2 Kings 4:42

KJV

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.

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}.

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."

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:42 introduces a pivotal moment of divine provision during a time of famine in Israel, as a man from Baalshalisha brings a humble offering of firstfruits—twenty barley loaves and fresh ears of grain—to Elisha, the man of God. This seemingly meager contribution sets the stage for a remarkable miracle of multiplication, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to provide abundantly through limited resources and faithful obedience, foreshadowing greater acts of sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of miracles performed by Elisha, often mirroring those of his predecessor, Elijah, and consistently highlighting God's power to intervene in the daily lives of His people. Immediately preceding this event, Elisha has purified poisoned stew for the prophetic community [2 Kings 4:38-41](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38-41 - Elisha Purifies the Poisoned Stew"), underscoring the pervasive famine and the prophets' reliance on divine sustenance. The narrative of the feeding of the hundred men directly follows in [2 Kings 4:43-44](/2_kings/4-43 "2 Kings 4:43-44 - Elisha Feeds One Hundred Men"), where Elisha's command for distribution leads to the miraculous multiplication, emphasizing the continuity of God's provision and the prophet's role as His instrument. This miracle serves as a testament to Elisha's prophetic authority and God's care for His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Elisha's ministry (9th century BCE) was marked by political instability, idolatry, and often, severe famine, as described in [2 Kings 4:38](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38 - Famine in the Land"). Baalshalisha, located in the fertile region of Ephraim, was likely an agricultural center, making the offering of "firstfruits" particularly significant. The practice of bringing firstfruits (`bikkurim`) was a deeply ingrained aspect of Israelite worship, mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The Command to Bring Firstfruits") and [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - Laws Concerning Firstfruits and Tithes")). It was an act of acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of the land's bounty, expressing gratitude, and demonstrating trust that He would continue to bless the harvest. The specific offering of barley loaves and fresh ears of corn (likely wheat or another grain) indicates a humble but significant contribution, typical of the staple foods of the time.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's faithfulness to sustain His people even in dire circumstances, turning scarcity into abundance through miraculous intervention. This miracle underscores the theme of **Faith and Obedience**, as the man from Baalshalisha demonstrates faith by offering his firstfruits, and Elisha exhibits unwavering faith by commanding the distribution of limited resources to many, trusting God for multiplication. This act is central to **Elisha's Prophetic Ministry**, which consistently highlights his role as a conduit for God's power, often involving acts of healing, purification, and provision that affirm his divine commission. Furthermore, the **Principle of Firstfruits** is highlighted, not merely as a legal requirement but as a profound spiritual act of worship, trust, and acknowledgment that all blessings originate from God, setting the stage for further divine blessing and demonstrating a posture of reliance on Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalshalisha (Hebrew, _Ba'al Shalishah'_):** A geographical location, likely in the region of Ephraim, known for its agricultural productivity. The name itself might suggest a connection to Baal worship (common in the region, though not necessarily in this context) or simply refer to a place of "three Baals" or "lord of the third part." Its mention here emphasizes the origin of the offering from a fertile area, highlighting that even in a famine-stricken land, some produce was available, and the act of bringing firstfruits was a conscious, intentional gesture of faith.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkurim'_):** Refers to the initial ripe produce of the harvest, specifically consecrated and presented to God as an offering. This practice was a fundamental aspect of Israelite religious life, symbolizing gratitude, acknowledgment of God's ownership of the land and its bounty, and trust in His continued provision. Bringing `bikkurim` was an act of worship, dedicating the best and earliest portion to the Lord, thereby sanctifying the entire harvest.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _ish ha'elohim'_):** A recurring title for Elisha throughout 2 Kings, previously used for Elijah. It signifies a prophet who is divinely appointed, empowered, and speaks on behalf of God. This title underscores Elisha's authority and his unique relationship with the Lord, through whom miracles of provision and healing are performed, distinguishing him as God's chosen instrument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came a man from Baalshalisha,"**: This introduces the individual who initiates the act of provision. His origin from Baalshalisha, a potentially fertile area, contrasts with the widespread famine, setting up the significance of his offering. He is not named, emphasizing the divine rather than human source of the subsequent miracle.
* **"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 humble but significant offering. The "bread of the firstfruits" explicitly links the offering to the Mosaic Law's requirements, indicating a devout Israelite. "Twenty loaves of barley" suggests a modest amount, given the context of feeding many. "Full ears of corn in the husk thereof" (likely fresh, unthreshed grain) further emphasizes the freshness and the "first" nature of the offering, directly from the field.
* **"And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat."**: This is Elisha's immediate command to his servant (implied, as seen in the following verse). It demonstrates Elisha's faith and obedience to God's prompting. Despite the apparent insufficiency of the offering for a large group, Elisha does not hesitate, setting the stage for the miraculous multiplication that follows. His instruction is a direct act of pastoral care, ensuring the community's needs are met.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this miracle of feeding a multitude with limited resources anticipates Jesus's similar acts of multiplication, such as the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand. This parallel highlights a consistent pattern of divine provision throughout biblical history. **Symbolism** is also at play; the "firstfruits" symbolize not only obedience to the Law but also a profound act of trust in God's continued blessing, offering the initial portion as an act of faith. The "twenty loaves of barley" and "full ears of corn" symbolize humble beginnings and seemingly insufficient human resources, which God dramatically transforms into abundance. Furthermore, there is a subtle **contrast** between the widespread famine and the specific act of bringing firstfruits from a relatively productive region, underscoring God's ability to provide even in the midst of desolation, and the contrast between the small offering and the large number of people to be fed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's character as a faithful and abundant provider, capable of multiplying meager resources to meet overwhelming needs. It underscores the principle that God often uses humble offerings and acts of faith to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The offering of firstfruits is not just a legalistic duty but a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's sovereignty over all creation and His rightful claim to the best of our lives. This act of giving, rooted in trust, opens the door for divine intervention, demonstrating that our obedience and generosity, however small, can become channels for God's immeasurable grace and provision for others.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Bringing the First of the Firstfruits")
* [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "The Ceremony of Firstfruits")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Honor God with Your Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 4:42 invites us to consider our own posture towards God's provision and our role in His economy. In a world often marked by scarcity, fear, and a focus on personal accumulation, this verse challenges us to embrace a mindset of generosity and faith. It reminds us that God is not limited by our resources, but rather delights in multiplying what we faithfully offer to Him, no matter how small it seems. The man from Baalshalisha's act of bringing his firstfruits, even in a time of famine, exemplifies proactive trust and worship. Similarly, Elisha's command to distribute the limited food demonstrates a radical faith that God will provide. We are called to be both givers and distributors, trusting God with our "first and best" and then sharing what we have with others, confident that He can take our humble offerings and use them to accomplish far more than we could imagine, meeting both physical and spiritual needs in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "firstfruits" (time, talent, treasure) am I holding back from God, and what might it look like to offer them in faith?**
* **In what areas of my life do I feel a sense of scarcity, and how can I trust God to multiply my limited resources for His glory?**
* **How can I be a more faithful "distributor" of God's blessings, sharing what I have with others in need, even when it feels insufficient?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the relationship between obedience, faith, and divine provision?**

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

Answer: The text does not name the man from Baalshalisha, which often signifies that his individual identity is less important than his representative act. He was likely a devout Israelite who adhered to the Mosaic Law, which commanded the bringing of "firstfruits" to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving for the harvest (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "The First of the Firstfruits")). Even in a time of famine, his act demonstrated faith in God's continued provision and a recognition that all blessings come from Him. His offering was directed to "the man of God," Elisha, as the representative of the Lord.

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

Answer: Barley was a common, humble grain, often associated with the poor or used for animal feed, though it was a staple for many. Its mention here emphasizes the modest 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. Together, these items represent a simple, yet significant, agricultural offering, highlighting that God can take even the most basic and seemingly insufficient resources and multiply them for His purposes. This humble offering sets the stage for a dramatic display of divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle initiated in [2 Kings 4:42](/2_kings/4-42 "Elisha Receives Firstfruits") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha, the "man of God," received a humble offering of barley loaves and grain to feed many, Jesus, the Son of God, repeatedly demonstrated His divine power to provide physical sustenance by miraculously multiplying a few loaves and fish to feed thousands ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand"); [John 6:5-13](/john/6-5 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")). These New Testament accounts echo Elisha's miracle, revealing Jesus as the greater prophet, the ultimate source of all provision. More profoundly, Jesus Himself is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who offers eternal spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the hungry soul. He is also the "firstfruits" of the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")), guaranteeing eternal life for all who believe. Thus, the humble offering in 2 Kings foreshadows not only physical sustenance but also the spiritual abundance found exclusively in Christ, who provides for every human need—physical, emotional, and eternal—through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 9:7

Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, [if] we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and [there is] not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?

John 6:13

Therefore they gathered [them] together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

John 6:9

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Matthew 14:16

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

Matthew 14:21

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

2 Kings 7:1

¶ Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time [shall] a measure of fine flour [be sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

Matthew 15:32

Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.