Bible Commentaries
2 Kings 4

Verses 1-44

The ministry of Elisha stands in many respects in vivid contrast with that of Elijah. There is a gentleness about it which inevitably reminds us of that of the Messiah Himself in His day. Instead of suddenly appearing at critical moments, with thunder and flame, he seems to have moved about among the people, doing good wherever he came. Indeed, the ministries of Elijah and Elisha seem in many ways to suggest the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.

In this chapter we have four instances of Elisha's method: his provision for the need of the widow, whose creditors were threatening her; his kindness to the Shunammite woman, who had shown him hospitality; at Gilgal his healing of the pottage; and his feeding of a hundred men with twenty loaves.

During all this time he was at the head of the prophetic schools, and journeying from place to place he became known everywhere as the messenger of God. The simplicity of his life is suggested in the provision which the Shunammite woman, wealthy though she was, made for his evident requirement. His apartment was a little chamber on the wall containing a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. His dignity is manifest in the attitude of the people toward him, especially that of the Shunammite woman, who, in her converse with him, stood in the doorway, recognizing the sacredness of his office.