4:1 the sons of the prophets See 2:3 and note.

take two of my children for himself as slaves Biblical law regulates the seizure of wives and children as payment for debt (Exod 21:7; Isa 50:1; Amos 6:2). Owners were to free slaves in the Year of Jubilee (Lev 25:39–42) or upon a special decree (Neh 5).

4:2 What shall I do for you? Conveys the sense that Elisha is at a loss (compare Gen 27:37; 1 Sam 10:2). Elisha cannot erase the debt, so he produces a miracle to help the widow.

4:7 told the man of God Refers to Elisha. See 2 Kings 1:9 and note.

can live on what is left over This miracle not only meets the widow’s needs, but leaves her and her sons with an abundance.

Miracles of the Prophets Table

4:8 to Shunem A northern town located in the Jezreel Valley near Mount Gilboa and Megiddo (1 Sam 28:4).

wealthy The Hebrew term here denotes greatness and describes an esteemed person of high status (2 Kgs 5:1; 10:6, 11; Jonah 3:7; Nah 3:10).

4:10 a small enclosed room upstairs Resembles the description of Elijah’s accommodations at the house of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kgs 17:19.

4:13 speak for you Elisha’s offer suggests that he holds a position of influence among high government officials.

I am living among my people The woman politely declines Elisha’s offer, indicating that her family and clan can provide for her needs.

4:16 At this time next spring The Hebrew idiom used here, which literally reads “as a time of life” (Gen 18:10, 14), seems to be specifically connected to the theme of promised births.

4:21 the man of God See 2 Kings 1:9 and note.

4:23 neither the new moon Israelites marked the new moon by sacrifice, by sounding a ram’s horn, and by feasting with family (Num 28:11–15; 1 Sam 20:5, 26–29). The husband’s question suggests the new moon was also a time for visiting prophets.

4:25 Mount Carmel Where Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal took place (1 Kgs 18).

this Shunammite See 2 Kings 4:8 and note.

4:26 Is it peace for the boy?’ ” She said, “Peace The woman offers Elisha’s servant a polite reply, telling only the prophet the reason for her visit.

4:27 she caught hold of his feet An action that accompanies praise or supplication (Matt 28:9).

Yahweh has hidden it from me Elisha is taken aback because prophets in similar circumstances in Israel’s history had been forewarned (e.g., 1 Sam 9:15; 1 Kgs 14:5).

4:29 Gird up your loins See note on 2 Kgs 9:1.

4:30 As Yahweh lives See 2:2 and note.

4:31 sign of life The Hebrew terminology here denotes a response to spoken word. This suggests that Gehazi also gave an oral command to the woman’s son (compare 5:11; Mark 5:41).

4:35 the boy sneezed seven times Indicating that his breath had returned. The number seven is symbolic of completeness (compare Ruth 4:15; Job 1:2).

4:36 he said, “Pick up your son Elisha’s command echoes the promise that the Shunammite woman would bear and embrace a son (2 Kings 4:16). It reverses the tragic image from her holding her son as he dies (v. 20) to holding him as he returns to life.

4:38 the sons of the prophets See note on 2:3.

put on the large pot Elisha’s visit provides an occasion for a common meal and, perhaps, for a guest to teach a lesson, similar to the elders of Tel Abib gathering to learn from the prophet Ezekiel (Ezek 8:1; 14:1; 20:1).

4:39 wild gourds Possibly Citrullus colocynthis, a small yellow melon known to be fatal.

4:40 O man of God See note on 2 Kings 1:9.

4:44 and had some left over Jesus’ feeding of the large crowds recalls Elisha’s feeding the prophets here (Matt 14:13–21; 15:32–38; Mark 8:1–10).