2 Kings 4

2 Kings 4:1

INCREASE OF THE WIDOW’S OILElisha apparently had known her husband. She reminds him that her husband was a true believer. When he died he left an unpaid debt which the creditor had now come to collect. If a borrower did not have personal property as security, his own person and that of his dependents would serve as security. Therefore the creditor could legally take the widow’s sons as payment.

2 Kings 4:2

Elisha recognizes his responsibility to help this little family. The Mosaic Law insists that widows and fatherless children be cared for.

2 Kings 4:3

They had a regular oil well going in that house!

2 Kings 4:6

This is actually a greater miracle than the widow of Zarephath’s unfailing cruse of oil in Elijah’s day.

2 Kings 4:9

A SON FOR THE “GREAT WOMAN” OF SHUNEMThis gracious woman, living in Shunem, entertained Elisha whenever he passed through her town. Since then, there have been many believers who have in their homes what they call the “prophet’s chamber.” As I have traveled about from place to place, holding Bible conferences, I’ve stayed in many prophet’s chambers. I could tell you about people all across this country today, wonderful Christian folk, who have a room where preachers and missionaries are entertained and feel at home. You do not know what that means in the lives of many of God’s people today. Now Elisha appreciated this home that was always open to him. Lying on the bed one day, he determined to somehow reward this thoughtful woman for her kindness. Elisha summons his servant Gehazi:

2 Kings 4:14

LIFE RESTORED TO THE SHUNAMMITE’S SONYears later when her son was a grown child, he died. Elisha restored him to life, using the same method that Elijah had used (1 Kings 17); that is, personal contact with the dead child which brought life. The great principle here is that when we are dead in trespasses and sins, personal contact with Jesus Christ brings life. In Him we have life. He is life.

2 Kings 4:40

POISONOUS POTTAGEThe fourth miracle in this chapter concerns food for the sons of the prophets, who were actually studentstheological students. This was during a time of famine and one of the boys went out to gather any wild fruits or vegetables that he could find. They concocted a stew of what they found. Elisha, you see, makes it harmless.

2 Kings 4:43

ONE HUNDRED MEN FED MIRACULOUSLYA man, attempting to be faithful to the Mosaic Law, brought the firstfruits of his harvest to the sons of the prophets since Jeroboam had driven the Levitical priests from the country. Because it was a small amount, the servant balked at inviting one hundred men to dinner! This reminds us of the times our Lord fed crowds of four thousand and five thousand with a few loaves and fish.