Sold For A Shekel - Lessons on Supply & Demand from 2 Kings 7:1-18

Chapter 2: Sudden Increase in Supply

In the historical account of Samaria, one of the most dramatic moments happens when the Aramean army unexpectedly leaves the city. This event marks a significant turning point in the literal event and leads to a sudden change in the availability of food and resources for the people of Samaria. Let's explore how this turning point affected market dynamics and how sudden changes in supply have influenced markets throughout history.

In 2 Kings 7:6-7, we read, "For the Lord had made the host of the Arameans to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents and their horses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life." This verse explains how God caused the Aramean army to panic, thinking they were under attack. Terrified, they abandoned their camp and ran away, leaving behind everything they had. The sudden disappearance of the army created a drastic shift in the situation for the people of Samaria.

With the Aramean army gone, the city of Samaria was no longer under siege. Suddenly, the people had access to the food and supplies that the Arameans had left behind. In 2 Kings 7:8, we read, "And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it." The lepers, who had been outcasts, were the first to discover this wealth of food and resources. Their find signaled a complete turnaround from the desperate conditions that had gripped Samaria for so long.

This sudden influx of goods caused a rapid change in the market dynamics of Samaria. Prior to the departure of the Arameans, food was scarce and highly priced, as seen in the earlier verses where an ass's head sold for an exorbitant price. In contrast, after the Arameans left, the city was flooded with food. In 2 Kings 7:1, the prophet Elisha declared, "Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To-morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." This proclamation illustrates how prices plummeted due to the sudden availability of food. What was once a luxury became affordable for everyone.

Cases of sudden changes in supply can alter markets significantly, both in historical contexts and modern times. One example from history is the oil crisis of the 1970s. When OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) declared an oil embargo, gas prices skyrocketed because of the sudden reduction in supply. However, when the embargo ended, the supply of oil returned to normal levels, and prices eventually fell again. Just like in Samaria, the availability of resources shifted dramatically.

Another case study is the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused significant supply shocks across various industries. For example, when lockdowns occurred, the production of many goods slowed down, leading to shortages and increased prices. However, as economies opened up, supply chains began to recover, leading to a flooding of goods in the market, which changed pricing once again. The rapid changes in availability of basic goods led to both frustration and opportunities in the market.

In summary, the departure of the Aramean army caused a critical turning point for the people of Samaria. It transformed scarcity into abundance almost overnight, illustrating how sudden influxes of goods can fundamentally change market dynamics. Whether in biblical times or through modern examples, these shifts remind us that markets are influenced not just by demand, but dramatically by the availability of resources. Understanding these principles helps us grasp how economies function and how people adapt to change, often with surprising results.