2 Kings·Chapter 4

How to Apply

This week, think about someone in your life who might be struggling or feeling hopeless. Reach out to them in a way that shows you genuinely care. Maybe it’s a phone call, a handwritten note, or just being present for them. Just as Elisha connected deeply with the child, you can connect with others through your presence and compassion. Also, take a moment to reflect on your own life—what areas feel cold or lifeless? Spend time in quiet thought or prayer, asking for warmth and renewal in those spaces.

Chapter Context

Leading up to this moment, a woman known as the Shunammite had experienced unimaginable loss. Her son, the joy of her life, suddenly fell ill and died. In her anguish, she reached out to the prophet Elisha, who had previously blessed her with that very son. As he arrives, you can feel the tension building. This moment is the climax of the chapter; it’s where faith confronts despair. Elisha’s act of laying on the child isn’t just a last-ditch effort—it’s a bold step into the unknown, a declaration of faith that something miraculous can happen. After this moment, Elisha returns and brings the boy back to life, showing that even in the deepest darkness, hope can prevail.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• went - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• up - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lay - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• on - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• child - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• putting - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• mouth - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• on - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• mouth - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• eyes - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When you think about Elisha’s act of laying on the child, what does it reveal to you about the power of connection and compassion in your own life?

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 17:21 - It shows a similar miraculous moment when Elijah, before Elisha, raised a boy from the dead, emphasizing that God can intervene in life and death situations.
• Mark 5:41 - Here, Jesus takes a child’s hand and says, 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!' It reflects the same theme of bringing life back to the seemingly lifeless.
• John 11:43 - When Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, it highlights that nothing is beyond hope and renewal, resonating with the theme of resurrection in this verse.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 2 Kings 4:34. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine provision, Faith in action, Hospitality and generosity, Hope and promise, Miraculous resurrection, Grief and loss, Divine intervention

Key Verses

2 Kings 4:2, 2 Kings 4:7, 2 Kings 4:16, 2 Kings 4:17, 2 Kings 4:20

Historical Context

2 Kings, part of the historical books of the Old Testament, covers the history of Israel and Judah following the reign of Solomon. This chapter reflects the ongoing ministry of Elisha, who succeeded the prophet Elijah. The miracles outlined in this chapter serve to demonstrate God’s power and compassion during a time of political instability and spiritual decline in Israel. The events illustrate the importance of faith and the active role of God's prophets in the lives of ordinary people. The narratives also emphasize the personal and societal struggles faced during a turbulent period in Israel's history, providing insight into the experience of those who relied on God’s provision.