2 Kings 4:42

Translation
King James Version
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And there came H935 a man H376 from Baalshalisha H1190, and brought H935 the man H376 of God H430 bread H3899 of the firstfruits H1061, twenty H6242 loaves H3899 of barley H8184, and full ears of corn H3759 in the husk H6861 thereof. And he said H559, Give H5414 unto the people H5971, that they may eat H398.
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Complete Jewish Bible
A man came from Ba'al-Shalishah bringing the man of God twenty loaves of bread made from the barley firstfruits and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, "Give this to the people to eat."
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Berean Standard Bible
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.
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American Standard Version
And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
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World English Bible Messianic
A man from Baal Shalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. He said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, euen twenty loaues of barley, and full eares of corne in the huske. And hee saide, Giue vnto the people, that they may eate.
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Young's Literal Translation
And a man hath come from Baal-Shalishah, and bringeth in to the man of God bread of first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in its husk, and he saith, `Give to the people, and they eat.'
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See also
1 Samuel 9:7John 6:13John 6:9Matthew 14:16Matthew 14:212 Kings 7:1Matthew 15:32
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In the KJVVerse 9,646 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Kings 4:42 recounts a significant moment of divine provision during a severe famine in Israel, as an unnamed man from Baalshalisha faithfully brings a humble offering of firstfruits—specifically twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain—to Elisha, the man of God. This seemingly meager contribution, given in obedience to the Mosaic Law and in an act of trust, serves as the catalyst for a remarkable miracle of multiplication, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign ability to provide abundantly for His people even through limited human resources and faithful obedience, thereby foreshadowing greater acts of divine sustenance.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into a series of miraculous interventions performed by the prophet Elisha, often mirroring the powerful deeds of his predecessor, Elijah. These narratives consistently underscore God's active involvement in the daily lives of His covenant people. Immediately prior to this event, Elisha has miraculously purified a poisoned stew for the company of prophets in Gilgal, as detailed in 2 Kings 4:38-41, highlighting the pervasive famine gripping the land and the prophets' complete reliance on divine sustenance. The narrative of the feeding of one hundred men directly follows in 2 Kings 4:43-44, where Elisha's unwavering command for distribution, despite the apparent insufficiency of the offering, leads to the miraculous multiplication. This sequence emphasizes the continuity of God's faithful provision and Elisha's consistent role as God's chosen instrument, affirming his prophetic authority and God's compassionate care for His people.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Elisha's prophetic ministry, active during the 9th century BCE in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was characterized by significant political instability, widespread idolatry, and recurrent periods of severe famine, as explicitly mentioned in 2 Kings 4:38. Baalshalisha, the origin of the man and his offering, was likely a productive agricultural region within the fertile Ephraimite hill country, making the offering of "firstfruits" from this area particularly poignant amidst the broader scarcity. The practice of bringing firstfruits (bikkurim) was a deeply rooted and divinely mandated aspect of Israelite worship, prescribed by the Mosaic Law in passages such as Exodus 23:19 and elaborated upon in Deuteronomy 26:1-11. This offering was a profound act of acknowledging God as the ultimate source and owner of the land's bounty, expressing profound gratitude, and demonstrating unwavering trust that He would continue to bless and sustain the harvest. The specific offering of barley loaves and fresh ears of grain (likely unthreshed wheat or another cereal) points to a humble yet significant contribution, representing staple foods of the time and underscoring the man's obedient and trusting heart.
  • Key Themes: The overarching theme illuminated in this passage is Divine Provision, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain His people even in the most dire circumstances, miraculously transforming scarcity into abundance. This miracle powerfully underscores the theme of Faith and Obedience, exemplified by the unnamed man from Baalshalisha, who demonstrates profound faith by offering his firstfruits despite the famine, and by Elisha, who exhibits unwavering trust in God's power by commanding the distribution of limited resources to many. This act is central to Elisha's Prophetic Ministry, which consistently portrays him as a powerful conduit for God's miraculous power, involving acts of healing, purification, and provision that consistently affirm his divine commission and authority. Furthermore, the Principle of Firstfruits is profoundly highlighted, not merely as a legal requirement but as a deeply spiritual act of worship, trust, and acknowledgment that all blessings originate from God. This act of giving the "first and best" sets the stage for further divine blessing, establishing a posture of complete reliance on God's generosity.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Baalshalisha (Hebrew, Baʻal_ _Shâlishâh', H1190): This geographical location, likely situated in the fertile region of Ephraim, serves as the origin point of the man who brings the offering. While the name might historically allude to Baal worship (common in the region), in this context, its primary significance is to identify the source of the produce. Its mention emphasizes that even in a land gripped by famine, this area still yielded some harvest, making the act of bringing firstfruits a deliberate and faithful gesture, rather than a mere happenstance.
  • Firstfruits (Hebrew, bikkûwr', H1061): This term refers to the initial ripe produce of the harvest, specifically designated to be consecrated and presented to God as an offering. This practice was a cornerstone of Israelite religious life, symbolizing profound gratitude, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership of the land and its bounty, and expressing trust in His continued provision. Bringing bikkûwr was an essential act of worship, dedicating the best and earliest portion of the harvest to the Lord, thereby sanctifying the entire yield and demonstrating a heart of dependence.
  • Bread (Hebrew, lechem', H3899): This word broadly signifies food for humans or animals, but specifically refers to bread or grain used for making it. In this verse, it denotes the "twenty loaves of barley" and the "full ears of corn," representing the tangible, humble offering brought by the man. The use of lechem underscores the basic, life-sustaining nature of the provision and highlights God's ability to take even simple, common foodstuffs and transform them into a miraculous abundance to meet the pressing needs of His people.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And there came a man from Baalshalisha,": This clause introduces the individual who initiates the act of divine provision. His anonymity underscores that the focus is not on his personal fame but on his faithful act and God's subsequent intervention. His origin from Baalshalisha, a region known for its agricultural potential, contrasts sharply with the widespread famine, setting the stage for the significance of his offering.
  • "and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof.": This details the specific nature and quantity of the offering. The phrase "bread of the firstfruits" explicitly connects the offering to the Mosaic Law's requirements (e.g., Exodus 23:19), indicating the man's devout adherence. "Twenty loaves of barley" signifies a modest amount, especially in the context of feeding a large group, while "full ears of corn in the husk thereof" (likely fresh, unthreshed grain like wheat or another cereal) emphasizes the freshness and the "first" quality of the offering, directly from the field.
  • "And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.": This is Elisha's immediate and unequivocal command, directed to his servant (as implied by the subsequent verses). It demonstrates Elisha's profound faith and obedience to God's prompting. Despite the apparent insufficiency of the offering for a large gathering, Elisha does not hesitate, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous multiplication that follows. His instruction is a direct act of pastoral care, prioritizing the needs of the community and trusting God for the outcome.

Literary Devices

The passage employs several literary devices to deepen its meaning and enhance its impact. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as this miracle of feeding a multitude with limited resources strikingly anticipates Jesus's similar acts of miraculous provision, such as the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand. This parallel establishes a consistent pattern of divine provision throughout biblical history, culminating in Christ. Symbolism is also profoundly at play; the "firstfruits" symbolize not only faithful obedience to the Mosaic Law but also a profound act of trust in God's continued blessing, offering the initial portion as an act of worship and dependence. The "twenty loaves of barley" and "full ears of corn" symbolize humble beginnings and seemingly insufficient human resources, which God dramatically transforms into an abundance that far exceeds human expectation. Furthermore, a subtle but powerful contrast is drawn between the widespread famine afflicting the land and the specific act of bringing firstfruits from a relatively productive region, underscoring God's ability to provide even in the midst of desolation. This contrast is further amplified by the disparity between the small offering and the large number of people to be fed, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse powerfully illustrates God's character as a faithful, sovereign, and abundant provider, capable of multiplying even the most meager resources to meet overwhelming needs. It underscores the profound theological principle that God often chooses to use humble offerings and acts of faith as catalysts to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The offering of firstfruits is presented not merely as a legalistic duty but as a deeply spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His rightful claim to the best of our lives and labors. This act of sacrificial giving, rooted in unwavering trust, opens the door for divine intervention, demonstrating that our obedience and generosity, however small or seemingly insignificant, can become powerful channels for God's immeasurable grace and provision, not only for ourselves but for the broader community.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The narrative of 2 Kings 4:42 serves as a profound invitation for us to critically examine our own posture towards God's provision and our active role in His divine economy. In a world frequently characterized by scarcity, fear, and an insatiable focus on personal accumulation, this verse challenges believers to cultivate a radical mindset of generosity, faith, and dependence on God. It powerfully reminds us that God is not limited by the apparent insufficiency of our resources, but rather delights in multiplying what we faithfully offer to Him, no matter how small or inadequate it may seem in our own eyes. The unnamed man from Baalshalisha's courageous act of bringing his firstfruits, even amidst a devastating famine, exemplifies proactive trust and worship. Similarly, Elisha's immediate and unwavering command to distribute the limited food demonstrates a profound, radical faith that God would indeed provide beyond all human expectation. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody both roles: to be faithful givers, offering our "first and best" to God, and to be compassionate distributors, sharing what we have with others in need. We can confidently trust that God can take our humble offerings and use them to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs within our communities and beyond.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "firstfruits" (whether time, talent, or treasure) might I be consciously or unconsciously holding back from God, and what might it look like to offer them in radical faith?
  • In which specific areas of my life do I currently experience a sense of scarcity or limitation, and how can I intentionally cultivate a deeper trust in God to multiply my limited resources for His glory?
  • How can I become a more faithful and generous "distributor" of God's blessings, actively sharing what I have with others in need, even when my resources feel insufficient or stretched?
  • What profound lessons does this passage convey regarding the intricate relationship between our obedience, our faith, and God's miraculous provision in our lives?

FAQ

Who was the man from Baalshalisha, and why did he bring this offering?

Answer: The biblical text intentionally leaves the man from Baalshalisha unnamed, which often serves to emphasize that his individual identity is less important than the representative nature of his act. He was likely a devout Israelite who faithfully adhered to the Mosaic Law, which explicitly commanded the bringing of "firstfruits" to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over the harvest (e.g., Exodus 23:19). Even in a time of severe famine, his offering demonstrated profound faith in God's continued provision and a recognition that all blessings ultimately originate from Him. His offering was specifically directed to "the man of God," Elisha, as the divinely appointed representative of the Lord.

What is the significance of "barley loaves" and "full ears of corn"?

Answer: Barley was a common, humble grain in ancient Israel, often associated with the poor or used for animal feed, though it was a staple food for many. Its specific mention here emphasizes the modest and unpretentious nature of the offering. "Full ears of corn" (likely referring to fresh, unthreshed grain like wheat or another cereal) signifies the freshness and the "first" quality of the harvest, indicating it was newly gathered. Together, these items represent a simple, yet profoundly significant, agricultural offering. This humble contribution highlights that God can take even the most basic and seemingly insufficient resources and miraculously multiply them for His divine purposes, demonstrating His power to provide abundantly even from meager beginnings.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The miracle initiated in 2 Kings 4:42 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha, the "man of God," received a humble offering of barley loaves and grain to miraculously feed many, Jesus, the Son of God and the ultimate Prophet, repeatedly demonstrated His divine power to provide physical sustenance by miraculously multiplying a few loaves and fish to feed thousands (Matthew 14:15-21; John 6:5-13). These New Testament accounts powerfully echo Elisha's miracle, revealing Jesus as the greater prophet, the true and ultimate source of all provision, both physical and spiritual. More profoundly, Jesus Himself declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35), offering eternal spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the hungry soul. Furthermore, Jesus is uniquely identified as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), guaranteeing eternal life and resurrection for all who believe in Him. Thus, the humble offering and subsequent multiplication in 2 Kings foreshadow not only physical sustenance but also the boundless spiritual abundance found exclusively in Christ, who provides for every human need—physical, emotional, and eternal—through His sacrificial life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection.

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Commentary on 2 Kings 4 verses 38–44

We have here Elisha in his place, in his element, among the sons of the prophets, teaching them, and, as a father, providing for them; and happy it was for them that they had one over them who naturally cared for their state, under whom they were well fed and well taught. There was a dearth in the land, for the wickedness of those that dwelt therein, the same that we read of, Kg2 8:1. It continued seven years, just as long again as that in Elijah's time. A famine of bread there was, but not of hearing the word of God, for Elisha had the sons of the prophets sitting before him, to hear his wisdom, who were taught, that they might teach others. Two instances we have here of the care he took about their meat. Christ twice fed those to whom he preached. Elisha was in the more care about it now because of the dearth, that the sons of the prophets might not be ashamed in this evil time, but, even in the days of famine, might be satisfied, Psa 37:19.

I. He made hurtful food to become safe and wholesome. 1. On the lecture-day, the sons of the prophets being all to attend, he ordered his servant to provide food for their bodies, while he was breaking to them the bread of life for their souls. Whether there was any flesh-meat for them does not appear; he orders only that pottage should be seethed for them of herbs, Kg2 4:38. The sons of the prophets should be examples of temperance and mortification, not desirous of dainties, but content with plain food. If they have neither savoury meats nor sweet meats, nay, if a mess of pottage be all the dinner, let them remember that this great prophet entertained himself and his guests no better. 2. One of the servitors, who was sent to gather herbs (which, it should seem, must serve instead of flesh for the pottage), by mistake brought in that which was noxious, or at least very nauseous, and shred it into the pottage: wild gourds they are called, Kg2 4:39. Some think it was coloquintida, a herb strongly cathartic, and, if not qualified, dangerous. The sons of the prophets, it seems, were better skilled in divinity than in natural philosophy, and read their Bibles more than their herbals. If any of the fruits of the earth be hurtful, we must look upon it as an effect of the curse (thorns and thistles shall it bring forth unto thee), for the original blessing made all good. 3. The guests complained to Elisha of the unwholesomeness of their food. Nature has given man the sense of tasting, not only that wholesome food may be pleasant, but that that which is unwholesome may be discovered before it comes to the stomach; the mouth tries meat by tasting it, Job 12:11. This pottage was soon found by the taste of it to be dangerous, so that they cried out, There is death in the pot, Kg2 4:40. The table often becomes a snare, and that which should be for our welfare proves a trap, which is a good reason why we should not feed ourselves without fear; when we are receiving the supports and comforts of life we must keep up an expectation of death and a fear of sin. 4. Elisha immediately cured the bad taste and prevented the bad consequences of this unwholesome pottage; as before he had healed the bitter waters with salt, so now the bitter broth with meal, Kg2 4:41. It is probable that there was meal in it before, but that was put in by a common hand, only to thicken the pottage; this was the same thing, but cast in by Elisha's hand, and with intent to heal the pottage, by which it appears that the change was not owing to the meal (that was the sign only, not the means), but to the divine power. Now all was well, not only no death, but no harm in the pot. We must acknowledge God's goodness in making our food wholesome and nourishing. I am the Lord that healeth thee.

II. He made a little food to go a great way. 1. Elisha had a present brought him of twenty barley-loaves and some ears of corn (Kg2 4:42), a present which, in those ages, would not be despicable at any time, but now in a special manner valuable, when there was a dearth in the land. It is said to be of the first-fruits, which was God's due out of their increase; and when the priests and Levites were all at Jerusalem, out of their reach, the religious people among them, with good reason, looked upon the prophets as God's receivers, and brought their first-fruits to them, which helped to maintain their schools. 2. Having freely received, he freely gave, ordering it all to be set before the sons of the prophets, reserving none for himself, none for the hereafter. "Let the morrow take thought for the things of itself, give it all to the people that they may eat." It well becomes the men of God to be generous and open-handed, and the fathers of the prophets to be liberal to the sons of the prophets. 3. Though the loaves were little, it is likely no more than what one man would ordinarily eat at a meal, yet with twenty of them he satisfied 100 men, Kg2 4:43, Kg2 4:44. his servant thought that to set so little meat before so many men was but to tantalize them, and shame his master for making so great an invitation to such short commons; but he in God's name, pronounced it a full meal for them, and so it proved; they did eat, and left thereof, not because their stomachs failed them, but because the bread increased in the eating. God has promised his church (Psa 132:15) that he will abundantly bless her provision, and satisfy her poor with bread; for whom he feeds he fills, and what he blesses comes to much, as what he blows upon comes to little, Hag 1:9. Christ's feeding his hearers was a miracle far beyond this; but both teach us that those who wait upon God in the way of duty may hope to be both protected and supplied by a particular care of divine Providence.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 38–44. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 4:38
Here two miracles are proposed, which Elisha performed while he was among his disciples. He accomplished the first when he caused death to leave the pot, where, as they said, it had hidden. He performed the second when he nourished one hundred prophets with a little bit of bread. In both miracles he prefigures him who multiplies twice some barley loaves and nourishes with them “about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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