2 Kings 8:4

And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

And the king {H4428} talked {H1696} with Gehazi {H1522} the servant {H5288} of the man {H376} of God {H430}, saying {H559}, Tell {H5608} me, I pray thee, all the great things {H1419} that Elisha {H477} hath done {H6213}.

The king was talking with Geichazi the servant of the man of God. "Tell me," he said, "all the great things Elisha has done."

Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.”

Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

Commentary

2 Kings 8:4 describes a significant and divinely orchestrated conversation between King Jehoram of Israel and Gehazi, the former servant of the prophet Elisha. The king's curiosity about Elisha's miraculous deeds sets the stage for a remarkable display of God's providence.

Context

This verse finds King Jehoram, son of Ahab, seeking information about the powerful works performed by the prophet Elisha. It's noteworthy that the king is speaking with Gehazi, who had previously been struck with leprosy for his greed when dealing with Naaman the Syrian. Despite Gehazi's past failings and his separation from Elisha's immediate service, God uses him in this moment. This conversation serves as a divinely orchestrated moment, immediately preceding the return of the Shunammite woman, whose land and property are about to be restored through Gehazi's very testimony.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Timing: The most striking theme is God's perfect timing. The king's inquiry and Gehazi's presence coincide precisely with the Shunammite woman's desperate need, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly unrelated events for His purposes.
  • The Power of God Through His Servants: The king's request underscores the widespread knowledge and impact of Elisha's remarkable miracles, such as raising the Shunammite woman's son or purifying poisoned stew. These "great things" bear witness to the power of God working through His chosen prophet.
  • Testimony and Witness: Gehazi, though flawed, becomes a key witness to Elisha's deeds. His testimony to the king is crucial for the events that unfold in the following verses, highlighting how God can use even imperfect individuals to declare His works.
  • Curiosity about the Spiritual: Even a king who largely "did evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 3:2) was intrigued by the supernatural power manifested through Elisha, showing a natural human curiosity about God's mighty acts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "man of God" (Hebrew: ish ha-Elohim) is a common and significant title for prophets in the Old Testament, used here to describe Elisha. It signifies someone specially chosen, empowered, and commissioned by God to speak and act on His behalf. This title emphasizes Elisha's divine authority and the source of his miraculous power.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's plan unfolds with perfect precision, often using unexpected people and circumstances. It encourages believers to trust in God's providence, even when situations seem coincidental or unrelated. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring power of testimony; sharing what God has done can open doors for others to experience His goodness and might. Even those who seem far from God may be drawn to the authentic demonstration of His power and grace.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:20 (3 votes)

    ¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

  • 2 Kings 5:27 (3 votes)

    The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

  • Acts 24:24 (2 votes)

    And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

  • John 9:27 (2 votes)

    He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear [it] again? will ye also be his disciples?

  • 2 Kings 6:32 (2 votes)

    But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and [the king] sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: [is] not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

  • 2 Kings 4:16 (2 votes)

    And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

  • 2 Kings 4:17 (2 votes)

    And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.