Elisha And The Widow’s Oil

II Kings 4:1–17
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The place where this incident took place is not stated but probably the widow lived in one of the cities where the schools of the prophets were situated. It records about Elisha and the widow in need. The wife of one of the prophets appealed to him on the basis that her husband is dead and the creditor is about to take her two sons.  It shares the miracle of Elisha concerning the provision of oil for the prophet’s widow (vv. 1-2). At the time this occurred, women were considered inferior so for God to send Elisha to help this widow was indicative of divine direction.

This widow turned to Elisha in her hour of need. She appealed to him on the basis that her husband had been faithful to the Lord. Elisha told her to collect empty jars and that God would fill them with oil (vv. 3-6). This was oil that was used for food and fuel. It doesn’t say how many jars she collected, but this would indicate the measure of the widow’s faith.

Once the jars were collected, the door was shut providing privacy for the pouring of the oil. Only the widow and her sons were to see the miracle take place (v. 7). God provided enough oil to fill all the jars. When she returned to Elisha with a report of the miracle, he told her to sell the oil and pay her debts. Selling the oil she was able to pay off all her debt, save her sons from starving, and have money left over to live on. This event demonstrates God’s care for his faithful followers who lived in apostate Israel at this time and His concern for widows and their special needs.

Application

God’s provision of oil in this passage was only limited by the number of jars they gathered which was an indication of their faith. I will limit God by my lack of faith and obedience. He wants to do more than I can ask or think (Eph. 3:20).