◄ 2 Kings 4 ►
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Summary The Widow’s Oil 2 Kings 4 demonstrates the compassionate and miraculous power of God working through Elisha. It challenges us to live a life of faith and to always trust God's providence, especially during adversities. When we extend love and hospitality, God will reward us in ways beyond our comprehension. Let's emulate the Shunammite woman's hospitality, the widow's faith, and Elisha's unwavering belief in God's power. The Widow's Olive Oil (Verses 1-7) A widow, who is the wife of a man from the company of the prophets, cries out to Elisha about her dire circumstances, including a looming debt and the threat of her sons being taken as slaves. Elisha instructs her to gather empty jars from her neighbors and then to start pouring her small jar of oil into them. The oil does not run out until all jars are filled, providing the means for her to pay her debt and live on what remains. The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality (Verses 8-17) Elisha and his servant Gehazi regularly receive hospitality from a Shunammite woman. Acknowledging her kindness, Elisha wants to repay her. After finding out from Gehazi that she has no son and her husband is old, Elisha promises her a son. Despite her disbelief, she conceives and gives birth to a son, just as Elisha had said. The Shunammite's Son Restored to Life (Verses 18-37) The Shunammite woman's son grows but suddenly dies one day. She places him on Elisha's bed and seeks the prophet without informing her husband about their son's death. Elisha, seeing her coming, sends Gehazi to meet her. She insists on seeing Elisha who then sends Gehazi ahead to lay Elisha's staff on the boy's face. When Gehazi's attempt fails, Elisha arrives, prays to God, and lays on the boy. The boy sneezes seven times and comes back to life. Death in the Pot and the Multiplication of Loaves (Verses 38-44) At Gilgal, during a famine, Elisha instructs his servant to prepare a stew for the prophets. Unknowingly, a poisonous ingredient is included, causing a panic when discovered. Elisha miraculously purifies the stew. Afterwards, a man from Baal-Shalishah brings Elisha twenty loaves of barley bread and freshly ripened grain. Elisha instructs that it be given to the people. His servant doubts, but Elisha reassures him that the Lord says there will be leftovers, and indeed there are. 2 Kings 4 brings to light the compassionate and miraculous ministry of the prophet Elisha. Amidst adversity, faithfulness is rewarded, prayers are answered, and the impossible becomes possible, illuminating God's boundless love and power. Teaching Points The Widow's Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7) The widow's dire situation: Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves (2 Kings 4:1). Elisha's instruction to gather empty vessels: Go, borrow empty vessels from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few (2 Kings 4:3). The miracle of multiplication: When all the vessels were full, she said to her son, 'Bring me another vessel.' But he replied, 'There are no more vessels.' Then the oil stopped flowing (2 Kings 4:6). The Shunammite Woman's Son (2 Kings 4:8-37) The Shunammite woman's hospitality: Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him (2 Kings 4:10). The promise of a son: About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms (2 Kings 4:16). The son's death and miraculous restoration: The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes (2 Kings 4:35). The Poisoned Stew (2 Kings 4:38-41) The problem of the poisoned stew: O man of God, there is death in the pot! (2 Kings 4:40). Elisha's solution: Bring some flour. He threw it into the pot and said, 'Serve it to the people to eat.' And there was nothing harmful in the pot (2 Kings 4:41). The Feeding of a Hundred (2 Kings 4:42-44) The provision of bread: Give it to the people to eat (2 Kings 4:42). The miracle of abundance: They will eat and have some left over (2 Kings 4:43). Practical Applications Trust God to provide in times of need, even when the situation seems impossible. Practice hospitality and generosity, as seen in the Shunammite woman's example. Seek God's wisdom and intervention in solving problems, just as Elisha did with the poisoned stew. Recognize that God can multiply our resources to meet the needs of others. People 1. Elisha Elisha is the central prophet in this chapter, performing miracles and serving as a man of God. He is a successor to Elijah and plays a significant role in the narratives of the Kings. The Hebrew root of his name, אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), means "God is salvation." 2. The Widow of a Prophet This woman approaches Elisha for help because her deceased husband, who was a prophet, left debts that threaten her sons with slavery. Her faith and obedience lead to a miraculous provision of oil. 3. The Widow's Sons The sons of the widow are at risk of being taken as slaves to pay off their father's debts. They assist their mother in gathering vessels for the miraculous multiplication of oil. 4. The Shunammite Woman A wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who provides Elisha with food and a place to stay. Her kindness is rewarded with the promise and birth of a son. 5. The Shunammite Woman's Husband He is mentioned in the context of the Shunammite woman's interactions with Elisha, particularly when she seeks his permission to build a room for the prophet. 6. The Shunammite Woman's Son The child promised by Elisha to the Shunammite woman. He later falls ill and dies, but is miraculously brought back to life by Elisha. 7. Gehazi Elisha's servant who assists him throughout the chapter. Gehazi plays a role in the interactions with the Shunammite woman and her son. Places 1. Shunem Shunem is a town in the territory of Issachar. It is where a notable woman lived who showed hospitality to Elisha by providing him with a room to stay whenever he passed through. The Hebrew root for Shunem is "שׁוּנֵם" (Shunem), which is associated with a place of rest or quiet. 2. Gilgal Gilgal is mentioned as a place where Elisha returned to, and it is where he performed the miracle of purifying a pot of stew. Gilgal, from the Hebrew "גִּלְגָּל" (Gilgal), is often associated with a circle of stones and has historical significance as a site of Israelite encampment and religious activity. 3. Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is referenced when the Shunammite woman seeks out Elisha after the death of her son. Elisha is found on Mount Carmel, a location known for its lush vegetation and as a site of significant prophetic activity, including Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. The Hebrew "כַּרְמֶל" (Karmel) means "garden" or "vineyard of God." Events 1. The Widow's Oil Multiplied (2 Kings 4:1-7) A widow of a prophet cries out to Elisha for help because her creditor is coming to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha asks her what she has in her house, and she replies, "Your servant has nothing there at all except a small jar of olive oil" (v. 2). Elisha instructs her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors and pour her oil into them. The oil miraculously multiplies until all the vessels are full. She sells the oil, pays her debts, and lives on the remainder. The Hebrew word for "jar" (אָסוּךְ, 'asuk) emphasizes the smallness of her initial resource, highlighting the miracle. 2. The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality and Promise of a Son (2 Kings 4:8-17) Elisha frequently passes through Shunem, where a wealthy woman offers him hospitality. She and her husband build a small room for him on their roof. In gratitude, Elisha promises her a son, despite her husband's old age. The Hebrew term for "old" (זָקֵן, 'zaqen) underscores the improbability of the promise. The woman conceives and bears a son the following year, as Elisha had said. 3. The Shunammite's Son Restored to Life (2 Kings 4:18-37) The child grows and one day complains of a headache while with his father in the fields. He is taken to his mother and dies on her lap. The woman lays him on Elisha's bed and sets out to find the prophet. Elisha returns with her, prays to the LORD, and stretches himself over the child, who sneezes seven times and opens his eyes. The Hebrew word for "sneeze" (עָטַשׁ, 'atash) is unique in the Old Testament, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the child's revival. 4. The Poisonous Stew Made Edible (2 Kings 4:38-41) During a famine, Elisha instructs his servant to prepare a stew for the prophets. One of them unknowingly adds wild gourds, making the stew poisonous. The prophets cry out, "There is death in the pot!" (v. 40). Elisha throws flour into the pot, and the stew becomes safe to eat. The Hebrew word for "death" (מָוֶת, 'mavet) indicates the severity of the situation, which is miraculously resolved. 5. Feeding a Hundred Men (2 Kings 4:42-44) A man from Baal-shalishah brings Elisha twenty loaves of barley bread and some ears of grain. Elisha instructs his servant to give it to the people to eat. The servant questions how so little can feed a hundred men, but Elisha insists, "For this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over'" (v. 43). The food is distributed, and there is indeed some left over, fulfilling the word of the LORD. The Hebrew root for "left over" (יָתַר, 'yatar) signifies abundance beyond expectation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. John 6:9-13 The feeding of the five thousand, illustrating God's ability to multiply resources. Prayer Points Pray for faith to trust in God's provision and timing. Ask for a heart of generosity and hospitality towards others. Seek God's wisdom in addressing challenges and problems in life. Thank God for His miraculous power and provision in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the widow's story in verses 1-7 encourage us to trust in God's provision during desperate times? 2. What lessons can we learn from the Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha? 3. How does the restoration of the Shunammite's son reflect God's power over life and death? 4. Discuss the significance of faith and patience in seeing God's miracles, as seen in the chapter. 5. How can we apply the lessons learned from the miracle of the poisonous stew in our everyday lives? 6. What does Elisha's response to the poisonous stew teach us about dealing with unexpected crises? 7. How does the multiplication of loaves illustrate God's ability to provide abundantly? 8. How does Elisha's life encourage you in your walk of faith? 9. What role does prayer play in the miracles performed by Elisha? 10. How would you respond if you were in the widow's situation today? 11. How does the Shunammite woman's response to her son's death reflect her faith in God's power? 12. If you were Gehazi, how would you react to Elisha's instructions and the miracles you witnessed? 13. How does this chapter challenge our perception of what is possible with God? 14. How can we cultivate the same kind of faith and trust in God demonstrated by Elisha? 15. What does this chapter teach us about God's timing in answering our prayers? 16. How can we demonstrate the same level of hospitality shown by the Shunammite woman in our modern society? 17. How does Elisha's response to the Shunammite woman's kindness reflect God's desire to bless those who bless others? 18. What strategies can we apply today to ensure we don't run out of faith during times of uncertainty, much like the widow's jar of oil? 19. Discuss the importance of obedience as exemplified by Elisha's instructions in the various miracles. 20. How can we apply the principles we've learned from this chapter in dealing with personal crises, setbacks or financial difficulties today? Topics 1. The Widow’s Oil Multiplied In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a widow of a prophet seeks Elisha's help as her sons are about to be taken as slaves to pay off her debts. Elisha instructs her to gather empty vessels and pour her small amount of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil multiplies until all the vessels are filled, allowing her to sell the oil and pay her debts. This story highlights God's provision and the importance of faith and obedience. The Hebrew word for "vessel" (כְּלִי, ^keli^) emphasizes the idea of being a container for God's blessings. 2. The Shunammite Woman’s Hospitality In verses 8-17, a wealthy Shunammite woman shows hospitality to Elisha by providing him with a room. In gratitude, Elisha promises her a son, despite her husband's old age. This narrative underscores the themes of hospitality, reward, and the miraculous power of God. The Hebrew root for "hospitality" (אֹרֵחַ, ^oreach^) conveys the idea of welcoming and providing for a guest. 3. The Shunammite’s Son Restored to Life Verses 18-37 recount the death and miraculous resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son. After the child dies, the woman seeks Elisha, who ultimately raises the boy from the dead. This passage illustrates themes of faith, persistence, and divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "life" (חַיִּים, ^chayim^) is central to understanding the restoration and the power of God over life and death. 4. Elisha Purifies the Deadly Stew In verses 38-41, during a famine, Elisha purifies a pot of stew that had been made with poisonous gourds. By adding flour, the stew becomes safe to eat. This miracle demonstrates God's care and provision even in dire circumstances. The Hebrew term for "purify" (טָהֵר, ^taher^) signifies cleansing and making something acceptable. 5. Feeding a Hundred Men The chapter concludes with verses 42-44, where Elisha feeds a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley and some grain, with food left over. This miracle prefigures the New Testament accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes. The Hebrew word for "left over" (יָתַר, ^yatar^) emphasizes abundance and God's ability to provide beyond immediate needs. Themes 1. Divine Provision and Miracles This chapter highlights God's provision through miraculous means. The widow's oil is multiplied (2 Kings 4:1-7), demonstrating God's ability to provide abundantly. The Hebrew root for "multiply" (רָבָה, rabah) emphasizes increase and abundance, reflecting God's power to meet needs beyond human limitations. 2. Faith and Obedience The stories in this chapter underscore the importance of faith and obedience to God's instructions. The widow follows Elisha's guidance without question, and her faith is rewarded with provision. Similarly, the Shunammite woman shows faith by preparing a room for Elisha, leading to the blessing of a son (2 Kings 4:8-17). 3. Hospitality and Generosity The Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10) is a key theme, illustrating the virtue of generosity. Her willingness to provide for the prophet reflects the biblical principle of showing kindness to others, which is often met with divine favor. 4. Resurrection and Restoration The theme of resurrection is evident in the story of the Shunammite's son, whom Elisha raises from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37). This miracle foreshadows the ultimate resurrection hope in Christian theology. The Hebrew word for "revive" (חָיָה, chayah) signifies bringing back to life, emphasizing God's power over death. 5. God's Compassion and Care Throughout the chapter, God's compassion is evident in His care for individuals in distress. From the widow's financial crisis to the Shunammite's loss, God's interventions show His concern for personal needs and His willingness to act on behalf of His people. 6. Prophetic Authority and Power Elisha's role as a prophet is central, demonstrating the authority and power given to God's messengers. His ability to perform miracles, such as purifying the poisoned stew (2 Kings 4:38-41) and multiplying loaves (2 Kings 4:42-44), underscores the divine authority vested in prophets. 7. Trust in God's Timing The narrative encourages trust in God's timing, as seen in the Shunammite woman's patient waiting for a child and her faith during her son's illness and death. Her story illustrates the belief that God's timing is perfect, even when circumstances seem dire. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions