2 Kings 4:42

2 Kings 4:42 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now a man came from Baal-shalishah with an offering of first-fruits for the man of God, twenty barley cakes and garden fruit in his bag. And he said, Give these to the people for food.

Free Bible Version FBV

A man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of firstfruits—the first grain of the year, along with twenty loaves of barley bread. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

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.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.'

World English Bible WEB

A man from Baal Shalishah came, and brought the man of God some bread of the first fruits: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in its husk. And he said, Give to the people, that they may eat.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And a certain man came from Baalsalisa bringing to the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty leaves of barley, and new corn in his scrip. And he said: Give to the people, that they may eat.

Translation for Translators T4T

One day a man from Baal-Shalishah town brought to Elisha a sack of freshly cut grain and 20 loaves of barley bread, made from the first grain that they harvested that year. Elisha said to his servant, “Give it to the group of prophets, so that they can eat it.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:42

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 4:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אִ֨ישׁ בָּ֜א מִ/בַּ֣עַל שָׁלִ֗שָׁה וַ/יָּבֵא֩ לְ/אִ֨ישׁ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים לֶ֤חֶם בִּכּוּרִים֙ עֶשְׂרִֽים לֶ֣חֶם שְׂעֹרִ֔ים וְ/כַרְמֶ֖ל בְּ/צִקְלֹנ֑/וֹ וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר תֵּ֥ן לָ/עָ֖ם וְ/יֹאכֵֽלוּ

וְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

בָּ֜א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מִ/בַּ֣עַל Baʻal Shâlishâh H1190 Baal-shalishah Prep | N-proper

שָׁלִ֗שָׁה Baʻal Shâlishâh H1190 Baal-shalishah N-proper

וַ/יָּבֵא֩ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

לֶ֤חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

בִּכּוּרִים֙ bikkûwr H1061 firstfruit N-cp

עֶשְׂרִֽים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Adj

לֶ֣חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

שְׂעֹרִ֔ים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 barley N-fp

וְ/כַרְמֶ֖ל karmel H3759 plantation Conj | N-ms

בְּ/צִקְלֹנ֑/וֹ tsiqlôn H6861 sack Prep | N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

תֵּ֥ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

וְ/יֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:42

וְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בָּ֜א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מִ/בַּ֣עַל Baʻal Shâlishâh H1190 "Baal-shalishah" Prep | N-proper

Baal-shalishah was a place in ancient Palestine, specifically in the region of Ephraim near Gilgal. The name means 'thrice-great lord' and is mentioned in the Bible as a location. It is associated with the tribe of Ephraim.

Definition: § Baal-shalisha = "thrice-great lord" a place in Ephraim near Gilgal

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Baal-shalisha. See also: 2 Kings 4:42.

שָׁלִ֗שָׁה Baʻal Shâlishâh H1190 "Baal-shalishah" N-proper

Definition: § Baal-shalisha = "thrice-great lord" a place in Ephraim near Gilgal

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Baal-shalisha. See also: 2 Kings 4:42.

וַ/יָּבֵא֩ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

לְ/אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

לֶ֤חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

בִּכּוּרִים֙ bikkûwr H1061 "firstfruit" N-cp

This Hebrew word refers to the first fruits of a harvest, offered to God as a sign of gratitude and worship. It's an important concept in biblical festivals like Pentecost, celebrating the new crop. The KJV translates it as 'first fruit' or 'hasty fruit'.

Definition: 1) first-fruits 1a) the first of the crops and fruit that ripened, was gathered, and offered to God according to the ritual of Pentecost 1b) the bread made of the new grain offered at Pentecost 1c) the day of the first-fruits (Pentecost)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: first fruit (-ripe (figuratively)), hasty fruit. See also: Exodus 23:16; Numbers 18:13; Isaiah 28:4.

עֶשְׂרִֽים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Adj

This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.

Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.

לֶ֣חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

שְׂעֹרִ֔ים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 "barley" N-fp

This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.

Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.

וְ/כַרְמֶ֖ל karmel H3759 "plantation" Conj | N-ms

A plantation or garden-land, like the Garden of Eden, was a fertile and productive area, often with fruit trees and orchards. The Bible describes Carmel as a lush and fruitful region in Israel.

Definition: 1) plantation, garden-land, orchard, fruit orchard 2) fruit, garden-growth (meton)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full (green) ears (of corn), fruitful field (place), plentiful (field). See also: Leviticus 2:14; Isaiah 29:17; Isaiah 10:18.

בְּ/צִקְלֹנ֑/וֹ tsiqlôn H6861 "sack" Prep | N-ms | Suff

A sack or bag, its meaning is uncertain, but it was translated as husk in the KJV Bible, referring to a container or covering. It appears in a few passages, including those about farming or storage.

Definition: 1) sack, bag 1a) meaning uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: husk. See also: 2 Kings 4:42.

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

תֵּ֥ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וְ/יֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:42

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 4:42 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:42
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:42
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:42
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:42

Context — Feeding a Hundred Men

40And they poured it out for the men to eat, but when they tasted the stew they cried out, “There is death in the pot, O man of God!” And they could not eat it. 41Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

42Now 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.

43But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” 44So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 9:7	“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”
2	John 6:9	“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”
3	Matthew 14:16–21	“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said. And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.
4	John 6:13	So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
5	2 Kings 7:1	Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’”
6	Matthew 15:32–38	Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. A total of four thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.
7	1 Samuel 9:4	So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them.
8	Deuteronomy 32:14	with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.
9	Proverbs 3:9–10	Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
10	2 Chronicles 11:13–14	Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD.

2 Kings 4:42 Summary

This verse shows us that God provides for our needs, even when we don't have enough. Elisha trusted God to multiply the twenty loaves of bread, and God did, just as He promised in 2 Kings 4:43. We can learn from Elisha's example to trust in God's abundance and provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches us not to worry about our needs, but to seek first the kingdom of God. By trusting in God, we can experience His provision and care in our lives, just like the people in this verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the man from Baal-shalishah bringing twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain?

The man's gift represents the firstfruits of his harvest, demonstrating his faith and obedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:1-11, where the Israelites were instructed to give their firstfruits to the Lord.

Why did Elisha instruct the servant to give the bread to the people to eat, despite there being only twenty loaves for a hundred men?

Elisha's command demonstrates his trust in God's provision, as seen in 2 Kings 4:43, where the Lord promises that the people will eat and have some left over, illustrating the principle of faith and trust in God's abundance, as taught in Matthew 14:13-21 and Luke 9:10-17.

What can we learn from Elisha's response to the servant's concern about the limited amount of bread?

Elisha's calm and trusting response teaches us to have faith in God's power and provision, even in situations that seem impossible, as exemplified in Isaiah 55:8-9, where the Lord's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's provision in the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's provision and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 16:4-36, where God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, and in Psalm 23:1, where the Lord is described as our Shepherd who provides for our needs.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision and abundance, and how can I apply the principle of faith seen in this verse?
How can I, like the man from Baal-shalishah, demonstrate my faith and obedience to God through my actions and decisions?
What are some ways I can show hospitality and generosity to others, as Elisha did in sharing the bread with the people, and how can I trust God to multiply my efforts?
In what ways can I, like Elisha, trust in God's power and promises, even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, and how can I apply this trust to my everyday life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:42

And there came a man from Baalshalisha,.... Of which place [See comments on 1 Samuel 9:4], the Targum is, from the south country: and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:42

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42

Bread of the first-fruits, which were the priest’ s due, ; but these, and probably the rest of the priest’ s dues, were usually brought by the pious Israelites, according to their ability and opportunity, to the Lord’ s prophets; partly because they did a great part of the priest’ s office, and partly because they were not permitted to carry them to Jerusalem; and they might reasonably think that their circumstances, being extraordinary, would warrant their giving of them to extraordinary persons; and that those ceremonial institutions ought to give place to the greater laws of necessity and mercy to the Lord’ s prophets. And this passage seems to be noted here, not only on occasion of the following miracle; but also that by this one instance we might understand how so many schools of the prophets were supported. Twenty loaves; small loaves, as appears, both because one man brought them all so far, and because otherwise there had been no miracle here. Give unto the people, to wit, the sons of the prophets, who were then present with him, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42

2 Kings 4:42 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.Ver. 42. And brought the man of God.] The prophets, in the fail of priests, who were now not to be found in Israel, taught the people, and took up their dues from such pious persons as brought them in out of conscience. Twenty loaves of barley.] Little ones, likely.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42

(42) Baal-shalisha.—Probably the same as Bethshalisha, mentioned by Jerome and Eusebius, fifteen Roman miles north of Lydda-Diospolis, and not far west of Gilgal and Bethel. (Comp. “the land of Shalisha,” 1 Samuel 9:4. Its name, Shalisha—as if Three-land—seems to allude to the three wadies, which there meet in the Wβdy Qurβwβ.) Bread of the firstfruits.—Comp. Numbers 18:13; Deuteronomy 18:4, according to which all firstfruits of grain were to be given to the priests and Levites. Such presents to prophets appear to have been usual in ordinary times. On the present occasion, which was “a time of dearth” (2 Kings 4:42 is connected by the construction with the preceding narrative), one pious person brought his opportune gift to Elisha. And full ears of corn in the husk thereof.—Heb., and karmel in his wallet. The word karmel occurs besides in Leviticus 2:14; Leviticus 23:14. The Targum and Syriac render “bruised grain;” the Jewish expositors “tender and fresh ears of corn.” In some parts of England unripe corn is made into a dish called “frumenty.” The word ηiqlτn only occurs in this place. The Vulg. renders it by pera (“wallet”). The LXX. (Alex.) repeats the Hebrew in Greek letters. The Vatican omits the word. It reads: “twenty barley loaves and cakes of pressed fruit” (παλάθας). The Syriac gives “garment.” And he said—i.e., Elisha said. Give unto the people.—Comp. Matthew 14:16.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42

Verse 42. Bread of the first-fruits] This was an offering to the prophet, as the first-fruits themselves were an offering to God. Corn in the husk] Probably parched corn or corn to be parched, a very frequent food in the East; full ears, before they are ripe, parched on the fire.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:42

Baal-shalisha - Fifteen Roman miles north of Lydda, in the Sharon plain to the west of the highlands of Ephraim. It was, apparently, the chief city of the “land of Shalisha” (marginal reference).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42

42. There came a man — Probably while Elisha still abode at Gilgal, and very soon after the last-mentioned miracle.

Sermons on 2 Kings 4:42

	Sermon	Description
	Miracles of Elisha, Message 3 by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the characteristics of a person who surrenders to God and has a passion for Him. The sermon is based on four stories from the Bible: the widow
	Lessons From Elisha 01 Death in the Pot by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man from Baal Shalisha who brought twenty loaves of barley and fullers of corn to Elisha. This story represents the lowliness
	An Anonymous Benefactor by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches about the story of an anonymous benefactor who generously provided for Dr. Barnardo's village for orphan girls and how God's provision often comes at the right
	(1 Samuel) God Guides the Unknowing by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how God can use ordinary and sometimes frustrating circumstances to guide us to where He wants us to be. He uses the example of Saul being l
	(God Can Solve Every Problem) Multitude Fed by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and partnering with Him in His work. He uses the story of a little boy who became a blessing
	Choose to Serve, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a church in Nagpur that started with a school and now has over 400 baptized believers. The speaker emphasizes the importa
	Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the citizens of Zion, referring to believers in Christ. He highlights the significance of the gates of the city as places o