They learned that a small portion offered in faith can become overflowing when placed under the blessing of the Almighty.
Elisha, a prophet ministering in the Northern Kingdom of Israel around 850-800 BC, was often God’s chosen instrument to demonstrate His power and provision for His people. In this particular incident, an attendant brought Elisha a small amount of bread to feed a large group of men. Yet the servant hesitated, saying, “What, will I set this before a hundred men?” (v.43). This hesitation highlights that, from a merely human perspective, such limited resources would seem hopelessly inadequate.
Despite the doubt, Elisha responded with faith, declaring, “Give them to the people that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’” (v.43). The prophet’s confidence rested not in human strength, but in the word of God. Just as Elijah had done mighty works before him, Elisha’s trust in the LORD’s provision overcame his servant’s misgivings. In a moment that foreshadowed the miracles of Jesus who later fed the multitudes with just a few loaves (John 6:1-14), God multiplied the bread and met every need with abundance.
Elisha’s miracle illustrates God’s power to work beyond our limitations and provide generously. It reassures believers that obedience and faith open the way for God to accomplish what seems impossible.
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2 Kings 4:43 meaning
Elisha, a prophet ministering in the Northern Kingdom of Israel around 850-800 BC, was often God’s chosen instrument to demonstrate His power and provision for His people. In this particular incident, an attendant brought Elisha a small amount of bread to feed a large group of men. Yet the servant hesitated, saying, “What, will I set this before a hundred men?” (v.43). This hesitation highlights that, from a merely human perspective, such limited resources would seem hopelessly inadequate.
Despite the doubt, Elisha responded with faith, declaring, “Give them to the people that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’” (v.43). The prophet’s confidence rested not in human strength, but in the word of God. Just as Elijah had done mighty works before him, Elisha’s trust in the LORD’s provision overcame his servant’s misgivings. In a moment that foreshadowed the miracles of Jesus who later fed the multitudes with just a few loaves (John 6:1-14), God multiplied the bread and met every need with abundance.
Elisha’s miracle illustrates God’s power to work beyond our limitations and provide generously. It reassures believers that obedience and faith open the way for God to accomplish what seems impossible.