2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:1 Several more miracles by Elisha remind the reader of the miracles performed by his predecessor, Elijah. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:10 A SMALL ROOM ON THE ROOF. Roofs in ancient Israel were typically flat and served as important areas in the life of the family (see Joshua 2:6; 2 Samuel 11:2; 2 Kings 23:12). Occasionally, they provided accommodations for guests (see 1 Samuel 9:26; 2 Samuel 16:22). The st... [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:13 A WORD SPOKEN ON YOUR BEHALF. Elisha offers to help the Shunammite woman secure benefits from government officials. She has no need of their help, however, because she is wealthy (v. 2 Kings 4:8) and has the support and protection of her OWN PEOPLE. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = d... [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:23 Her husband’s response implies that it was customary in Israel to consult prophets only on particular days—the NEW MOON and the SABBATH (see 1 Samuel 20:5; Amos 8:5). This woman’s business, however, will not wait. ALL IS not really WELL, but she does not want either her... [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:27 THE LORD HAS HIDDEN IT FROM ME. Elisha did not know this would happen. Prophets are not all-knowing. They depend always on God’s revelation. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:29 TIE UP YOUR GARMENT. As the woman had arrived at Carmel in great haste (v. 2 Kings 4:24), Elisha sends Gehazi back to Shunem in similar haste, his garment tied up so he can run (compare 1 Kings 18:46). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=... [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:30 I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU. The woman does not accept Elisha’s plan to resurrect the boy from a distance, by his STAFF. She wants his personal attention, which in the end does prove crucial. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.len... [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:34 Elisha’s actions vividly picture God restoring breath to the child (PUTTING HIS MOUTH ON HIS MOUTH), as well as sight (HIS EYES) and strength (HIS HANDS). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:38 A general state of FAMINE does not imply a complete absence of food (see, e.g., vv. 2 Kings 4:42). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:40 DEATH IN THE POT. As with the salt thrown into the water at Jericho (2 Kings 2:21), the flour is a visible sign of the Lord’s power working through Elisha. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 KINGS—NOTE ON 2 KINGS 4:42 BREAD OF THE FIRSTFRUITS. The second miracle of the chapter also concerns provision for people who depend on Elisha. A limited amount of food is multiplied (compare vv. 2 Kings 4:1). The God of Elisha heals, provides, and brings life from death. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = docum... [ Continue Reading ]