1. Israel under siege (6:24-33)

Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, with his entire army laid siege to Samaria for a long time, such that food prices were astronomical. Starving mothers ate their own babies (28-29). When the king heard this report, he was so exasperated and gave up repenting in sackcloth and wanted to kill his shepherd Elisha. However, Elisha kept his spirit and was not daunted (though he did take precautions to block his assassins). When he met his shepherd Elisha, the king complained fiercely that he was tired of waiting on God.

2. Elisha's promise of deliverance (7:1-2)

The travesty of the siege was an opportunity to reveal God's glory and deliverance to his people. Elisha prophesied that the very next day flour and barley, the staples of food, would be sold inexpensively and amply. The officer on whose arm the king was leaning planted unbelief. Elisha prophesied that he would see it, but not partake in any because of his poisonous doubt.