Bible Chapter Summary
2 Kings 4 Summary
Elisha's Miracles: Oil, Life, and Healing
A widow of one of the prophets approaches Elisha in debt, facing the loss of her two sons to slavery. Elisha instructs her to gather empty vessels and pour her one pot of oil into them; the oil flows miraculously until all vessels are full, providing her means to pay her debts and live. Later, Elisha passes through Shunem where a wealthy woman provides him lodging and prepares a room. He blesses her with a son, though she initially doubts. When the child later dies suddenly, the woman travels to Elisha, who returns to the house and prays, then lies upon the boy; the child is restored to life. Elisha then heals poisoned pottage for the prophets at Gilgal and multiplies bread to feed a hundred men.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Kings 4:6
“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.”
2 Kings 4:16
“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.”
2 Kings 4:34
“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.”
2 Kings 4:44
“So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD.”
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