Adapted from the study, She, delighting in the women of the Bible, Volume 4/pp89-90
Today’s Scripture for the Journey: 2 Kings 4:1-7
I read this and found myself so sorrowful for the widow. Death had robbed her of her husband, and now, because of her financial situation, a creditor was coming to take her two sons. Thankfully she sought godly wisdom The second book of Kings records that she spoke to Elisha concerning the situation, and his response ended in a miracle of abundant provision. It is important for us to note that Elisha didn’t simply speak to her about one jar of oil and make it many; instead, he prompted the widow to exercise her faith and borrow more vessels from her neighbors. I can’t help but wonder if she was confused at his instruction, for she had told him she had only one container of oil and nothing else, yet Elisha was telling her to get more vessels, empty vessels, and pour out what she had into them, and to keep on pouring until they were full and set them aside.
Friends, we do not read that she questioned him, or that she doubted him, or that she looked to someone else for a different answer; instead, we read that she did what he said to do. As confusing or crazy as it may have seemed to her – she acted in faith and obedience and was richly blessed – not only her but her sons too.
“She left him and did as he said to do, and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told Elisha. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
From one vessel of oil and from faith that caused her to act in obeidience and borrow more vessels, to pouring out what she thought was the last of her oil, the oil continued to flow until all of the vessels were full. They were not only full but there was encough oil now in all of the vessels to not only pay off the creditors and save her sons from being taken away, but there was enough left over to live on. Oh, the goodness, the absolute goodness of our God that allowed her to see Him provide exactly what she needed!
This is our God! This is what He does ~This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us, This is our God, this is what He does ~ He saves us… 1He meets us right where we are, and provides exactly what we need.
Reflection and Application
David Guzik points out that “Elisha made this woman commit herself in faith to God’s provision.” Borrowing a container from your neighbor may not seem like a big deal to us, but Guzik goes on to explain that for her “to borrow vessels in this manner would have invited awkward questions, but she did as the word of God through His prophet commanded her.” Because she did, her faith was well rewarded, and now stands as an example for us to remember that God can and does provide exactly what we need.
- How have you seen the Lord provide for you before?
“God’s miracles are designed to work with our faith and effort, not to excuse our faithfulness. When we cooperate with God’s direction through obedience and trust, we position ourselves to receive His abundant provision beyond what we ask.” A summary of Guzik’s commentary
The More We Know
David Guzik emphasizes how Elisha’s miracles required those he was helping to have active faith – alongside God’s power.
- Lyrics to Phil Wickham’s song, This is our God ↩︎
Me From the Inside Out 