The story of a poor woman in verse 1 and of a rich woman in verse 8. Both were blessed by the Lord. Then of death — a husband dead (v. 1), a son dead, (v. 20) and then “death in the pot” (v. 40). But the Lord brought a blessing out of each (See Lam. 3:32-33).
V.1-7 A woman who is in need, and nothing she can do will fill her need. God wants us to bring every problem to Him. But He wants to make us realize our utter helplessness before He steps in. God uses simple things — empty things. Her faith kept on borrowing, till there wasn’t another available vessel. She separates herself and her boys from outsiders, and the filling starts! God was inside with her. Our part is to provide empty vessels. God’s part is to fill them. Oil is a picture of the power of the Holy Spirit.
V.8 If you are anxious to please the Lord, yet find the times difficult, this story cannot fail to encourage you. The days of Elisha were very similar to ours.
V.9 Notice the personal faith of this woman. She was able to discern. But what a nice impression Elisha left on them!
V.12-17 A beautiful answer the woman gave verse 13. Is that where we dwell? Are “our people” the Lord’s people?
V.16 What God promises, He is able to perform. A child is given.
V.18-37 But she has still a greater lesson to learn. And that is, that the life-giving God is also the God of resurrection. The child has died but the Lord gives it life again! Wonder of wonders. Death has come into our life too, through sin. But God has made us pass from death, unto life (John 5:24). This woman is in the “faith chapter” (Heb. 11:35).
V.38-41 A delightful story in just four verses. Even though there was a dearth (a famine) Elisha the “man of God,” provides a meal for these young men. They were all facing him. The pot was large enough to feed them all. It can be a lovely picture of Christ (pictured in Elisha) feeding us with healthy teaching — Jesus said “I am the living bread” (John 6:51-57). It is good for us to be looking at the Lord Jesus; as these men were facing Elisha.
V.39 But someone thought he could improve the meal by adding to it. Just like false teachers are doing these days. But it turned out to be poison.
V.41 Meal, or flour, in Lev. 2, the meal offering was very important. For us it is a picture of the pure, even, life of the Lord Jesus. When we have problems, look up to the Lord Jesus in heaven, he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). That is what He wants us to do constantly. The meal remedy worked, and we today will find that He will speak to us. Try Him.
V.42-44 Read it carefully, or you will miss what it is saying. It is a miracle like Matthew 15:33-39. So we have had three things happen. Death resurrection and food to sustain life. So we have these three also (1) we were dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). (2) We are born again into a new life (Eph. 2:6). (3) We have been given food for our new life, the Word of God that we might grow by it (1 Peter 2:2).