2 Kings 4:42-44

2 Kings 4:42-44

[42] And there came  a man  from Baalshalisha,  and brought  the man  of God  bread  of the firstfruits,  twenty  loaves  of barley,  and full ears of corn  in the husk  thereof. And he said,  Give  unto the people,  that they may eat.  [43] And his servitor  said,  What, should I set  this before  an hundred  men?  He said again,  Give  the people,  that they may eat:  for thus saith  the LORD,  They shall eat,  and shall leave  [44] So he set  it before  them, and they did eat,  and left  thereof, according to the word  of the LORD. 

What does 2 Kings 4:42-44 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Archaeologists debate the site of Baal-salishah. In obedience to the Mosaic Law, the man in view brought Elisha his offering of firstfruits to honor God by giving this offering to His servants ( Numbers 18:13; Deuteronomy 18:4). This simple act of obedience resulted in God miraculously multiplying these limited resources that the man committed to Him to produce enough for everyone in need ( 2 Kings 4:43; cf. Matthew 14:16-21; Matthew 15:32-38). The people of Israel thus saw again God"s ability to provide food in contrast to Baal"s inability. The people also learned that God"s blessing is much greater than what people dedicate to Him.