When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, "Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets." When Elisha returned to GilgalThe name "Elisha" in Hebrew means "God is salvation," reflecting his role as a prophet who brings God's word and works to the people. Elisha's return to Gilgal, a significant location in Israel's history, underscores the continuity of God's work through His prophets. Gilgal was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River, symbolizing new beginnings and God's faithfulness. This setting reminds us of God's enduring presence and provision, even in times of hardship. there was a famine in the land
Famine in the biblical context often signifies more than just a lack of food; it can represent spiritual desolation or a period of testing. Historically, famines were common in the ancient Near East due to climate variability and agricultural dependency. In Scripture, famines often serve as a backdrop for God's miraculous interventions, highlighting His sovereignty and the need for reliance on Him. This famine sets the stage for Elisha's demonstration of God's provision. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him
The "sons of the prophets" were a group of disciples or followers of the prophets, akin to a prophetic school. This phrase indicates a community dedicated to learning and living out God's word. Their presence with Elisha suggests a setting of instruction and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of communal faith and mentorship in the life of believers. It reflects the continuity of God's revelation through His chosen messengers. he said to his servant
Elisha's interaction with his servant highlights the role of servanthood and obedience in God's work. The servant acts as an intermediary, carrying out the prophet's instructions, which mirrors the relationship between God and His people. This phrase underscores the importance of humility and readiness to serve in fulfilling God's purposes. Put on the large pot and cook some stew
The "large pot" symbolizes preparation for communal nourishment, both physical and spiritual. In ancient times, a communal meal was a sign of fellowship and unity. The act of cooking stew, a simple yet sustaining meal, reflects God's provision through ordinary means. It serves as a reminder that God often works through the mundane to accomplish His divine purposes, providing for His people in unexpected ways. for these sons of the prophets
This phrase emphasizes the care and provision for those dedicated to God's service. The sons of the prophets, as learners and future leaders, represent the continuation of God's work through successive generations. Elisha's concern for their well-being highlights the importance of nurturing and sustaining those who are called to serve God, ensuring that they are equipped both physically and spiritually for their mission. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet and successor of Elijah, known for performing miracles and guiding the people of Israel. 2. GilgalA location in Israel, significant in biblical history as a place of worship and prophetic activity. 3. FamineA severe shortage of food affecting the land, often seen as a time of testing and reliance on God's provision. 4. Sons of the ProphetsA group of prophetic disciples or followers who were under the mentorship of prophets like Elisha. 5. Elisha's ServantAn unnamed assistant to Elisha, tasked with preparing food for the group. Teaching Points God's Provision in Times of NeedJust as God provided for the sons of the prophets during the famine, He is faithful to provide for us in our times of need. We are called to trust in His provision and care. The Role of Faithful ServantsElisha's servant played a crucial role in preparing the meal. This reminds us that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. We should be willing to serve in whatever capacity God calls us. Community and FellowshipThe sons of the prophets gathered together during a time of crisis, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship among believers. In difficult times, we should seek support and encouragement from our faith community. Obedience to God's InstructionsElisha's directive to prepare the stew was followed without question. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain. Spiritual NourishmentJust as physical food was necessary for the sons of the prophets, spiritual nourishment through God's Word is essential for our spiritual well-being. We should prioritize feeding on Scripture regularly. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Elisha and the sons of the prophets during the famine encourage you to trust in God's provision in your own life? 2. In what ways can you serve others in your community, similar to how Elisha's servant assisted in preparing the meal? 3. How can you foster a sense of community and fellowship among your fellow believers, especially during challenging times? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to obey God's instructions without knowing the outcome. What did you learn from that experience? 5. How can you ensure that you are receiving regular spiritual nourishment from God's Word, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 17The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, where God provides during a famine, showing His faithfulness and provision. John 6The feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus, illustrating God's miraculous provision and care for His people. Psalm 37:19A promise that the righteous will not be forsaken in times of famine, highlighting God's provision and faithfulness. People Elisha, GehaziPlaces Baal-shalishah, Edom, Gilgal, Mount Carmel, ShunemTopics Boil, Company, Cook, Dearth, Elisha, Eli'sha, Famine, Fire, Gilgal, Large, Meeting, Pot, Pottage, Prophets, Region, Returned, Seated, Seethe, Servant, Sitting, Sons, Soup, StewDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 4:38 4823 famine, physical
7778 school of prophets 2 Kings 4:38-40 4534 vine 2 Kings 4:38-41 5268 cooking
5445 potters and pottery Library When the Oil Flows
'And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.'--2 KINGS iv. 6. The series of miracles ascribed to Elisha are very unlike most of the wonderful works of even the Old Testament, and still more unlike those of the New. For about a great many of them there seems to have been no special purpose, either doctrinal or otherwise, but simply the relief of trivial and transient distresses. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Miracle Needing Effort
'So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: 26. Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband! is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. 27. And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Infant Salvation
Now, let every mother and father here present know assuredly that it is well with the child, if God hath taken it away from you in its infant days. You never heard its declaration of faith--it was not capable of such a thing--it was not baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ, not buried with him in baptism; it was not capable of giving that "answer of a good conscience towards God;" nevertheless, you may rest assured that it is well with the child, well in a higher and a better sense than it is well …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
The Voice of the Beloved Thou oughtest to seek earnestly the grace of devotion, to ask it fervently, to wait for it patiently and faithfully, to receive it gratefully, to preserve it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to leave to God the time and manner of heavenly visitation until it come. Chiefly oughtest thou to humble thyself when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion, yet not to be too much cast down, nor to grieve out of measure. God ofttimes giveth in one short moment what He …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Extracts No. Ix.
[As the objector here begins to give up his ground, his letters from this place will be given nearly entire. He commences this number as follows, viz.] "Dear sir and brother--Your reply to my seventh number has been received, and hereby duly acknowledged. I have just given it a second reading, with peculiar care and attention; and I must add, generally speaking, with peculiar satisfaction too; for as it has tended in some degree to revive my almost extinguished faith in divine revelation, so it …
Hosea Ballou—A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
"And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him." If we consider the sketch, given us in scripture, of the life of this patriarch, we shall find that few have had equal manifestations of the divine favor. But the light did not at all times shine on him. He had his dark hours while dwelling in this strange land. Here we find an horror of great darkness to have fallen upon him. The language used to describe his state, on this occasion, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Soul.
Man as we behold him is not all there is of man. He is a wonderful being. He stands in the highest order of God's creation. He Is A Compound. Man was created a physical and spiritual organism. He possesses an animal and a spiritual life. Thus he is connected with two worlds. The physical creation is termed the "outward man," and the spiritual, the "inward man." "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:16. "For we know …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 4:38 NIV2 Kings 4:38 NLT2 Kings 4:38 ESV2 Kings 4:38 NASB2 Kings 4:38 KJV
2 Kings 4:38 Commentaries
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