2 Kings 7:2

Then a lord R.V. the captain. This is the usual rendering except in this narrative. The same change is made by R.V. in verses 17 and 19. The word is originally the title of some military officer. Hence the greater fitness of -captain".

on whose hand the king leaned For the expression cf. 2 Kings 5:18, where Naaman describes himself as attending in this capacity. By taking the hand of any one as they walked by their side royal persons shewed their friendship and confidence.

Behold,if the Lord would[R.V. should] make windows in heaven There is no mark of the hypothesis in the Hebrew, as is shewn by the italic -if" of A.V. But the sense is hypothetical. Literally the words are -Behold the Lord [is] making &c." This is said in derision. Almost as if the captain had said, -I suppose then the Lord is going to make &c." and then he follows his scorn with a question. -Even then, could [R.V. might] this thing be?" For -windows of heaven" cf. Genesis 7:11.

thou shalt seeit with thine eyes The answer to this mocking captain would be as hard for him to comprehend as was the promise of abundance which he was deriding. He, a person in close attendance on the king, to see the store which was promised and not partake of it was inconceivable. Doubtless his mockery grew louder still.