2 Kings, Chapter 4

- ה ה ע -

Elisha Performs Miraculous Acts

Elisha performs several miracles. First, a widow turns to him, claiming she has debt and her creditor plans to take her sons as slaves. Elisha instructs her to put the little olive oil she has left into empty jars. The woman follows his instructions and the oil miraculously continues to flow, filling many vessels. She can now pay her debt and sell the remaining jars. The second miracle takes place in Shunaam, where a woman offers Elisha food every time he comes by and he now wants to repay her kindness. His servant informs him that the woman’s husband is old and she has no children. Elisha intercedes before God and the woman miraculously becomes pregnant. 

At this time, a famine is striking parts of the land. Elisha returns to Gilgal, where a group of prophets gather to listen to his teachings. Elisha notices they are hungry and orders his servant to make a stew for them. When one of the prophets unintentionally adds a poisonous leaf to the stew, Elisha adds flour to the pot and miraculously renders the food edible. Elisha’s behavior is an extraordinary example of unconditional love and kindness. He helps every person he meets along the way, without expecting anything in return. Thanks to the positive energy he spreads, the light of the world increases and God grants him the gift of prophecy.

“And the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen” (2 Kings 4:1)

 “Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old… About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son” (2 Kings 4:14-16)

 “Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof” (2 Kings 4:43)

Love is unrestricted, unconditional positive feelings towards other beings.