What similar instances of divine provision are found elsewhere in Scripture? Miraculous food in national crises • 2 Kings 19:29 parallels 2 Kings 7:1. After Assyria’s siege, the Lord promises, “This year you will eat what grows on its own….” Sudden harvest appears where none was expected. • Exodus 16:11-15 – Manna and quail blanket the wilderness the morning after Israel complains of starvation. “When the dew evaporated, there were thin flakes…bread from heaven.” • Numbers 11:31-32 – A wind from the LORD drives in quail so thick the camp gathers “ten homers,” an overflow in a desolate place. Supply through unexpected messengers • 1 Kings 17:4-6 – Ravens bring Elijah “bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening.” • 1 Kings 19:5-8 – An angel wakes the exhausted prophet: “Get up and eat.” Hot bread and water appear twice, carrying him forty days to Horeb. Unending jars and bags • 1 Kings 17:14-16 – For the widow of Zarephath, “the jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry.” • 2 Kings 4:2-7 – Elisha tells another widow to pour her last oil; every borrowed vessel fills until none remain. “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts.” More than enough for the crowd • 2 Kings 4:42-44 – Elisha feeds one hundred with twenty loaves; “they ate and had leftovers, according to the word of the LORD.” • Matthew 14:17-21; John 6:11-13 – Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish; twelve baskets remain. • Mark 8:5-8 – Four thousand eat from seven loaves; seven baskets left over. Everyday needs met in surprising ways • John 2:7-10 – Water turns to wine at Cana, saving a wedding from shame. • Luke 5:4-7; John 21:5-6 – Empty nets suddenly overflow with fish at Jesus’ word. • Matthew 17:27 – A coin in a fish’s mouth covers the temple tax for Jesus and Peter. Key truths shown in every account • God intervenes when resources are gone, often overnight, exactly as in 2 Kings 7:1. • He uses ordinary elements—flour, oil, fish, birds—but with extraordinary timing and quantity. • His provision not only meets the immediate need; it leaves evidence (leftovers, full jars, overflowing nets) that He alone supplied it. |
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