Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. "Give it to the people to eat," said Elisha. Now a man from Baal-shalishahBaal-shalishah was a region in ancient Israel, likely located in the territory of Ephraim. The name "Baal" indicates a place associated with a local deity, common in Canaanite culture before Israel's conquest. This man's journey from Baal-shalishah to meet Elisha suggests a recognition of Elisha's prophetic authority and a willingness to support his ministry, despite the region's pagan associations. 1Sa 9:4 So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim… came to the man of God The term "man of God" is a title often used for prophets in the Old Testament, emphasizing their role as God's spokespersons. Elisha, as a successor to Elijah, was recognized for his prophetic ministry and miracles, which affirmed his divine calling and authority. 1Ki 17:18 “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity?”… with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread Barley was a common grain in ancient Israel, often associated with the food of the poor due to its lower cost compared to wheat. The offering of twenty loaves indicates a significant gift, reflecting generosity and faith, especially during a time of famine (as indicated earlier in the chapter). Jhn 6:9 Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish.… from the first ripe grain. Offering the first fruits was a practice rooted in the Law of Moses, symbolizing trust in God's provision and acknowledging His sovereignty. This act of bringing the first ripe grain to Elisha demonstrates obedience to God's commands and a recognition of the prophet's role in God's work. Deu 26:2 you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce… “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. Elisha's instruction to distribute the bread reflects a theme of divine provision, reminiscent of God's provision of manna in the wilderness. This act prefigures the miracles of Jesus, particularly the feeding of the 5,000, highlighting God's ability to multiply resources and meet the needs of His people. Elisha's command also underscores the importance of sharing God's blessings with others, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. Mrk 6:37-41 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.”… Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God who succeeded Elijah. Known for performing miracles and guiding the people of Israel. 2. Man from Baal-shalishah An unnamed man who brought the firstfruits of his harvest to Elisha, demonstrating faith and obedience. 3. Baal-shalishah A region in Israel, possibly known for its agricultural produce. 4. Barley Loaves Twenty loaves made from the first ripe grain, symbolizing the firstfruits offering. 5. The People Likely a group of prophets or followers of Elisha who were in need of sustenance. Teaching Points Faith in ActionThe man from Baal-shalishah demonstrated faith by bringing his firstfruits to Elisha, trusting in God's provision. God's Provision Just as God provided through Elisha, He continues to provide for His people today, often in unexpected ways. Generosity and Obedience The act of giving the firstfruits reflects a heart of generosity and obedience to God's commands. Miracles of Multiplication God can multiply our limited resources when we offer them in faith, as seen in both Elisha's and Jesus' miracles. Community and Sharing The sharing of resources within the community of believers is a biblical principle that strengthens and sustains the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the act of bringing the firstfruits to Elisha demonstrate faith and obedience, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?2. In what ways does this passage foreshadow the miracles of Jesus, particularly the feeding of the five thousand? 3. How can we trust God to provide for our needs when resources seem limited, as demonstrated in this account? 4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of generosity and sharing within the Christian community? 5. How can we apply the principle of giving our "firstfruits" to God in our modern context, and what might that look like practically? Connections to Other Scriptures John 6:1-14The feeding of the five thousand by Jesus, which parallels Elisha's miracle of feeding many with limited resources. Leviticus 23:10 The law concerning the offering of firstfruits, which the man from Baal-shalishah was observing. 1 Kings 17:8-16 Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, where God provides miraculously through limited resources. Proverbs 3:9-10 The principle of honoring the Lord with the firstfruits, leading to abundance. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 God's provision and multiplication of resources for those who give generously.
People Elisha, GehaziPlaces Baal-shalishah, Edom, Gilgal, Mount Carmel, ShunemTopics Along, Baal, Baalshalisha, Baal-shalisha, Baal-shalishah, Ba'al-shal'ishah, Bag, Baked, Barley, Bread, Bringeth, Bringing, Cakes, Corn, Ears, Eat, Elisha, Eli'sha, Firstfruits, First-fruits, Fresh, Fruit, Fruits, Full, Garden, Grain, Heads, Husk, Loaves, Offering, Ripe, Sack, Shalishah, Thereof, TwentyDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 4:42 1330 God, the provider Library When the Oil Flows'And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.'--2 KINGS iv. 6. The series of miracles ascribed to Elisha are very unlike most of the wonderful works of even the Old Testament, and still more unlike those of the New. For about a great many of them there seems to have been no special purpose, either doctrinal or otherwise, but simply the relief of trivial and transient distresses. … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Miracle Needing Effort Infant Salvation That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial Extracts No. Ix. Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. The Soul. Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth. Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements Kings Links 2 Kings 4:42 NIV2 Kings 4:42 NLT 2 Kings 4:42 ESV 2 Kings 4:42 NASB 2 Kings 4:42 KJV 2 Kings 4:42 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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