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. 3:32-3332But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. 33For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 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 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)). This woman is in the “faith chapter” (Heb. 11:3535Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Hebrews 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 6:51-5751I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. (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 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (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 15:33-3933And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. 35And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 36And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. 38And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. 39And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (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. 2:11And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1)). (2) We are born again into a new life (Eph. 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 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).