2 Kings 4

4 Miracles of Elisha

#1 The Widow's Oil
Josephus assumes that this widow is that of Obadiah, the aforementioned aid to the prophets. There's not much reason to doubt him on this issue so far as I can tell. If he is correct, we should take a closer look at Obadiah's characteristics:

*Re-read 1 Kings 18:1-16
1. He was a trusted leader (Ahab trusted him)
2. He was a risk-taker (providing secretly for the prophets)
3. He was an invester in God's kingdom (financially, leaving himself w/nothing)
4. He was humble/submissive (to Elijah)

And, if Josephus is correct, it speaks to why this miracle was provided for this particular widow. It was, perhaps, a reward for her husband's faithful service. In any case, two key phrases in the story of this miracle jump out.

1. "what do you have in your house?" (2)
God wants to work WITH us. He wants to use what we're willing to give.
2. "Bring me another one" (6)
God's ability to give is unlimited. It's our ability to receive that is limited.

#2 The Son Restored to Life

This woman provided great hospitality to Elisha. God rewards her with a son. Throughout the story there seems to be another theme, one that points away from Elisha and toward God. For instance,

1. Elisha is unaware of the problem when the Shunammite woman is coming toward him. The Lord, in fact, had 'hidden it' from him (27).
2. His staff is no match for the power of death (31).
3. His presence has no affect at first, he paces (35)

The emphasis is re-placed on the power of God working through Elisha instead of the power of Elisha himself. Hebrews 11:35 probably has this woman, moreso than any other, in mind

#3 Death in the pot

The theme of God's power and Elisha's authority continues with a possible NT parallel in Mark 16:18.

#4 Feeding of the Hundred

This, of course, brings Jesus' ministry to the mind of contemporary readers and gives us a chance to look at the parallels between the ministries of Jesus and Elisha.

1. Both raised individuals from the dead.
2. Both multiplied meals
3. Both healed lepers
4. Both focused on mercy miracles
5. Both gave life after their death
6. Both made the blind see
7. Both were preceeded by Elijah