2 Kings 3:1 – 4:7
- What was the cause of the attack on Moab, and how was Elisha brought into the situation? A map should be used to identify the route taken by the attacking armies, and the place where the miracle took place. How does the story show what one man of faith can do to save a multitude?
- How does the story of 4:1-7 illustrate the working of faith? Was it easy for the woman to do what Elisha bade her do? Has this any lesson for you in your own life?
- 3:1. Cf. 1:17. The apparent discrepancy may be explained by the fact that father and son frequent reigned together during the latter part of the father’s life.
- 3:11. ‘He used to pour water… ‘ i.e., he was Elijah’s attendant.
- 3:20. Travelers report that in that region there is water under the sand.
2 Kings 4:8 – 44
- Verses 8-37. In what ways is the woman of Shunem an example to us? What do you learn about the reasons why God allows his servants to undergo acute suffering? What lessons are to be drawn from Gehazi’s failure?
- What features in Elisha’s character are brought out by the incidents in this passage?
Note. Verse 42. The present was for Elisha; and if there was still scarcity of food (verse 38), the gift would be the more precious. But Elisha shared it with all who were with him.
2 Kings 5:1 – 6:7
- Chapter 5. There are four important figures in this chapter: the captive maid, Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi. What lessons can we learn from each?
- 6:1-7. Think about this incident in relation to Elisha’s position as a spiritual leader. Are there lessons here for the Christian church?
- 5:17. The idea in Naaman’s mind was that Jehovah, the God of Israel, could not be rightly worshipped except on Israelitish soil. His faith was still very imperfect, as verse 18 also shows.
- 5;22. ‘A talent of silver’: i.e., about seventy-five pounds, a very large sum to be asked for two young men of the sons of the prophets.