Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 4
In chapter 4, the Book of 2 Kings turns its attention away from kings and powerful rulers. The subject of the book is not really the history of Israel’s kings; but rather God’s work in Israel. Usually we see that work in great events that affected the whole nation. Now, however, we see God’s work in the lives of other people, and especially through the prophet (holy man) Elisha.
Much of Elisha’s daily work was his care for those groups of people who were loyal to the message of earlier prophets. We often call those groups ‘the sons of the prophets’. However, they were clearly not just boys.
In verse 1, we read about one of them who had a wife and children. He also had responsibilities. He had a debt, perhaps for the purposes of business, which he was unable to repay before his death. Now that debt became the responsibility of his family and, in particular, his sons.
Across the ancient world, people expected even quite young children to work. However, a young boy would only be able to earn a very small wage. So, this family was in a very desperate situation. It seemed that the only way to pay the debt was for the sons to become slaves.
God’s law provided that a slave would become free after a certain period of time (Exodus 21:2-4; Leviticus 25:39-43). However, at this period in history, most of Israel’s people had turned from the true God; they did not obey his law. So it was not clear that the sons would ever be free again.
Next part: God would use what the widow had to provide for her family (2 Kings 4:2)
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