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■ 열왕기하 4장
1. 선지자의 생도의 아내 중에 한 여인이 엘리사에게 부르짖어 가로되 당신의 종 나의 남편이 이미 죽었는데 당신의 종이 여호와를 경외한 줄은 당신이 아시는 바니이다 이제 채주가 이르러 나의 두 아이를 취하여 그 종을 삼고자 하나이다
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha , saying , Thy servant my husband is dead ; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord : and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen .
2. 엘리사가 저에게 이르되 내가 너를 위하여 어떻게 하랴 네 집에 무엇이 있는지 내게 고하라 저가 가로되 계집종의 집에 한 병 기름 외에는 아무 것도 없나이다
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house ? And she said , Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house , save a pot of oil .
3. 가로되 너는 밖에 나가서 모든 이웃에게 그릇을 빌라 빈 그릇을 빌되 조금 빌지 말고
Then he said , Go , borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours , even empty vessels ; borrow not a few .
4. 너는 네 두 아들과 함께 들어가서 문을 닫고 그 모든 그릇에 기름을 부어서 차는 대로 옮겨 놓으라
And when thou art come in , thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons , and shalt pour out into all those vessels , and thou shalt set aside that which is full .
5. 여인이 물러가서 그 두 아들과 함께 문을 닫은 후에 저희는 그릇을 그에게로 가져 오고 그는 부었더니
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons , who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out .
6. 그릇에 다 찬지라 여인이 아들에게 이르되 또 그릇을 내게로 가져오라 아들이 가로되 다른 그릇이 없나이다 하니 기름이 곧 그쳤더라
And it came to pass, when the vessels were full , that she said unto her son , Bring me yet a vessel . And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed .
7. 그 여인이 하나님의 사람에게 나아가서 고한대 저가 가로되 너는 가서 기름을 팔아 빚을 갚고 남은 것으로 너와 네 두 아들이 생활하라 하였더라
Then she came and told the man of God . And he said , Go , sell the oil , and pay thy debt , and live thou and thy children of the rest .
8. 하루는 엘리사가 수넴에 이르렀더니 거기 한 귀한 여인이 저를 간권하여 음식을 먹게 한고로 엘리사가 그곳을 지날 때마다 음식을 먹으러 그리로 들어갔더라
And it fell on a day , that Elisha passed to Shunem , where was a great woman ; and she constrained him to eat bread . And so it was, that as oft as he passed by , he turned in thither to eat bread .
9. 여인이 그 남편에게 이르되 항상 우리에게로 지나는 이 사람은 하나님의 거룩한 사람인 줄을 내가 아노니
And she said unto her husband , Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God , which passeth by us continually .
10. 우리가 저를 위하여 작은 방을 담 위에 짓고 침상과 책상과 의자와 촛대를 진설하사이다 저가 우리에게 이르면 거기 유하리이다 하였더라
Let us make a little chamber , I pray thee, on the wall ; and let us set for him there a bed , and a table , and a stool , and a candlestick : and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
11. 하루는 엘리사가 거기 이르러 그 방에 들어가서 누웠더니
And it fell on a day , that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber , and lay there.
12. 자기 사환 게하시에게 이르되 이 수넴 여인을 불러오라 곧 부르매 여인이 그 앞에 선지라
And he said to Gehazi his servant , Call this Shunammite . And when he had called her, she stood before him.
13. 엘리사가 자기 사환에게 이르되 너는 저에게 이르라 네가 이같이 우리를 위하여 생각이 주밀하도다 내가 너를 위하여 어떻게 하랴 왕에게나 군대장관에게 무슨 구할 것이 있느냐 여인이 가로되 나는 내 백성 중에 거하나이다 하니라
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care ; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king , or to the captain of the host ? And she answered , I dwell among mine own people .
14. 엘리사가 가로되 그러면 저를 위하여 무엇을 하여야 할꼬 게하시가 대답하되 참으로 이 여인은 아들이 없고 그 남편은 늙었나이다
And he said , What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered , Verily she hath no child , and her husband is old .
15. 가로되 다시 부르라 부르매 여인이 문에 서니라
And he said , Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door .
16. 엘리사가 가로되 돌이 되면 네가 아들을 안으리라 여인이 가로되 아니로소이다 내 주 하나님의 사람이여 당신의 계집종을 속이지 마옵소서 하니라
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 .
17. 여인이 과연 잉태하여 돌이 돌아오매 엘리사의 말한 대로 아들을 낳았더라
And the woman conceived , and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life .
18. 그 아이가 저으기 자라매 하루는 곡식 베는 자에게 나가서 그 아비에게 이르렀더니
And when the child was grown , it fell on a day , that he went out to his father to the reapers .
19. 그 아비에게 이르되 내 머리야 내 머리야 하는지라 그 아비가 사환에게 명하여 그 어미에게로 데려가라 하매
And he said unto his father , My head , my head . And he said to a lad , Carry him to his mother .
20. 곧 어미에게로 데려갔더니 낮까지 어미의 무릎에 앉았다가 죽은지라
And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother , he sat on her knees till noon , and then died .
21. 그 어미가 올라가서 아들을 하나님의 사람의 침상 위에 두고 문을 닫고 나와서
And she went up , and laid him on the bed of the man of God , and shut the door upon him, and went out .
22. 그 남편을 불러 이르되 청컨대 한 사환과 한 나귀를 내게로 보내소서 내가 하나님의 사람에게 달려갔다가 돌아오리이다
And she called unto her husband , and said , Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men , and one of the asses , that I may run to the man of God , and come again .
23. 그 남편이 가로되 초하루도 아니요 안식일도 아니어늘 그대가 오늘날 어찌하여 저에게 나아가고자 하느뇨 여인이 가로되 평안이니이다
And he said , Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day ? it is neither new moon , nor sabbath . And she said , It shall be well .
24. 이에 나귀에 안장을 지우고 자기 사환에게 이르되 몰아 앞으로 나아가라 내가 말하지 아니하거든 나의 달려가기를 천천하게 하지 말라 하고
Then she saddled an ass , and said to her servant , Drive , and go forward ; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
25. 드디어 갈멜 산으로 가서 하나님의 사람에게로 나아가니라 하나님의 사람이 멀리서 저를 보고 자기 사환 게하시에게 이르되 저기 수넴 여인이 있도다
So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel . And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off , that he said to Gehazi his servant , Behold, yonder is that Shunammite :
26. 너는 달려가서 저를 맞아 이르기를 너는 평안하냐 네 남편이 평안하냐 아이가 평안하냐 하라 하였더니 여인이 대답하되 평안하다 하고
Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband ? is it well with the child ? And she answered , It is well .
27. 산에 이르러 하나님의 사람에게 나아가서 그 발을 안은지라 게하시가 가까이 와서 저를 물리치고자 하매 하나님의 사람이 가로되 가만 두라 그 중심에 괴로움이 있다마는 여호와께서 내게 숨기시고 이르지 아니하셨도다
And when she came to the man of God to the hill , she caught him by the feet : but Gehazi came near to thrust her away . And the man of God said , Let her alone ; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.
28. 여인이 가로되 내가 내 주께 아들을 구하더이까 나를 속이지 말라고 내가 말하지 아니하더이까
Then she said , Did I desire a son of my lord ? did I not say , Do not deceive me?
29. 엘리사가 게하시에게 이르되 네 허리를 묶고 내 지팡이를 손에 들고 가라 사람을 만나거든 인사하지 말며 사람이 네게 인사할지라도 대답하지 말고 내 지팡이를 그 아이 얼굴에 놓으라
Then he said to Gehazi , Gird up thy loins , and take my staff in thine hand , and go thy way : if thou meet any man , salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again : and lay my staff upon the face of the child .
30. 아이의 어미가 가로되 여호와의 사심과 당신의 혼의 사심을 가리켜 맹세하노니 내가 당신을 떠나지 아니하리이다 엘리사가 이에 일어나 여인을 좇아가니라
And the mother of the child said , As the Lord liveth , and as thy soul liveth , I will not leave thee. And he arose , and followed her.
31. 게하시가 저희의 앞서 가서 지팡이를 그 아이의 얼굴에 놓았으나 소리도 없고 듣는 모양도 없는지라 돌아와서 엘리사를 맞아 가로되 아이가 깨지 아니하였나이다
And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child ; but there was neither voice , nor hearing . Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying , The child is not awaked .
32. 엘리사가 집에 들어가 보니 아이가 죽었는데 자기의 침상에 눕혔는지라
And when Elisha was come into the house , behold, the child was dead , and laid upon his bed .
33. 들어가서는 문을 닫으니 두 사람뿐이라 엘리사가 여호와께 기도하고
He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain , and prayed unto the Lord .
34. 아이의 위에 올라 엎드려 자기 입을 그 입에, 자기 눈을 그 눈에, 자기 손을 그 손에 대고 그 몸에 엎드리니 아이의 살이 차차 따뜻하더라
And he went up , and lay upon the child , and put his mouth upon his mouth , and his eyes upon his eyes , and his hands upon his hands : and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm .
35. 엘리사가 내려서 집 안에서 한번 이리 저리 다니고 다시 아이 위에 올라 엎드리니 아이가 일곱 번 재채기하고 눈을 뜨는지라
Then he returned , and walked in the house to and fro ; and went up , and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times , and the child opened his eyes .
36. 엘리사가 게하시를 불러서 저 수넴 여인을 불러오라 하니 곧 부르매 여인이 들어가니 엘리사가 가로되 네 아들을 취하라
And he called Gehazi , and said , Call this Shunammite . So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said , Take up thy son .
37. 여인이 들어가서 엘리사의 발 앞에서 땅에 엎드려 절하고 아들을 안고 나가니라
Then she went in , and fell at his feet , and bowed herself to the ground , and took up her son , and went out .
38. 엘리사가 다시 길갈에 이르니 그 땅에 흉년이 들었는데 선지자의 생도가 엘리사의 앞에 앉은지라 엘리사가 자기 사환에게 이르되 큰 솥을 걸고 선지자의 생도들을 위하여 국을 끓이라 하매
And Elisha came again to Gilgal : and there was a dearth in the land ; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant , Set on the great pot , and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets .
39. 한 사람이 채소를 캐러 들에 나가서 야등덩굴을 만나 그것에서 들외를 따서 옷자락에 채워가지고 돌아와서 썰어 국 끓이는 솥에 넣되 저희는 무엇인지 알지 못한지라
And one went out into the field to gather herbs , and found a wild vine , and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full , and came and shred them into the pot of pottage : for they knew them not.
40. 이에 퍼다가 무리에게 주어 먹게 하였더니 무리가 국을 먹다가 외쳐 가로되 하나님의 사람이여 솥에 사망의 독이 있나이다 하고 능히 먹지 못하는지라
So they poured out for the men to eat . And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage , that they cried out , and said , O thou man of God , there is death in the pot . And they could not eat thereof.
41. 엘리사가 가로되 그러면 가루를 가져오라 하여 솥에 던지고 가로되 퍼다가 무리에게 주어 먹게 하라 하매 이에 솥 가운데 해독이 없어지니라
But he said , Then bring meal . And he cast it into the pot ; and he said , Pour out for the people , that they may eat . And there was no harm in the pot .
42. 한 사람이 바알살리사에서부터 와서 처음 익은 식물 곧 보리떡 이십과 또 자루에 담은 채소를 하나님의 사람에게 드린지라 저가 가로되 무리에게 주어 먹게 하라
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 .
43. 그 사환이 가로되 어찜이니이까 이것을 일백 명에게 베풀겠나이까 하나 엘리사는 또 가로되 무리에게 주어 먹게 하라 여호와의 말씀이 무리가 먹고 남으리라 하셨느니라
And his servitor said , What, should I set this before an hundred men ? He said again , Give the people , that they may eat : for thus saith the Lord , They shall eat , and shall leave thereof.
44. 저가 드디어 무리 앞에 베풀었더니 여호와의 말씀과 같이 다 먹고 남았더라
So he set it before them, and they did eat , and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord .
■ 주석 보기
【왕하4:1 JFB】왕하4:1-7. Elisha Augments the Widow's Oil.
1. there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets—They were allowed to marry as well as the priests and Levites. Her husband, not enjoying the lucrative profits of business, had nothing but a professional income, which, in that irreligious age, would be precarious and very scanty, so that he was not in a condition to provide for his family.
the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen—By the enactment of the law, a creditor was entitled to claim the person and children of the insolvent debtor, and compel them to serve him as bondmen till the year of jubilee should set them free.
【왕하4:1 CWC】[ELISHA'S MINISTRY BEGINS]
1. Maneuvering an Army, c. 3.
The incident about Mesha (vv. 4, 5) is interesting from the point of view of Biblical criticism. This is the only time he is mentioned in Sacred Writ and his name does not appear in profane history. For this cause objectors to the Bible have demanded proof of his existence at the time named. Also, was Moab noted for its wool? Was it tributary to Israel at this period? Did this rebellion occur? etc.
It was impossible to answer these questions outside of the Bible until about forty years ago when the "Moabite Stone" was discovered, on which an inscription by Mesha recorded all these facts.
What earlier alliance does this between Judah and Israel recall (v. 7)? What earlier situation does Jehoshaphat's inquiry recall (v. 11)? Note the outward respect, at least, which the three kings pay to Jehovah's prophet (v. 12).
Why Elisha calls for the minstrel (v. is) is not clear, except as a way of quieting his mind in the midst of turbulent scenes of battle, and so preparing him in the physical sense, to listen to God's voice. In our own experience we see the value of worshipful hymns as we approach the throne of grace.
How water came "by the way of Edom" (v. 20), may be explained by a shower or cloudburst. The water was reddened by flowing through the red earth of Edom, an effect heightened by the red light of the morning sun (v. 22).
The act of the king of Moab (v. 27) was not exceptional, but his thought in presenting the sacrifice upon the wall was probably that the besiegers beholding it might fear the heathen divinity to whom it was offered. He would now be appeased, presumptively in favor of his subjects, and it would go hard with their opponents. The meaning of "indignation against Israel" is obscure. Some understand it as indignation the Israelites themselves felt at this act so abominable in their sight, and which made them prefer to renounce further possession of Moab than to pursue the conflict. Or it may mean that God's wrath fell upon them for returning home with their work of judgment half done.
2. Ministering to Individuals, c. 4.
Notice the contrast between a poor woman (vv. 1-7) and a rich one in the verses following. Both have needs which only God can supply, and He is as ready to show His power in the one case as in the other, and His prophet makes no distinction between them in his ministry.
In the story of the Shumanite notice that out of modesty and respect, when the prophet calls her (v. 15), "She stood in the door." "It is well" (vv. 23, 26), is not to be understood as prevaricating, but as wishing to be let alone for the present.
The prophet's staff (v. 29) was the badge of prophetic office. Recall Moses' rod which was the symbol of divine power. It seems an error for Elisha to have dispatched his servant on this commission, but prophets are not infallible except where they speak or write by inspiration of God. (Compare Nathan in 2 Samuel 7.) In his desire to hasten matters, hoping the child was not quite dead, he hurries his servant hence; but he has to learn that he can not delegate God's grace and power according to his own will.
How does Elisha's action (vv. 33-35) compare with Elijah's under similar circumstances? The miracle that follows corresponds closely with that in chapter 2, verses 19 to 22, and may be understood in the same way. The concluding miracles of the chapter suggest Christ's multiplication of the loaves and fishes; but the difference is that here there was no multiplication, but the men were satisfied with the little each received. It was a miracle wrought on the men rather than the food.
3. Magnifying His Office, c. 5.
That is a noticeable phrase in verse 1, "by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria," which shows that the inspired annalist regards Jehovah as the God of the whole earth without whose providence even the heathen nations gained no victories.
Observe God using "the weak things of the world" in the case of the little maid (v. 2), whose testimony influences the general, and the kings of Syria and Israel, to say nothing of the prophet, and is handed down as a force for righteousness and truth for thirty centuries!
Both kings misunderstood the situation, however, he of Israel being without excuse. It is this that gives Elisha the opportunity to magnify his office (v. 8), which he does again in the case of Naaman (v. 10). The Syrian's greatness made no difference, he must be healed like any other leper, solely by the power and grace of God. The prophet's humility and disinterestedness are established by his reply in verses 15 and 16.
Naaman's request for earth (v. 17) was not superstition but reverence. His request in verse 18 indicates a tender conscience rather than a compromising spirit, or the prophet could hardly have bidden him "go in peace."
【왕하4:1 MHCC】Elisha's miracles were acts of real charity: Christ's were so; not only great wonders, but great favours to those for whom they were wrought. God magnifies his goodness with his power. Elisha readily received a poor widow's complaint. Those that leave their families under a load of debt, know not what trouble they cause. It is the duty of all who profess to follow the Lord, while they trust to God for daily bread, not to tempt him by carelessness or extravagance, nor to contract debts; for nothing tends more to bring reproach upon the gospel, or distresses their families more when they are gone. Elisha put the widow in a way to pay her debt, and to maintain herself and her family. This was done by miracle, but so as to show what is the best method to assist those who are in distress, which is, to help them to improve by their own industry what little they have. The oil, sent by miracle, continued flowing as long as she had empty vessels to receive it. We are never straitened in God, or in the riches of his grace; all our straitness is in ourselves. It is our faith that fails, not his promise. He gives more than we ask: were there more vessels, there is enough in God to fill them; enough for all, enough for each; and the Redeemer's all-sufficiency will only be stayed from the supplying the wants of sinners and saving their souls, when no more apply to him for salvation. The widow must pay her debt with the money she received for her oil. Though her creditors were too hard with her, yet they must be paid, even before she made any provision for her children. It is one of the main laws of the Christian religion, that we pay every just debt, and give every one his own, though we leave ever so little for ourselves; and this, not of constraint, but for conscience’ sake. Those who bear an honest mind, cannot with pleasure eat their daily bread, unless it be their own bread. She and her children must live upon the rest; that is, upon the money received for the oil, with which they must put themselves into a way to get an honest livelihood. We cannot now expect miracles, yet we may expect mercies, if we wait on God, and seek to him. Let widows in particular depend upon him. He that has all hearts in his hand, can, without a miracle, send as effectual a supply.
【왕하4:2 JFB】2-4. a pot—or cruet of oil. This comprising her whole stock of domestic utensils, he directs her to borrow empty vessels not a few; then, secluding herself with her children, [the widow] was to pour oil from her cruse into the borrowed vessels, and, selling the oil, discharge the debt, and then maintain herself and family with the remainder.
【왕하4:6 JFB】6. the oil stayed—that is, ceased to multiply; the benevolent object for which the miracle had been wrought having been accomplished.
【왕하4:8 JFB】왕하4:8-17. Promises a Son to the Shunammite.
8. Elisha passed to Shunem—now Sulam, in the plain of Esdraelon, at the southwestern base of Little Hermon. The prophet, in his journey, was often entertained here by one of its pious and opulent inhabitants.
【왕하4:8 MHCC】Elisha was well thought of by the king of Israel for his late services; a good man can take as much pleasure in serving others, as in raising himself. But the Shunammite needed not any good offices of this kind. It is a happiness to dwell among our own people, that love and respect us, and to whom we are able to do good. It would be well with many, if they did but know when they are really well off. The Lord sees the secret wish which is suppressed in obedience to his will, and he will hear the prayers of his servants in behalf of their benefactors, by sending unasked-for and unexpected mercies; nor must the professions of men of God be supposed to be delusive like those of men of the world.
【왕하4:10 JFB】10. Let us make a little chamber—not build, but prepare it. She meant a room in the oleah, the porch, or gateway (삼하18:33; 왕상17:19), attached to the front of the house, leading into the court and inner apartments. The front of the house, excepting the door, is a dead wall, and hence this room is called a chamber in the wall. It is usually appropriated to the use of strangers, or lodgers for a night, and, from its seclusion, convenient for study or retirement.
【왕하4:13 JFB】13-16. what is to be done for thee?—Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire for children than women in any other part of the world (창18:10-15).
【왕하4:18 JFB】왕하4:18-37. Raises Her Dead Son.
【왕하4:18 MHCC】Here is the sudden death of the child. All the mother's tenderness cannot keep alive a child of promise, a child of prayer, one given in love. But how admirably does the prudent, pious mother, guard her lips under this sudden affliction! Not one peevish word escapes from her. Such confidence had she of God's goodness, that she was ready to believe that he would restore what he had now taken away. O woman, great is thy faith! He that wrought it, would not disappoint it. The sorrowful mother begged leave of her husband to go to the prophet at once. She had not thought it enough to have Elisha's help sometimes in her own family, but, though a woman of rank, attended on public worship. It well becomes the men of God, to inquire about the welfare of their friends and their families. The answer was, It is well. All well, and yet the child dead in the house! Yes! All is well that God does; all is well with them that are gone, if they are gone to heaven; and all well with us that stay behind, if, by the affliction, we are furthered in our way thither. When any creature-comfort is taken from us, it is well if we can say, through grace, that we did not set our hearts too much upon it; for if we did, we have reason to fear it was given in anger, and taken away in wrath. Elisha cried unto God in faith; and the beloved son was restored alive to his mother. Those who would convey spiritual life to dead souls, must feel deeply for their case, and labour fervently in prayer for them. Though the minister cannot give Divine life to his fellow-sinners, he must use every means, with as much earnestness as if he could do so.
【왕하4:19 JFB】19. My head, my head!—The cries of the boy, the part affected, and the season of the year, make it probable that he had been overtaken by a stroke of the sun. Pain, stupor, and inflammatory fever are the symptoms of the disease, which is often fatal.
【왕하4:22 JFB】22. she called unto her husband—Her heroic concealment of the death from her husband is not the least interesting feature of the story.
【왕하4:24 JFB】24. Drive, and go forward—It is usual for women to ride on asses, accompanied by a servant, who walks behind and drives the beast with his stick, goading the animal at the speed required by his mistress. The Shunammite had to ride a journey of five or six hours to the top of Carmel.
【왕하4:26 JFB】26-28. And she answered, It is well—Her answer was purposely brief and vague to Gehazi, for she reserved a full disclosure of her loss for the ear of the prophet himself. She had met Gehazi at the foot of the hill, and she stopped not in her ascent till she had disburdened her heavy-laden spirit at Elisha's feet. The violent paroxysm of grief into which she fell on approaching him, appeared to Gehazi an act of disrespect to his master; he was preparing to remove her when the prophet's observant eye perceived that she was overwhelmed with some unknown cause of distress. How great is a mother's love! how wondrous are the works of Providence! The Shunammite had not sought a son from the prophet—her child was, in every respect, the free gift of God. Was she then allowed to rejoice in the possession for a little, only to be pierced with sorrow by seeing the corpse of the cherished boy? Perish, doubt and unbelief! This event happened that "the works of God should be made manifest" in His prophet, "and for the glory of God."
【왕하4:29 JFB】29-31. take my staff … and lay … upon the face of the child—The staff was probably an official rod of a certain form and size. Necromancers used to send their staff with orders to the messengers to let it come in contact with nothing by the way that might dissipate or destroy the virtue imparted to it. Some have thought that Elisha himself entertained similar ideas, and was under an impression that the actual application of his staff would serve as well as the touch of his hand. But this is an imputation dishonorable to the character of the prophet. He wished to teach the Shunammite, who obviously placed too great dependence upon him, a memorable lesson to look to God. By sending his servant forward to lay his staff on the child, he raised [the Shunammite's] expectations, but, at the same time, taught her that his own help was unavailing—"there was neither voice, nor hearing." The command, to salute no man by the way, showed the urgency of the mission, not simply as requiring the avoidance of the tedious and unnecessary greetings so common in the East (Lu 10:1), but the exercise of faith and prayer. The act of Gehazi was allowed to fail, in order to free the Shunammite, and the people of Israel at large, of the superstitious notion of supposing a miraculous virtue resided in any person, or in any rod, and to prove that it was only through earnest prayer and faith in the power of God and for His glory that this and every miracle was to be performed.
【왕하4:34 JFB】34. lay upon the child, &c.—(see 왕상17:21; 행20:10). Although this contact with a dead body would communicate ceremonial uncleanness, yet, in performing the great moral duties of piety and benevolence, positive laws were sometimes dispensed with, particularly by the prophets.
【왕하4:35 JFB】35. the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes—These were the first acts of restored respiration, and they are described as successive steps. Miracles were for the most part performed instantaneously; but sometimes, also, they were advanced progressively towards completion (왕상18:44, 45; 막8:24, 25).
【왕하4:38 JFB】왕하4:38-41. Purifies Deadly Pottage.
38. there was a dearth in the land—(see on 왕하8:1).
the sons of the prophets were sitting before him—When receiving instruction, the scholars sat under their masters. This refers to their being domiciled under the same roof (compare 왕하6:1).
Set on the great pot—As it is most likely that the Jewish would resemble the Egyptian "great pot," it is seen by the monumental paintings to have been a large goblet, with two long legs, which stood over the fire on the floor. The seethed pottage consisted of meat cut into small pieces, mixed with rice or meal and vegetables.
【왕하4:38 MHCC】There was a famine of bread, but not of hearing the word of God, for Elisha had the sons of the prophets sitting before him, to hear his wisdom. Elisha made hurtful food to become safe and wholesome. If a mess of pottage be all our dinner, remember that this great prophet had no better for himself and his guests. The table often becomes a snare, and that which should be for our welfare, proves a trap: this is a good reason why we should not feed ourselves without fear. When we are receiving the supports and comforts of life, we must keep up an expectation of death, and a fear of sin. We must acknowledge God's goodness in making our food wholesome and nourishing; I am the Lord that healeth thee. Elisha also made a little food go a great way. Having freely received, he freely gave. God has promised his church, that he will abundantly bless her provision, and satisfy her poor with bread, 시132:15; whom he feeds, he fills; and what he blesses, comes to much. Christ's feeding his hearers was a miracle far beyond this, but both teach us that those who wait upon God in the way of duty, may hope to be supplied by Divine Providence.
【왕하4:39 JFB】39. went out into the field to gather herbs—Wild herbs are very extensively used by the people in the East, even by those who possess their own vegetable gardens. The fields are daily searched for mallow, asparagus, and other wild plants.
wild vine—literally, "the vine of the field," supposed to be the colocynth, a cucumber, which, in its leaves, tendrils, and fruit, bears a strong resemblance to the wild vine. The "gourds," or fruit, are of the color and size of an orange bitter to the taste, causing colic, and exciting the nerves, eaten freely they would occasion such a derangement of the stomach and bowels as to be followed by death. The meal which Elisha poured into the pot was a symbolic sign that the noxious quality of the herbs was removed.
lap full—The hyke, or large cloak, is thrown loosely over the left shoulder and fastened under the right arm, so as to form a lap or apron.
【왕하4:42 JFB】왕하4:42-44. Satisfies a Hundred Men with Twenty Loaves.
【왕하4:43 JFB】43. They shall eat, and shall leave thereof—This was not a miracle of Elisha, but only a prediction of one by the word of the Lord. Thus it differed widely from those of Christ (마15:37; 막8:8; Lu 9:17; 요6:12).
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