ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Kings 4

2 Kings 4:1–44 Several more miracles by Elisha remind the reader of the miracles performed by his predecessor, Elijah.

2 Kings 4:1–7 the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves (v. 1). In ancient Israel, indebtedness could lead to loss of property and even the loss of one’s freedom (see Neh. 5:4–5). Persons and property ending up in the hands of creditors could often be bought back by a “kinsman-redeemer” (see Lev. 25:35–55; Ruth 4:1–12; Jer. 32:6–15). Apparently the widow in this story lacks such a redeemer, so Elisha takes on that role for her.

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 Josh. 2:6–8; 2 Sam. 11:2; 2 Kings 23:12). Occasionally, they provided accommodations for guests (see 1 Sam. 9:26; 2 Sam. 16:22). The structure here, however, is more permanent (it has walls).

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. 8) and has the support and protection of her own people.

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 Sam. 20:5–34; Amos 8:5). This woman’s business, however, will not wait. All is not really well, but she does not want either her husband or Gehazi (2 Kings 4:26) getting in her way as she seeks Elisha’s help.

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.

2 Kings 4:29 Tie up your garment. As the woman had arrived at Carmel in great haste (v. 24), Elisha sends Gehazi back to Shunem in similar haste, his garment tied up so he can run (compare 1 Kings 18:46).

2 Kings 4:30–31 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.

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).

2 Kings 4:38 A general state of famine does not imply a complete absence of food (see, e.g., vv. 42–44).

2 Kings 4:40–41 death in the pot. As with the salt thrown into the water at Jericho (2:21), the flour is a visible sign of the Lord’s power working through Elisha.

2 Kings 4:42–44 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. 1–7). The God of Elisha heals, provides, and brings life from death.