and trod upon: and died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“THE UNBELIEVING LORD TRODDEN TO DEATH. (Kg2 7:17-20) the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned,--&c. The news spread like lightning through the city, and was followed, as was natural, by a popular rush to the Syrian camp. To keep order at the gate, the king ordered his minister to keep guard; but the impetuosity of the famishing people could not be resisted. The lord was trodden to death, and Elisha's prophecy in all respects accomplished. Next: 2 Kings Chapter 8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the lord: Kg2 7:2 the people trode upon him: Kg2 9:33; Jdg 20:43; Isa 25:10; Mic 7:10; Heb 10:29 4 Kings (2 Kings) 7:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification