2 Kings 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

A widow, whose husband has died and left her in debt, approaches Elisha for help. He instructs her to borrow empty containers and pour the little oil she has into them. As she follows his commands, her oil miraculously fills all the containers, allowing her to sell it to pay her debt and support her sons (vv.

Key verse

“When she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, “Leave her alone; for her soul is troubled within her; and Yahweh has hidden it from me, and has not told me.”
2 Kings 4:27 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 4:1–7 Miracle of the Oil
2 Kings 4:8–17 The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality
2 Kings 4:18–37 Restoration of the Shunammite's Son
2 Kings 4:38–44 Purification of the Stew

Discussion questions

In v6, why did the oil stop flowing when there were no more containers?
What does Elisha ask Gehazi regarding the Shunammite in v13?
The Shunammite woman's response in v16: why does she express doubt about having a son?
Elisha's actions in vv. 34-35: what does his method of restoring the child suggest about his approach to miracles?
When have you shown persistent faith like the Shunammite woman in v22?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 4: 2 Kings 2, 1 Kings 17, Genesis 18.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 5.