The prophet Elisha, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his numerous miracles, which served as powerful demonstrations of God's provision and authority. One such miracle is the multiplication of bread to feed one hundred men, as recorded in 2 Kings 4:42-44. This event underscores God's ability to provide abundantly for His people, even in times of scarcity.

Biblical Account

The account of this miracle is found in 2 Kings 4:42-44. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows:

"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. But his servant asked, 'How can I set this before a hundred men?' 'Give it to the people to eat,' said Elisha, 'for this is what the LORD says: "They will eat and have some left over."' So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD."

Context and Significance

This miracle takes place during a time of famine, a recurring theme in the narratives of the prophets, which often serves as a backdrop for divine intervention. The man from Baal-shalishah brings Elisha the firstfruits, a gesture of faith and obedience to God's commands regarding offerings. The twenty loaves of barley bread, though seemingly insufficient to feed a hundred men, become a testament to God's provision when placed in the hands of His prophet.

Elisha's command to "give it to the people to eat" reflects his unwavering faith in God's promise. The servant's skepticism highlights the natural human tendency to doubt in the face of limited resources. However, Elisha's assurance, "for this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over,'" points to the divine origin of the miracle and the reliability of God's word.

Theological Implications

This miracle is reminiscent of the later miracles of Jesus, particularly the feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in the Gospels. Both events emphasize God's compassion and His ability to meet the needs of His people beyond human limitations. The multiplication of the loaves serves as a foreshadowing of the spiritual nourishment that God provides through His Word and ultimately through Christ.

The miracle also reinforces the principle of faith in God's provision. Elisha's confidence in God's promise serves as an example for believers to trust in God's ability to provide, even when circumstances seem dire. The leftover bread signifies God's abundance and the truth that His resources are never exhausted.

Lessons for Believers

For contemporary believers, the miracle of Elisha increasing the bread to feed one hundred men is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His power to provide. It encourages Christians to trust in God's promises and to act in faith, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The narrative invites believers to recognize the sufficiency of God's provision and to rely on His word as the ultimate source of sustenance and hope.2 Kings 4:42-44
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.
Nave's Topical Index

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
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