This story must have happened before the events recorded in chapter 5 because the seven-year famine must have ended before Gehazi was struck with leprosy. This shows Elisha's long-term concern for this widow and contrasts his miraculous public ministry with his private ministry to this family. Elisha's life exemplifies the kind of concern we should have for others.
Performing an act of kindness can be compared to throwing sand in the wind. You can be sure some of it will come back to you. This woman life's after crossing paths with the prophet that she once had been led to feed and house, produced good fruit. Through Elisha's prayers, her child was born and restored to life, and now Elisha warned her of the coming famine informing her to move her family until the time had passed.
GIVE BACK EVERYTHING: Returning to her home, which she had not renounced nor had she sold her property. Moreover, she returned within seven years (Dt 15:1—6:“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release. 2 And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord's release has been proclaimed. 3 Of a foreigner you may exact it, but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand shall release. 4 But there will be no poor among you; for the Lord will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess— 5 if only you will strictly obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.)
Since the property was still legally hers, she pressed her claim to the king. To whom, the king had just heard of the story regarding Elisha and the prayers he had prayed to God for this particular woman's son, told by Gehazi the servant of the prophet. Upon hearing this amazing turn of events, the king assigned an official to her case and instructed that her land and holdings be returned to her, including the income her field had generated while she was gone.
God always remembers our acts of kindness (Mal 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.)
Remember God can open the floodgates of heaven.
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
LA|HSB|TTEC
