2 Kings 4: The Power of Faith and God’s Provision in Adversity

Executive Summary

2 Kings 4 showcases the profound faith of Elisha and the miraculous power of God manifested through him. From multiplying a widow’s meager oil to anointing and ultimately resurrecting the Shunammite woman’s son, this chapter is a tapestry of divine intervention in the lives of those who trust in Him. The central theme, God’s provision in adversity, reminds us that even in the bleakest circumstances, faith can unlock unexpected blessings. These stories, deeply rooted in the Old Testament tradition, find resonance in the New Covenant, echoing Christ’s own miracles and teachings about faith and dependence on God. The unwavering faith of both the widow and the Shunammite woman serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to seek God’s intervention in our own struggles and to recognize His hand in every aspect of our lives. It is about opening our hearts to receive God’s gifts and being faithful stewards of the blessings He bestows upon us.

Introduction: 2 Kings Chapter 4 is a powerful testament to God’s ability to provide for His people in times of need. It highlights themes of faith, obedience, and the profound connection between the prophet Elisha and those who sought his guidance. Through two remarkable miracles – the multiplication of the widow’s oil and the resurrection of the Shunammite woman’s son – we witness the tangible manifestation of God’s compassion and power. Let us delve into each verse to unpack the spiritual depth and lasting significance of these events.

Commentary Sections

2 Kings 4:1 – The Widow’s Plea

“Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.” (KJV)
“A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons as slaves.” (NKJV)

This opening verse immediately plunges us into a situation of dire need. The widow’s late husband, a member of the prophetic community, was a God-fearing man. Now, she faces losing her sons to debt. The context is crucial: Debt slavery was a common practice in ancient Israel, a harsh reality for those unable to meet their financial obligations. Her appeal to Elisha highlights the community’s expectation that prophets would act as advocates for the vulnerable. This reminds us of the importance of supporting theological educators in our modern seminaries and other institutions so they may continue their service to God.

Spiritual Application: This verse teaches us that faith is not a shield against adversity, but a lifeline in the midst of it. The widow’s faith, though tested, compels her to seek help. Similarly, we should turn to God in our times of crisis, trusting that He hears our cries and will provide a way forward. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

2 Kings 4:2-7 – The Multiplication of Oil

“And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and borrowed vessels. And when she was come in, she shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 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. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” (KJV)
“Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside those that are full.” So she went from him and borrowed vessels, and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” (NKJV)

Here we see a series of specific instructions from Elisha: (1) Declare what little you have, (2) Borrow empty vessels, and (3) Close the door. The “pot of oil,” seemingly insignificant, becomes the catalyst for miraculous provision. The act of borrowing empty vessels signifies faith and expectation. The closed door symbolizes the separation from the world and complete reliance on God. This miracle echoes the New Testament miracle of Christ multiplying the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:13-21). The process of pouring out and filling vessels highlights the limitless nature of God’s grace when we come to him with faith. It is through the empty vessels of our lives that He can demonstrate His boundless power. The Old Testament book of Sirach teaches, “Do not be ashamed to admit your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river.” (Sirach 4:26). The instruction to sell the oil and pay the debt underscores responsible stewardship. God provides not just for immediate needs but also for long-term stability.

Spiritual Application: We must be honest about our vulnerabilities and needs. God can work with what little we have. The key is obedience and faith. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

2 Kings 4:8-17 – The Shunammite Woman’s Hospitality and Promise of a Son

“And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.” (KJV)
“Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table, and a chair, and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.” And so it was, one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. Then he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can be done for you? Would you like me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” So he said, “What then is to be done for her?” And Gehazi answered, “Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.” So he said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!” But the woman conceived, and bore a son at the appointed time the following year, as Elisha had told her.” (NKJV)

The Shunammite woman’s hospitality towards Elisha is a beautiful example of selfless service. The act of providing a dedicated room for the prophet speaks volumes about her reverence and generosity. Shunem was a town in the Jezreel Valley, known for its fertile land and strategic location. The woman’s perception of Elisha as a “holy man of God” demonstrates spiritual discernment. Elisha’s initial offer to intercede with the king or commander reflects the power and influence he held. The woman’s response, “I dwell among my own people,” suggests contentment and independence, yet also highlights her unfulfilled desire for a child. The Lord hears her prayer to which Elisha responded according to the will of God. The promise of a son is particularly poignant given her age and her husband’s. Her initial disbelief, “Do not lie to your maidservant,” reveals a mixture of longing and skepticism. However, God’s promise is fulfilled, highlighting His power to overcome natural limitations.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great speaks of hospitality as a pathway to encountering Christ himself: “What greater reward can there be than to entertain Christ? ‘I was a stranger, and you took me in.’” (Homilia in Lucam 12; PG 31:281). This act of service is itself a spiritual practice.

Spiritual Application: Genuine hospitality opens doors for divine blessing. Serving others, especially those in ministry, is a reflection of our love for God. God often answers unspoken desires. Trust in His promises, even when they seem impossible. dohost.us is a resource for those who need to serve others.

2 Kings 4:18-37 – The Son’s Death and Resurrection

“And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. 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: 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. 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, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.” (KJV)
“And when the child was grown, it happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers. And he said to his father, “My head, my head!” So he said to a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” When he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door upon him, and went out. Then she called to her husband, and said, “Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back.” And he said, “Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.” So she said, “It is well.” Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, “Drive on, and do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” And so she went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. So it was, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, the Shunammite woman is coming! Please run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’” And she answered, “It is well.” When she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by his feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her, and the Lord has hidden it from me, and has not told me.” And she said, “Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?” Then he said to Gehazi, “Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; lay my staff on the face of the child.” And the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. Now Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice nor hearing. Therefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, “The child has not awakened.” When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. He went in, therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.” So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, “Take your son.” So she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed down to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out.” (NKJV)

This passage is filled with raw emotion and unwavering faith. The sudden illness and death of the son highlight the fragility of life. The Shunammite woman’s immediate response is to seek Elisha, demonstrating her complete trust in him and the God he represents. Her words, “It is well,” despite the devastating circumstances, are a powerful testament to her faith. This does not mean that she denies the reality of the situation, but rather that she trusts in God’s ultimate goodness and control. Mount Carmel, where Elisha was, was a significant location, associated with Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Elisha’s initial attempt to heal the child through Gehazi and his staff is unsuccessful, emphasizing that it is not the object but God’s power that heals. Elisha’s intimate, physical interaction with the child – laying mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands – symbolizes a transfer of life and a deep connection. The child sneezing seven times signifies a complete restoration to life. The number seven often represents completeness in the Bible. The woman’s humble gratitude and worship at Elisha’s feet upon receiving her son underscore the miraculous nature of the event.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on resurrection miracles, emphasizes the divine power at work: “For it was not by human strength that they were raised, but by the power of God, who is Lord of life and death.” (Commentary on John, Book 11, Chapter 11).

Spiritual Application: Grief and loss are part of the human experience, but faith provides a source of hope and strength. Persistence in prayer is essential. God’s power can overcome even death. We are called to trust in God’s ability to bring life out of death, both literally and spiritually.

Subtopic: Lessons on Faith from 2 Kings 4

2 Kings 4 offers several key lessons about the nature of faith and its role in our lives:

• Faith in Action: Faith isn’t passive; it requires action. The widow and the Shunammite woman actively sought help and followed God’s instructions.
• Trust in God’s Timing: The Shunammite woman waited years for a son, and then lost him. Yet, she trusted God’s timing and purpose, even in the face of tragedy.
• Humility and Gratitude: Both women demonstrated humility in their requests and gratitude for God’s provision.
• Perseverance in Prayer: The Shunammite woman’s relentless pursuit of Elisha exemplifies the importance of persistent prayer.
• God’s Compassion: These miracles highlight God’s deep compassion for those who suffer and His willingness to intervene in their lives.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did Elisha need to stretch himself on the child to revive him?
A: This act symbolizes Elisha’s complete identification with the child’s need. It signifies a deep connection and the transfer of God’s life-giving power. It also mirrors the Old Testament concept of a prophet acting as a mediator between God and humanity, fully invested in the wellbeing of those he serves.

Q: What does the phrase “It is well” signify in the Shunammite woman’s response?
A: “It is well” reflects a profound trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of immense grief. It’s not a denial of reality, but a statement of faith, believing that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. It exemplifies the biblical concept of trusting in God’s unchanging character despite changing circumstances.

Q: How does this chapter relate to the New Testament?
A: This chapter foreshadows the miracles of Jesus, particularly the raising of the dead. Both Elisha’s miracles and Jesus’ miracles demonstrate God’s power over death and His compassion for humanity. They underscore the central Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life.

Q: What is the significance of closing the door in both miracles?
A: Closing the door represents a separation from the world and a complete reliance on God. It signifies a private encounter with the divine, where faith is nurtured and miracles can occur. This symbolizes a focus on God’s presence without distraction.

Conclusion

The stories of the widow’s oil and the Shunammite woman’s son, as recounted in 2 Kings 4, serve as enduring reminders of God’s unwavering provision and His boundless power. They teach us that God’s provision in adversity is real and accessible to those who approach Him with faith, humility, and obedience. Whether facing financial hardship or the profound sorrow of loss, we can draw strength from these accounts, trusting that God hears our cries and is able to work miracles in our lives. The key is to have faith like the widow and persistance like the Shunammite, seeking God’s intervention and remaining steadfast in our trust, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Let us, therefore, embrace the lessons of this chapter and allow them to transform our hearts and lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with the God who provides for all our needs.

Tags

2 Kings 4, Elisha, Widow’s Oil, Shunammite Woman, Son’s Resurrection, Miracles, Faith, Provision, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, God’s Power

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