Topical Bible: The Poor: Prophet's Widow

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the prophet's widow is a poignant narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 4:1-7. This account highlights the plight of the poor and the miraculous provision of God through the prophet Elisha. The widow, whose husband was a member of the company of prophets, found herself in dire straits following her husband's death. Her situation underscores the vulnerability of widows in ancient Israelite society, where the absence of a male provider often led to financial destitution.

Biblical Account

The widow approached Elisha, the prophet, in desperation, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves" (2 Kings 4:1). This plea reveals the severity of her circumstances, as the Mosaic Law permitted creditors to take children as bondservants to settle debts (Exodus 21:7; Leviticus 25:39).

Elisha's response to the widow's plight is both practical and miraculous. He asked her, "What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" She replied, "Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil" (2 Kings 4:2). The prophet instructed her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors and pour the oil into them. As she obeyed, the oil miraculously multiplied until all the vessels were filled. Elisha then told her, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt. You and your sons can live on the remainder" (2 Kings 4:7).

Theological Significance

This narrative illustrates several key theological themes. First, it demonstrates God's compassion and provision for the poor and marginalized, particularly widows, who were often left without support. The Law of Moses repeatedly emphasizes care for widows, orphans, and the poor (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5), and this account exemplifies God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Second, the account highlights the role of faith and obedience in experiencing God's provision. The widow's willingness to follow Elisha's instructions, despite the seemingly impossible nature of the task, reflects a deep trust in God's ability to provide. Her faith is rewarded with a miraculous supply that not only meets her immediate needs but also secures her future.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. Without a husband to provide economic support, they often relied on the charity of family and community. The prophet's widow, however, faced the additional burden of debt, which threatened to enslave her children. This reflects the harsh realities of debt servitude in the ancient world, where creditors could claim the labor of debtors or their children as repayment.

The prophet Elisha's intervention is significant, as it not only alleviates the widow's immediate financial crisis but also restores her dignity and independence. By empowering her to sell the oil, Elisha provides a means for her to support her family, thus affirming the value and agency of the widow within her community.

Lessons for Today

The account of the prophet's widow continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, offering timeless lessons on God's provision and the importance of caring for the vulnerable. It challenges believers to trust in God's ability to meet their needs, even in seemingly impossible situations, and to extend compassion and support to those in need, reflecting the heart of God for the poor and marginalized.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:2
And Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? tell me, what have you in the house? And she said, Your handmaid has not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Prophet's Strange Providers
... The whole incident was a lesson to the prophet. He might well have thought that
God had sent him to a strange helper in this poor widow with her empty cupboard ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a prophets strange providers.htm

The Little Chamber on the Wall.
... He helped a poor widow to pay a debt and take care of her two sons by ... Then the prophet,
knowing that she had no child, promised that she should have a son, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxviii the little chamber.htm

On Lent, iv.
... Nor does the poor man fear to labour in this ... The holy widow of Sarepta discovered
this, who offered the ... all she had, and putting the prophet's hunger before ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xlii on lent iv.htm

On Contempt for Pain, Poverty, and Other External Things.
... things to those who wish to be poor for righteousness ... the widow two mites, He said
"that the widow had cast ... Whosoever shall receive," says He, "a prophet in the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v on contempt for pain.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... If then the apostle compels poor widows"yet only those who ... No, a widow must take
every precaution not to ... of excess; so much so that the prophet's words shall ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

"The Dust of the Actual"
... they left in pity to her; and this poor little scrap ... the time, though little I knew
it, a widow was tied ... when the sorrow takes shape in the Prophet's cry, "We ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vii the dust of.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... from her virginity; and she was a widow of about ... nay almost impossible to attain;
the prophet yearns for it ... in view they select for their partners poor men who ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls
... Elias is not sent to nourish and to be nourished by an Israelitish widow, but to
a poor idolatress across the border, the blessing of the prophet's company is ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/election no discouragement to seeking.htm

The Law of Greatness
... As the gift of two mites by the widow was greater than ... to give all my goods to feed
the poor, and my ... we recognize here the echo of the prophet's words, "Thou ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 41-45 the law of.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... The poor people, after passing through many trials, were finally ... Overwhelmed with
grief, the prophet exclaimed: "How doth the ... how is she become as a widow! ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm