2 Kings 4:16

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 4:1-44

ELISHA ’S MINISTRY BEGINS MANEUVERING AN ARMY (2 Kings 3:0 ) The incident about Mesha (2 Kings 3:4-5 ) is interesting from the point of view of Biblical criticism. This is the only time he is mentioned in Sacred Writ and his name does not appear in profane history. For this cause objectors to the Bible have demanded proof of his existence at the time named. Also, was Moab noted for its wool? Was it tributary to Israel at this period? Did this rebellion occur? etc. It was impossible to... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Kings 4:1-44

The Bane and the Antidote 2Ki 4:38-44 There was rest in the days of the early ministry, as we may see the from thirty-eighth verse. A very beautiful picture is given in that verse, and yet a very ghastly one; the ghastliness being seen in the dearth or famine that was in the land, the seven years' dearth of which Elisha had prophesied; and the beauty of it is seen in the simplicity with which service was rendered to the prophet and the sons of the prophets: "Set on the great pot, and seethe... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Kings 4:14-17

In order to have a clear conception of the great earnestness manifested among all the Israelites for children, it should be remembered that this was with an eye to the coming Messiah. That promised seed every Israelite was extremely anxious should spring from his family. Hence Gehazi concluded that a son would be so highly esteemed a blessing. And hence the Shunammite's expressions of joy were so lively. read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 4:16

Womb. Hebrew, "At this season, according to the time of life, (Haydock; or of a woman with child, Menochius) thou shalt embrace a son" in thy arms. (Haydock) See Genesis xviii. 10. (Calmet) --- If is added by St. Jerome, agreeably to an usual form of speaking. (Menochius) --- The prophet assures the woman, that she will not only live, but also bear a son, and nurse him. --- Lie, deceive, (ver. 28; Haydock) or flatter me with vain hopes. (Calmet) She might think that the prophet was not... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 4:8-17

8-17 Elisha was well thought of by the king of Israel for his late services; a good man can take as much pleasure in serving others, as in raising himself. But the Shunammite needed not any good offices of this kind. It is a happiness to dwell among our own people, that love and respect us, and to whom we are able to do good. It would be well with many, if they did but know when they are really well off. The Lord sees the secret wish which is suppressed in obedience to his will, and he will... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Kings 4:8-17

Elisha and the Shunammite v. 8. And it fell on a day, just about that time, that Elisha passed to Shunem, a city in the northern part of the Plain of Jezreel, on the slope of the Little Hermon, where was a great woman, one of considerable local prominence; and she constrained him to eat bread, to partake of her hospitality. And so it was that as oft as he passed by, probably on his way to and from Mount Carmel, he turned in thither to eat bread. v. 9. And she, after this had happened a... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Kings 4:1-44

FOURTH SECTIONElisha’s Prophetical Acts2 Kings 4:1 to 2 Kings 8:15A.—Elisha with the widow who was burdened with debt, with the Shunammite, and with the pupils of the prophets during the famine2 Kings 4:1-441Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets [prophet-disciples] unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2And Elisha said unto... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 2 Kings 4:8-24

Entertaining a Prophet 2 Kings 4:8-24 The real man needs a very small supply of outward comfort, because his life is hid in God. It does not consist in the abundance of things that he possesses, but in faith, love, and hope. What a noble testimony it would be to our character, if people who saw us going to and fro became convinced that “this is an holy man of God,” 2 Kings 4:9 ! Sunstroke in the tropics is a frequent cause of death, Psalms 121:6 . When a child is taken sick, it is the mother... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 4:1-44

The ministry of Elisha stands in many respects in vivid contrast with that of Elijah. There is a gentleness about it which inevitably reminds us of that of the Messiah Himself in His day. Instead of suddenly appearing at critical moments, with thunder and flame, he seems to have moved about among the people, doing good wherever he came. Indeed, the ministries of Elijah and Elisha seem in many ways to suggest the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. In this chapter we have four instances... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 4:1-44

SECTION 8. The Wonder-working Ministry Of Elisha (2 Kings 4:1 to 2 Kings 8:15 ) It will be noted that from this point on, until 2 Kings 8:15, no king of Israel is mentioned by name, even though, for example, Naaman’s name is given in chapter 5, and Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, is mentioned in 2 Kings 6:24; 2 Kings 8:7. (The reign of Jehoram then recommences in 2 Kings 8:16). It is clear that the prophetic author was concerned at this point that our attention should be taken away from the... read more

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