מלכים ב, פרק ז׳, פסוק א׳

Following a period of devastating siege and famine, during which desperate people paid extreme prices for undesirable things like donkey heads and dove dung, Elisha prophesies a sudden and miraculous drop in food prices [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The prophet speaks right after the king's messenger is delayed at the door. The king himself arrives, agreeing with his messenger's refusal to harm the prophet out of a fear of God [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Elisha responds directly to the king's deep despair, delivering a clear message: just as God brought about this disaster, the remedy rests entirely in His hands [אברבנאל].

Elisha declares that in exactly twenty-four hours [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the city gate, which serves as the standard marketplace for grain, will undergo a dramatic change [מצודת דוד]. A measure of fine wheat flour, holding over twenty-one liters [ביאור שטיינזלץ], will sell for a single shekel. For that exact same price, buyers will be able to purchase double the amount of barley. This specific pricing reflects the standard economic ratio of the era, where fine wheat flour was worth exactly twice as much as barley [אברבנאל].

While this sudden drop in prices offers an incredible rescue from the absolute starvation of the siege, it does not mean the famine is completely over. Economically speaking, a rate of two measures of barley for a shekel is still considered a famine price. In times of true plenty, four measures would cost a single shekel. Yet, Elisha's prophecy carries two vital pieces of good news that bring immense relief to the people, saving them from the critical need to abandon the Land of Israel in order to survive. First, barley will once again be affordable and fit to eat. Second, unlike the total shortage of the preceding days, grain will actually be present and readily available for purchase in the city markets [מלבי״ם].