Observations and Interpretations:
(1) A loyal follower of the LORDUnder the rulership of the unbelieving king in Israel (2 Kings 3:13), there were at least some people who believed in God and were loyal to God 4:1.
4:1 Now a wife of one of the prophets appealed to Elisha for help, saying, “Your servant, my husband is dead. You know that your servant was a loyal follower of the LORD. Now the creditor is coming to take away my two boys to be his servants.”
(BKC) This widow turned to Elisha for help in her hour of need. She appealed to him on the basis that her husband had been faithful to the Lord (he revered the LORD)
When the widow turned to the prophet and God for help her problem was solved.
7 She went and told the prophet. He said, “Go, sell the olive oil. Repay your creditor, and then you and your sons can live off the rest of the profit.”
(BKC) God provided oil enough to fill all the jars the woman had collected, all she felt she needed. She returned to Elisha with a report of the miracle and he told her to sell the oil and pay her debts. There was enough money left over for her to live on after all her financial obligations had been met. Elisha is called a man of God [v.7], a term used of several prophets in 1 and 2 Kings (cf. comments on 1:9).
(BKC) God provided oil enough to fill all the jars the woman had collected, all she felt she needed. She returned to Elisha with a report of the miracle and he told her to sell the oil and pay her debts. There was enough money left over for her to live on after all her financial obligations had been met. Elisha is called a man of God [v.7], a term used of several prophets in 1 and 2 Kings (cf. comments on 1:9).
This story demonstrates God’s care for His faithful ones who lived in apostate Israel at this time.
Reflection: This episode was a sharp change from the rest of the 1 & 2 Kings. It did not deal with prophets/kings/wars between countries, but it was about a widow. Do you trust that God would take care of you even though you are not noticeable? Does God use you to take care of others who are not noticeable?
The widow turned to Elisha to help when her husband died and her 2 sons were about to be taken away by the creditor. Do you trust God when you are in your most urgent need?
This prophet was faithful to God even though he lived in apostate Israel. What about you? Are you willing to be faithful to God when no one does?
(2) "Prophet" or "man of God" are repeated in vv. 7, 16, 22, 25, 27 [twice] (NET)
v.16 He said, “About this time next year you will be holding a son.” She said, “No, my master! O prophet, do not lie to your servant!”
Regarding the fact that her husband was old and she had no son, the prediction of having a son could only possibly come from God. Therefore, she called Elisha, a man of God.
27 But when she reached the prophet on the mountain, she grabbed hold of his feet. Gehazi came near to push her away, but the prophet said, “Leave her alone, for she is very upset. The LORD has kept the matter hidden from me; he didn’t tell me about it.” 28 She said, “Did I ask my master for a son? Didn’t I say, ‘Don’t mislead me?’ ”
Women went to the prophet right away when she knew that her son had died v.22, 25, because she knew that the son was given by God v.27-28.
Women went to the prophet right away when she knew that her son had died v.22, 25, because she knew that the son was given by God v.27-28.
(NAC) Fourth, she clings to Elisha despite Gehazi’s attempt to pull her away, a rather stunning break of decorum in the ancient world...actions demonstrates the woman’s determined faith. She refuses to accept her child’s death or at least refuses to do so until the prophet himself says nothing can be done. Her faith stands out in a history filled with descriptions of persons who reject belief and obedience
...the Lord controls death, and the Lord cares for the needy and hurting. This scene also shows that prophets not only are preachers of sin and repentance; they also are agents of God’s healing mercy and kind compassion
Reflection: What God gives, He can take that back, but He chose to be merciful and kind to the woman in this passage. What does God give you that He does not have to do that? What do you give to other people that you do not have to give?
Audrey
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