2 Kings 4:42 – “A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. ‘Give it to the people to eat,’ Elisha said.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, a man from Baal Shalishah brings Elisha, the prophet, an offering of barley loaves and new grain. This gift was made from the first fruits of the harvest, an offering traditionally given to God as a sign of gratitude and trust in His provision. The man offers these twenty loaves to Elisha, acknowledging him as a man of God. Elisha immediately instructs the man to give the bread to the people, likely the group of prophets who were with Elisha, to feed them.
This story occurs in a time of famine, so the bread and grain would have been precious. Despite the small amount in comparison to the large number of people, Elisha shows his trust in God’s ability to provide by distributing the loaves to the group. This verse introduces the miracle that follows, where the loaves multiply and feed all the people, with some left over. It’s a powerful reminder that God can take even small offerings and use them to meet the needs of many.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, offerings of the first fruits were a common practice, where the first harvest of crops was dedicated to God as a way of expressing trust in His continued provision. The man who brought the loaves and grain was honoring this tradition by offering them to Elisha, the prophet, as a representative of God. Baal Shalishah, the man’s hometown, was a region known for agriculture, and bringing the first fruits from this area was a way of acknowledging God’s blessings even in difficult times, such as the famine.
Barley loaves were common food for the poor during that time, as barley was a cheaper and more readily available grain than wheat. The offering of barley loaves underscores the theme of humility and reliance on God, even when resources were scarce.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse teaches about the principle of giving to God first, even when resources are limited. The man from Baal Shalishah gave the first fruits of his harvest, trusting that God would provide for him and others. This act of faith is a reminder that God blesses those who honor Him with their resources, no matter how small the offering may seem. It also demonstrates God’s ability to multiply what is given in faith to meet the needs of His people.
Elisha’s instruction to share the bread with others also points to the idea of God’s provision for His people. This miracle echoes God’s care for His people throughout history, such as the provision of manna in the wilderness during the time of Moses.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse serves as the setup for the miracle of multiplication that follows. The arrival of the man from Baal Shalishah with a small offering contrasts with the large need of the group, creating a moment of tension. The reader is left to wonder how these twenty loaves will feed so many. Elisha’s calm response, “Give it to the people to eat,” foreshadows the miraculous provision that is about to occur, highlighting his unwavering trust in God’s power. The simplicity of the man’s offering emphasizes the idea that even small, humble gifts can be used mightily by God when given in faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 6:9-13: The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish parallels this event, as both involve miraculous multiplication of a small amount of food to feed a large crowd.
- Exodus 16:14-18: God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, showing His power to provide for His people’s needs in miraculous ways, much like Elisha’s trust in God to provide food during a famine.
- 2 Corinthians 9:10: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” This verse echoes the idea that God multiplies what is given in faith, just as He multiplied the loaves in Elisha’s time.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of giving to God, even when resources are scarce. The man from Baal Shalishah didn’t wait until he had plenty; he gave from his first fruits, trusting God to provide. This teaches believers to trust God’s provision, even when it seems like there isn’t enough. It also encourages Christians to have faith that God can take their small offerings—whether it’s time, resources, or gifts—and use them in powerful ways to bless others.
Elisha’s response also reminds believers that God often asks us to share what we have, trusting Him to meet everyone’s needs. This challenges us to be generous, even when it seems like we have little to give.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s loving care for His people. The man’s offering of barley loaves and grain, though small, became a means through which God’s provision was demonstrated. God’s love is shown in His ability to take what we offer and use it to meet the needs of others. Even in times of famine or scarcity, God provides for His people. Elisha’s trust in God’s provision and the eventual miracle show that God loves to care for His children, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This story foreshadows the ministry of Jesus, who also miraculously multiplied loaves to feed a large crowd. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown as the bread of life (John 6:35), who not only provides for our physical needs but also gives spiritual nourishment. The feeding of the five thousand in the Gospels echoes the story of Elisha’s miracle, demonstrating that God’s provision extends across both the Old and New Testaments. Just as Elisha trusted God to provide food for the people, Jesus offers Himself as the ultimate provision for our spiritual hunger, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the man’s offering of his first fruits challenge you to trust God with your resources, even when they seem small or limited?
- In what ways can you practice generosity like Elisha, trusting God to multiply your efforts to bless others?
- How does this story of God’s provision in times of famine encourage you to trust Him in your own times of need?
- How does this story point you to Jesus, the bread of life, and how can you rely on Him more for both your physical and spiritual needs?