II Kings 4: God's Provision and Power in Action
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.
So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.
But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.
And there came a man from Baal–shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.
So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord.
II Kings 4, nestled within the broader narrative of Elisha's ministry (II Kings 4:1-8:15), showcases the prophet as a conduit of God's power and provision in the lives of ordinary people. The order of these accounts may be thematic rather than strictly chronological, highlighting different aspects of God's character and his interaction with humanity. Just as Elijah's ministry was marked by miraculous interventions (see I Kings 17:1-19:21), so too is Elisha's, demonstrating the continuity of God's power throughout history.
A Widow's Plea: God's Response to Desperate Need (II Kings 4:1-7)
The chapter opens with a widow, the wife of a deceased prophet, in dire straits. Like the widow Elijah aided (see I Kings 17:8-24), she faces both economic and emotional devastation. Her husband's death has left her with a crushing debt, threatening to enslave her children. This economic hardship may reflect the precarious situation of true prophets and their families in the apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel, where they were often marginalized and unsupported. Turning to Elisha, she seeks a spiritual solution to her very real problem.
Elisha's response is both practical and miraculous. He asks a seemingly simple question: "What do you have in the house?" (II Kings 4:2). Her answer: "Nothing but a jar of oil." This seemingly insignificant resource becomes the catalyst for a miraculous outpouring. Elisha instructs her to borrow as many empty jars as possible from her neighbors (II Kings 4:3), an act that must have seemed strange and perhaps even embarrassing. Yet, obedience is key.
As she pours the oil from her single jar into the borrowed containers, a miracle unfolds: the oil continues to flow until every jar is filled (II Kings 4:5-6). This miraculous provision highlights God's ability to work with what little we have, transforming scarcity into abundance when we trust and obey Him. The overflowing oil provides the widow with the means to pay off her debt and support herself and her children (II Kings 4:7).
This story is a powerful reminder that God's ways are not always our ways. His solutions may seem unconventional, even illogical. However, when we respond to His word with faith and obedience, we open ourselves to receive His blessings, both physical and spiritual. This account underscores the importance of seeking God's help in times of crisis and trusting in His ability to provide, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
The Shunammite Woman: Gratitude and a Promised Son (II Kings 4:8-17)
The narrative shifts to Shunem, where Elisha encounters a wealthy and hospitable woman. Unlike the poor widow, she is described as prominent and has a husband (II Kings 4:8-9). Recognizing Elisha as a "holy man of God," she and her husband offer him regular hospitality, providing him with a room in their home as he travels (II Kings 4:9-10).
Elisha, grateful for her kindness, seeks to reciprocate. He sends his servant Gehazi to inquire about her needs, even suggesting he could speak to the king or the commander of the army on her behalf (II Kings 4:11-13). This is a remarkable offer, considering the wickedness of King Joram. It demonstrates that even in a corrupt political climate, Elisha, as a representative of God, wielded influence. This illustrates the principle that God can grant his people influence in secular spheres when they faithfully serve Him in their primary spiritual roles.
The Shunammite woman's response reveals her contentment: "I dwell among my own people" (II Kings 4:13). She doesn't seek political favor or material gain. However, Gehazi notices her unspoken desire: she has no son, and her husband is old (II Kings 4:14). Elisha then makes a bold promise: "About this time next year, you shall embrace a son" (II Kings 4:16). This promise, fulfilled within a year (II Kings 4:17), underscores God's faithfulness to those who honor Him and His ability to grant even the deepest desires of their hearts.
This narrative highlights the importance of hospitality, the value of contentment, and the power of God to fulfill seemingly impossible promises. It reminds us that God sees our needs, both spoken and unspoken, and He is willing to bless those who trust in Him. For the original audience of 1 and 2 Kings, especially those in exile, this story served as a reminder that faithfulness to God and His covenant is always rewarded.
Death and Resurrection: A Mother's Faith and God's Compassion (II Kings 4:18-37)
Tragedy strikes when the Shunammite woman's son, now a young boy, falls ill and dies (II Kings 4:18-20). In her grief, the woman lays the boy on Elisha's bed and sets out to find the prophet (II Kings 4:21-22). Her actions demonstrate her unwavering faith and her conviction that Elisha, as God's representative, holds the key to her son's restoration.
When Elisha sees her approaching, he sends Gehazi to meet her. But she refuses to disclose the reason for her urgency to anyone but Elisha himself (II Kings 4:25-26). Her focus is unwavering, her hope fixed on the prophet. Reaching Elisha, she clings to his feet, her anguish palpable (II Kings 4:27). Her heartbroken question, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?" (II Kings 4:28), reflects the profound mystery of suffering and the pain of loss. It's a raw expression of grief, questioning why God would give a gift only to take it away.
Elisha, moved by her distress, takes immediate action. He sends Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay it on the boy's face (II Kings 4:29). However, the staff proves ineffective (II Kings 4:31), indicating that this situation requires more than a symbolic gesture. Elisha himself goes to the boy and prays to the Lord. He stretches himself out on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands (II Kings 4:33-34), mirroring Elijah's actions in I Kings 17:21-22. After a period of prayer and intense intercession, the boy's body warms, and he eventually revives (II Kings 4:34-35). Elisha then presents the living boy back to his mother (II Kings 4:36-37), completing the miracle.
This is only the second recorded instance of resurrection in the Old Testament. This miracle foreshadows the power Jesus Christ would demonstrate in raising the dead (see Luke 7:11-17; 8:52-56; John 11:1-44). Christ's resurrections, in turn, point to His own resurrection, which serves as the ultimate promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him (see John 11:25-26; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor 15:20-23). This story is a testament to the power of prayer, the depth of God's compassion, and the hope of resurrection.
Healing the Poisoned Stew and Multiplying the Loaves: God's Sustaining Power (II Kings 4:38-44)
The chapter concludes with two more miracles, both addressing issues of food scarcity. During a famine, Elisha encounters a group of prophets who inadvertently prepare a poisonous stew using wild gourds (II Kings 4:38-40). The cry, "There is death in the pot!" (II Kings 4:40), highlights the danger of unknowingly consuming something harmful.
Elisha's response is immediate and decisive. He instructs them to add flour to the stew (II Kings 4:41), miraculously neutralizing the poison and making the food edible. This miracle can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literally, it demonstrates God's power to provide for His people in times of need. Symbolically, the "poisoned stew" can represent the danger of mixing false teachings with truth. Just as the flour purified the stew, so too does the truth of God's Word overcome the contamination of heresy. When spiritual leaders are "sick" or "contaminated" by false doctrine, the people are not properly fed. Only the substance of God's truth can overcome false religion.
Finally, Elisha performs a miracle of multiplication, feeding a hundred men with only twenty loaves of barley bread (II Kings 4:42-44). Despite the apparent inadequacy of the supply, Elisha commands that the bread be distributed, trusting in God's provision. The bread multiplies as it is shared, satisfying everyone's hunger with leftovers to spare. This miracle foreshadows Jesus' feeding of the five thousand (see Mark 6:30-44; 8:1-9), demonstrating God's ability to provide abundantly, even from meager resources.
These final miracles reinforce the themes of provision, healing, and abundance that run throughout II Kings 4. They demonstrate that God is not only able to meet our physical needs but also to protect us from harm, both physical and spiritual. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and His commitment to care for those who trust in Him.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.
So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.
But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.
And there came a man from Baal–shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.
So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord.
II Kings 4, nestled within the broader narrative of Elisha's ministry (II Kings 4:1-8:15), showcases the prophet as a conduit of God's power and provision in the lives of ordinary people. The order of these accounts may be thematic rather than strictly chronological, highlighting different aspects of God's character and his interaction with humanity. Just as Elijah's ministry was marked by miraculous interventions (see I Kings 17:1-19:21), so too is Elisha's, demonstrating the continuity of God's power throughout history.
A Widow's Plea: God's Response to Desperate Need (II Kings 4:1-7)
The chapter opens with a widow, the wife of a deceased prophet, in dire straits. Like the widow Elijah aided (see I Kings 17:8-24), she faces both economic and emotional devastation. Her husband's death has left her with a crushing debt, threatening to enslave her children. This economic hardship may reflect the precarious situation of true prophets and their families in the apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel, where they were often marginalized and unsupported. Turning to Elisha, she seeks a spiritual solution to her very real problem.
Elisha's response is both practical and miraculous. He asks a seemingly simple question: "What do you have in the house?" (II Kings 4:2). Her answer: "Nothing but a jar of oil." This seemingly insignificant resource becomes the catalyst for a miraculous outpouring. Elisha instructs her to borrow as many empty jars as possible from her neighbors (II Kings 4:3), an act that must have seemed strange and perhaps even embarrassing. Yet, obedience is key.
As she pours the oil from her single jar into the borrowed containers, a miracle unfolds: the oil continues to flow until every jar is filled (II Kings 4:5-6). This miraculous provision highlights God's ability to work with what little we have, transforming scarcity into abundance when we trust and obey Him. The overflowing oil provides the widow with the means to pay off her debt and support herself and her children (II Kings 4:7).
This story is a powerful reminder that God's ways are not always our ways. His solutions may seem unconventional, even illogical. However, when we respond to His word with faith and obedience, we open ourselves to receive His blessings, both physical and spiritual. This account underscores the importance of seeking God's help in times of crisis and trusting in His ability to provide, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
The Shunammite Woman: Gratitude and a Promised Son (II Kings 4:8-17)
The narrative shifts to Shunem, where Elisha encounters a wealthy and hospitable woman. Unlike the poor widow, she is described as prominent and has a husband (II Kings 4:8-9). Recognizing Elisha as a "holy man of God," she and her husband offer him regular hospitality, providing him with a room in their home as he travels (II Kings 4:9-10).
Elisha, grateful for her kindness, seeks to reciprocate. He sends his servant Gehazi to inquire about her needs, even suggesting he could speak to the king or the commander of the army on her behalf (II Kings 4:11-13). This is a remarkable offer, considering the wickedness of King Joram. It demonstrates that even in a corrupt political climate, Elisha, as a representative of God, wielded influence. This illustrates the principle that God can grant his people influence in secular spheres when they faithfully serve Him in their primary spiritual roles.
The Shunammite woman's response reveals her contentment: "I dwell among my own people" (II Kings 4:13). She doesn't seek political favor or material gain. However, Gehazi notices her unspoken desire: she has no son, and her husband is old (II Kings 4:14). Elisha then makes a bold promise: "About this time next year, you shall embrace a son" (II Kings 4:16). This promise, fulfilled within a year (II Kings 4:17), underscores God's faithfulness to those who honor Him and His ability to grant even the deepest desires of their hearts.
This narrative highlights the importance of hospitality, the value of contentment, and the power of God to fulfill seemingly impossible promises. It reminds us that God sees our needs, both spoken and unspoken, and He is willing to bless those who trust in Him. For the original audience of 1 and 2 Kings, especially those in exile, this story served as a reminder that faithfulness to God and His covenant is always rewarded.
Death and Resurrection: A Mother's Faith and God's Compassion (II Kings 4:18-37)
Tragedy strikes when the Shunammite woman's son, now a young boy, falls ill and dies (II Kings 4:18-20). In her grief, the woman lays the boy on Elisha's bed and sets out to find the prophet (II Kings 4:21-22). Her actions demonstrate her unwavering faith and her conviction that Elisha, as God's representative, holds the key to her son's restoration.
When Elisha sees her approaching, he sends Gehazi to meet her. But she refuses to disclose the reason for her urgency to anyone but Elisha himself (II Kings 4:25-26). Her focus is unwavering, her hope fixed on the prophet. Reaching Elisha, she clings to his feet, her anguish palpable (II Kings 4:27). Her heartbroken question, "Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?" (II Kings 4:28), reflects the profound mystery of suffering and the pain of loss. It's a raw expression of grief, questioning why God would give a gift only to take it away.
Elisha, moved by her distress, takes immediate action. He sends Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay it on the boy's face (II Kings 4:29). However, the staff proves ineffective (II Kings 4:31), indicating that this situation requires more than a symbolic gesture. Elisha himself goes to the boy and prays to the Lord. He stretches himself out on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands (II Kings 4:33-34), mirroring Elijah's actions in I Kings 17:21-22. After a period of prayer and intense intercession, the boy's body warms, and he eventually revives (II Kings 4:34-35). Elisha then presents the living boy back to his mother (II Kings 4:36-37), completing the miracle.
This is only the second recorded instance of resurrection in the Old Testament. This miracle foreshadows the power Jesus Christ would demonstrate in raising the dead (see Luke 7:11-17; 8:52-56; John 11:1-44). Christ's resurrections, in turn, point to His own resurrection, which serves as the ultimate promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him (see John 11:25-26; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor 15:20-23). This story is a testament to the power of prayer, the depth of God's compassion, and the hope of resurrection.
Healing the Poisoned Stew and Multiplying the Loaves: God's Sustaining Power (II Kings 4:38-44)
The chapter concludes with two more miracles, both addressing issues of food scarcity. During a famine, Elisha encounters a group of prophets who inadvertently prepare a poisonous stew using wild gourds (II Kings 4:38-40). The cry, "There is death in the pot!" (II Kings 4:40), highlights the danger of unknowingly consuming something harmful.
Elisha's response is immediate and decisive. He instructs them to add flour to the stew (II Kings 4:41), miraculously neutralizing the poison and making the food edible. This miracle can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literally, it demonstrates God's power to provide for His people in times of need. Symbolically, the "poisoned stew" can represent the danger of mixing false teachings with truth. Just as the flour purified the stew, so too does the truth of God's Word overcome the contamination of heresy. When spiritual leaders are "sick" or "contaminated" by false doctrine, the people are not properly fed. Only the substance of God's truth can overcome false religion.
Finally, Elisha performs a miracle of multiplication, feeding a hundred men with only twenty loaves of barley bread (II Kings 4:42-44). Despite the apparent inadequacy of the supply, Elisha commands that the bread be distributed, trusting in God's provision. The bread multiplies as it is shared, satisfying everyone's hunger with leftovers to spare. This miracle foreshadows Jesus' feeding of the five thousand (see Mark 6:30-44; 8:1-9), demonstrating God's ability to provide abundantly, even from meager resources.
These final miracles reinforce the themes of provision, healing, and abundance that run throughout II Kings 4. They demonstrate that God is not only able to meet our physical needs but also to protect us from harm, both physical and spiritual. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and His commitment to care for those who trust in Him.