By James R. Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical and Religious studies, Samford University
GOD’S HAND IN MEETING OUR NEEDS
2 Kings 4:1–7
Today is our second of five studies on Elisha. Each week we will look for the hand of God at work in the ministry of this prophet of the ninth century B.C.
In today’s passage, we see a miracle of multiplied oil. The story reminds us of the lesson of March 23, “All Signs Point to Jesus,” in which Jesus fed 5,000 men from a boy’s lunch (John 6:1–14). The theme isn’t new in Scripture. God’s abundant provision is there in the Garden in Eden (Gen. 2), in the miracle of manna (Ex. 16), in the ravens who feed Elijah (1 Kings 17) and many other places.
Cry out to God for help in your time of need. (1–2)
Elisha’s first miracle was to make the water of Jericho wholesome and to demonstrate God’s provision for a city and its region (2:19–22).
In the second miracle, he comes to the aid of a widow and her children. This woman was married to one “of the sons of the prophets” that Elisha probably leads, and now she is at the point of losing her children to slavery because she can’t pay her debts. (Compare Neh. 5:1–13). Regrettably, this was a practice known in many places for many centuries.
A ceramic jar of this period could hold as much as 9–11 gallons. If the jar is full, the family has enough oil to last for some time, but this is not what they need. (Compare 1 Kings 17:7–16.)
Prepare and plan for God to provide abundantly. (3–4)
The empty “vessels” that the family borrow from its neighbors are probably more jars and other large ceramic containers, including cooking pots and jugs. The instructions sound ludicrous. One storage jar can fill no more than another jar. What can be gained from such a ridiculous act? That the woman follows Elisha’s instructions reveals the depth of her desperation and perhaps a bit of her faith.
Recognize God’s extraordinary provision. (5–7)
Notice that Elisha is absent during the working of the miracle. He stays away, assured of the outcome. The woman and her children do exactly as Elisha said. We must imagine the wide eyes and open mouths as they filled vessel after vessel until all were full.
So there are two miracles — the flowing of the oil beyond the capacity of the jar and the cessation of the flow when the last vessel had been filled.
But things aren’t over, for the family doesn’t need oil. Rather, the proceeds from selling it are enough to pay off the debts and to support the family afterward.
The words “sell” and “pay” make us think of money, but the earliest coins in the ancient Near East date to the end of the seventh century B.C. Rather than money, in exchange for the oil the family probably receives a variety of goods, including livestock.
Herd animals provided food and clothing through their milk and wool, and they increased their owner’s wealth by procreating. The implication is that this family gains the means to provide for its neighbors in turn.
God’s provision prevents the injustice of slavery, and it enables a family to show God’s care to its community. The blessings aren’t for the recipients to keep.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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