Bible Study - Elisha (2) - GOD'S Hand in Meeting Our Needs - 2 Kings 4:1-7 - May 4, 2025
Bible Study – Elisha (2) – GOD’S Hand in Meeting Our
Needs – 2 Kings 4:1-7 - May 4, 2025
GOD Provides for Our Needs.
Last week’s study opened up much for us to ponder.
The term “Sons of Prophets” referred to those called and
trained to be prophets by a prophet whom they called Father.
Samuel is considered the founder of the School of
Prophets.
It was the Old Testament Seminary. The
“Sons of Prophets” were married and had children, as we will read in our
selected scripture for this study following this overview.
I copied this from “Bible Hub,” and it is a good overview:
What is the School of the Prophets?
I. Overview
The phrase “School of the Prophets” refers to a
collective or guild of individuals in ancient Israel who sought to cultivate
and maintain a prophetic calling. While the Bible does not use the exact term
“School of the Prophets,” it does describe gatherings or groups of
prophets-often referred to as “the sons of the prophets” or “the company of the
prophets.” These groups appear prominently in the narratives of Samuel, Elijah,
and Elisha. By piecing together the biblical references, readers glean valuable
insights into the establishment, organization, and function of these
gatherings.
In Scripture, these prophetic communities served vital
roles, including the preservation of God’s word, the instruction of future
leaders, and the moral and spiritual guidance of the people. Biblical accounts
show that the Spirit of God was actively at work among these communities,
displaying the importance of prophetic ministry and spiritual mentorship
throughout Israel’s history.
II. Biblical References and Scriptural
Foundations
Several passages refer to this assembly of prophets or
“sons of the prophets.” These references shed light on how the group
functioned, the significance of communal living, and the mentorship of
prominent leaders:
1. 1 Samuel 19:20 - “So Saul sent messengers
to capture David. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying with
Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s
messengers, and they also began to prophesy.”
• This early depiction under Samuel’s supervision
suggests an orderly gathering of prophets, existing for spiritual training.
2. 2 Kings 2:3 -
“Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, ‘Do you
know that the LORD is going to take your master away from you today?’ ‘Yes, I
know,’ he replied. ‘Do not speak of it.’”
• Here, the phrase “sons of the prophets” indicates a
structured group of individuals closely observing God’s work, learning from
established prophets like Elisha.
3. 2 Kings 6:1 -
“Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘Please take note that the place
where we meet with you is too small for us.’”
• This mention reveals both communal living and formal
instruction. Their growth in number required more space, reinforcing the idea
of a dedicated location for their activities.
These and other related references (e.g., 1 Kings 20:35; 2 Kings 4:1) reveal
an organized body committed to learning, practicing, and declaring God’s
message in Israel.
III. Historical Context and Emergence
According to the biblical narrative, Samuel was
instrumental in establishing prophetic communities. As Israel transitioned from
a loosely organized confederation of tribes to a monarchy, prophets were
essential to guide kings and the nation in righteousness. The existence of a
prophetically trained group helped ensure continuity of God’s revelations,
especially during times of political upheaval.
Under Elijah and Elisha, these communities thrived in
locations such as Bethel, Gilgal, and Jericho (cf. 2 Kings 2:1-7). Evidence suggests
that each site had its own collective, often described as “the sons of the
prophets,” indicating that there was a recognized system of instruction and
mentorship that spanned multiple regions. While details about curriculum and
day-to-day life remain speculative, it is clear they shared a devotion to
hearing from God and applying that message to the broader society.
IV. Purpose and Role of the Prophetic
Companies
1. Spiritual Instruction: These communities
fostered the study of God’s law and the reception of prophetic revelation.
Samuel’s example (1 Samuel 19:18-24)
sets a precedent for cultivating an environment where the Holy Spirit could
move powerfully among the prophets.
2. Mentorship and Succession: Senior prophets
like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha functioned as mentors to the younger prophets.
This ensured prophetic ministry would continue beyond the lifetime of one
leader.
3. Preservation of God’s Word: Maintaining
the authenticity of divine revelation was a core function. The group dynamic
offered accountability, ensuring messages were evaluated and aligned with God’s
commands.
4. Guidance to the Nation: Often, these
prophets addressed national affairs, warning of idolatry and injustice. They
provided counsel to kings and leaders, reaffirming Israel’s unique covenant
relationship with God.
V. Notable Prophetic Figures and Their
Influence
1. Samuel: Regarded as a main figure,
Samuel’s early leadership provided a foundation for organized prophetic
activity. His role as judge and prophet set a pattern by which successors would
guide the nation.
2. Elijah: Known for boldness and miraculous
works, Elijah directly influenced the groups at Bethel and Jericho. Though
Scripture underscores his solitary endeavors, he had influence on the wider
network of prophets.
3. Elisha: Taking Elijah’s mantle (2 Kings 2:13-15),
Elisha displayed a deep involvement with prophetic communities, exemplified by
his interactions with the “sons of the prophets.” He guided them, spiritually,
and prophetically.
VI. Functions, Activities, and Organization
Communal Living:
Early biblical passages indicate that these prophetic
groups lived in close fellowship. They shared meals, worship gatherings, and
times of prayer and study. The expansion mentioned in 2 Kings 6:1-2 suggests
that these communities were thriving and needed larger accommodations.
Prophetic Training and Worship:
They engaged in worship practices that included music,
which is implied in 1 Samuel 10:5 (when Samuel refers to a group of
prophets prophesying with instruments). This shared worship created an
atmosphere receptive to the Spirit’s direction.
Public Ministry:
While some messages came through solitary prophets,
groups often accompanied the main prophet, witnessing public miracles and
pronouncements. This not only supported the lead prophet but also reinforced
the message’s divine origins.
Centralized Leadership:
Elijah, Elisha, and other prominent individuals provided
direction and oversight. Their recognition as legitimate prophets appointed by
God gave structure to each community, ensuring orderly administration.
VII. Archeological and Cultural Notes
There is no direct archeological inscription referencing
“the School of the Prophets” by name. However, excavations at ancient sites
like Bethel and Jericho (where these communities are said to have existed)
reveal evidence of sustained habitation, religious observance, and communal
living patterns from corresponding timeframes.
Culturally, other Near Eastern civilizations had schools
of diviners and religious functionaries, and Israel’s “sons of the prophets”
may have been a divinely ordained parallel-distinct by their allegiance to the
one true God and adherence to His law. Their purpose was not simply to
foretell the future but to uphold covenant fidelity amongst God’s people.
Don’t get confused with the mention of the
involvement of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was active before the passion
of JESUS but did not indwell the human body of all “born-again” believers until
after Pentecost.
The sinless life of JESUS, Him giving HIS
sinless human life and the shedding of HIS blood to atone for all sin was and
is GOD’S redemptive plan to pay the sin debt in full for all who place their
faith in JESUS - Personal and individual.
To prove that the passion of JESUS was acceptable
to GOD, GOD raised JESUS from the dead on the third day to eternal life.
The original sin of Adam and Eve condemned them,
their offspring, thus all humans to death. However, GOD had HIS redemptive plan
through HIS only SON, JESUS, the second Adam. When any person, male or female
from any human race places his/her faith in JESUS and HIS passion (JESUS lived a
sinless human life upon earth, which qualified HIM to be the eternal perfect
acceptable sacrifice to GOD, HIS FATHER, to pay the sin debt in full for all
humans who place their faith in JESUS.
Faith in the passion of JESUS (HIS life, HIS death,
and HIS resurrection from death by GOD, HIS FATHER, and HIS ascension) opens
the opportunity for all people to pray and receive JESUS as their Savior and eternal
life.
Faith in JESUS triggers the miracle of Spiritual
Birth. Spiritual birth is a Spiritual conception. The Holy Spirit (Divine
Sperm) unites with the human spirit (the Spiritual egg) results in a Spiritual
miracle which results in a person being “Born-again” in his or her spirit.
This second birth results in the person being
born into GOD’S eternal Family as GOD’S Son or Daughter. The human body will
die but the Spirit born person will immediately be with GOD in Heaven for eternity.
I have experienced a lady walking with JESUS before the doctor pronounced her
physically dead.
Those interested in reading check my blog,
actsclass.blogspot.com and in the top left corner there is a place to search. Put
in the name Mrs. Green.
VIII. Theological Significance (Back to Old
Testament times – Sons of Prophets.)
These prophetic communities underscore God’s commitment
to reveal Himself continually through designated messengers. The collective
aspect highlights the importance of shared learning, mutual edification, and
accountability in recognizing God’s voice. Such models offer insight into how
mentorship and doctrinal instruction were preserved.
The account of prophets prophesying in unison (1 Samuel 19:20)
also demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit to unify and inspire believers.
These communities powerfully illustrate the principle that leaders should raise
successors, ensuring unwavering focus on God’s message from generation to
generation.
IX. Relevance for Readers Today
For those studying Scripture, the “School of the
Prophets” exemplifies how groups dedicated to prayer, worship, and Scripture
study and foster strong spiritual growth. Modern gatherings-be they
church-based educational programs or small group fellowships-carry forward
elements reminiscent of these ancient communities:
• Emphasis on learning and discipleship.
• Spiritual mentorship aligning with biblical truth.
• Accountability through shared devotion to God’s word.
While the cultural and historical settings of Elijah or
Elisha differ from current times, the timeless principles of seeking the Lord’s
will, remaining steadfast to His commands, and encouraging one another in faith
still resonate.
Concluding Thoughts
The concept often termed the “School of the Prophets”
represents a pivotal dimension in biblical history, reinforcing how God
prepared and preserved prophets through structured communities. Through these
assemblies, the transmission of God’s commands, the training of future leaders,
and the bold call to national repentance were maintained.
By understanding their scriptural references (1 Samuel, 2
Kings, and elsewhere), we see that these prophetic gatherings emerged under
divine guidance, shaped by assembly, mentorship, and earnest pursuit of God’s
revelation. The resources of fellowship and mutual edification remain a
powerful reminder of how God uses community to guide His people, strengthen
their witness, and uphold truth for generations to come.
Thus, the Christian church is open to all to build
community and meet the needs of the community through ministry as led by and
empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Do we as Spirit-born believers leave the work of the
Kingdom of GOD to church staff? All Spirit-born believers are equipped with the
Holy Spirit abiding within their temples, which are their redeemed bodies.
Wherever we go, we should be the messengers of GOD and be ready to tell others
of HIS redemptive plan, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
As JESUS taught HIS disciples, all Spirit-born people are
to call GOD FATHER because they have been “born-again” by the divine sperm, the
Holy Spirit. All who are “born-again” are redeemed from Hell the instant they place
faith in JESUS. All Spirit-born people’s eternal dwelling is Heaven but remain
upon earth to learn, minister and be obedient to GOD’S call until they exit
their earth suit and go to Heaven.
When a person is Spirit-born, he/she becomes a student in
GOD’S Seminary, which is taught by the indwelling Holy Spirit as he/she studies
GOD’S Word, the Bible, prays and interacts with the world.
GOD’S redemptive plan was designed for all Spirit-born
persons to be sons and daughters of GOD, their Heavenly FATHER. Their teacher is
the indwelling Holy Spirit, and even greater miracles can be manifested through
each Spirit-born person.
FATHER, forgive us, who are Spirit-born, for not coming to
YOU, in faith, with the desire to enroll in YOUR school. The world depends upon
all Spirit-led people to reach out to others through faith in JESUS to minister
to those to whom GOD directs.
GOD’S redemptive work goes beyond church staff but to all
who are Spirit-born and called to work in GOD’S vineyard (earth).
How does a Spirit-born person know where GOD is working?
Ask HIM to open our Spiritual eyes so that we can see where HE is working so we
can join HIM in HIS work.
What work? The Sprit-born person is not to place limits
on GOD. Ask HIM to show you where HE is working and when HE does that is your
invitation to join HIM in that work.
This leads us to this Sunday’s study.
Let’s read 2 Kings 4:1-7:
The Widow’s Oil Multiplied – It was her oil
that was multiplied by GOD.
4 One of the wives of
the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband,
has died. You know that your servant feared the Lord. Now the
creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves.”
Here we learn of the dire plight of the wife of one of
the “sons of the prophets.” This dear lady’s husband had died while in the
school for the prophets. It took courage for her to go to Elisha, but she did.
She had a dire need. They had incurred debt, which is the case of many who go
off to seminary. The creditors were coming to get their children to satisfy
their debt since her husband had died.
What would she do? She went to Elisha, which took courage,
but no one messes with mama’s children. Elisha was her go-to person.
2 Elisha
asked her, “What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?”
GOD desires for us to let HIM know of our
needs.
She said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a
jar of oil.”
3 Then
he said, “Go out and borrow empty containers from all your neighbors. Do
not get just a few. 4 Then go in and shut
the door behind you and your sons and pour oil into all these containers. Set
the full ones to one side.” 5 So she left.
Once you have gathered all the empty
containers you can. Take the container of oil you already have and start
filling all the empty containers.
After she had shut the door behind her and her sons, they
kept bringing her containers, and she kept pouring. 6 When
they were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.”
But he replied, “There aren’t any more.” Then the oil
stopped.
7 She
went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your
debt; you and your sons can live on the rest.”
WOW!!! GOD is the GOD of miracles and multiplication.
Now, caution. When we read of such miracles, when we get
into a dire situation, often we are tempted to test GOD. Pray and ask GOD for
HIS leadership and direction for your next steps. Do not lean upon your own
understanding. Let GOD lead and guide you through difficult times.
I had a friend, who is now with GOD and JESUS told me
that they needed money to pay a debt. They prayed and the LORD led him to their
bookcase and there he found enough money to pay their debt.
He had forgotten that he had put the money aside in case
they needed it.
We may think that GOD does not provide. But often HE provides
by leading us to plan for our own needs.
GOD’S school for prophets continues today – sons of GOD
and daughters of GOD. Their teacher is the indwelling Holy Spirit.
How does GOD teach those who have been “Born-again”? The
born-again person has the assurance of his/her salvation by the indwelling Holy
Spirit. GOD gives to each “born-again” person at least one Spiritual Gift in
order to serve in this world according to HIS leadership. There are over 29
Spiritual gifts. GOD gives one or more Gifts to all who have been “born-again.”
There are many Spiritual Gifts. But the giver of Spiritual gifts has an endless
supply of Gifts. HE gives one or more Gifts to those who minister or serve and a
certain Gift as need. I have found that GOD gives Gifts as needed and they may
be temporary or permanent.
It is vital that all Spirit-born people keep in their
minds, as written in 1Corinthians 12: 11 One
and the same Spirit is active in all these, (Spiritual Gifts) distributing
to each person as he wills.
Unity Yet Diversity in the Body
12 For
just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that
body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ.
FATHER, thank YOU for tutoring YOUR Children. May we, who
have been Spirit-born, cast out our unbelief and be open to YOUR Tutoring
through the indwelling Holy Spirit in YOUR school for Son’s and Daughter’s of
The LORD JESUS CHRIST. Help us not to limit YOU by what we think is impossible
because all things are possible through faith in YOU!!!
JESUS said it well in Matthew 17:20
“Because of your little faith,” he told them. “For truly I tell you,
if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for
you.”
Let us all desire to be Sons and Daughters in GOD’S School,
which is taught by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is vital as we get closer
to the return of JESUS.
Blessings to all!!!
posted by Bible Study | 1:52 PM
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