The scriptures testify that the Lord is a God of miracles (see Mormon 9:10–11, 15–20). Consequently, those who represent Him may also perform miracles if they have faith and act according to the Lord’s will. The prophet Elisha was one whose obedience and faith allowed him to participate in many miracles. You read about some of Elisha’s miracles in 2 Kings 1, and you will read about several more in the chapters ahead.As you read these chapters, notice the efforts Elisha made in exercising his faith and how the miracles were used to bless and teach the faithful to allow the Lord to assist them. Remember that miracles seldom convert but rather confirm the hope of those who believe and bless the faithful with special outpourings of grace from a loving God (see D&C 63:7–12).The story of how Elisha performed a miracle to help give water to the combined armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom is told in 2 Kings 3. Chapter 4 of 2 Kings contains several miracles.
Understanding the Scriptures
2 Kings 4
| Creditor (v. 1) | A person who loans money to others | |
| Bondmen (v. 1) | To be a servant to another in order to pay them back for a debt | |
| Vessels (vv. 3–6) | Containers | |
| Of the rest (v. 7) | On what is left over | |
| Constrained (v. 8) | Urged | |
| Turn, turned in thither (vv. 8, 10) | Stopped here | |
| Perceive (v. 9) | Know and feel | |
| Chamber (vv. 10–11) | Room | |
| Careful (v. 13) | Been nervous enough to make great effort | |
| About this season, according to the time of life (v. 16) | About this time next year | |
| Embrace (v. 16) | Hold (like a baby) | |
| Fell (v. 18) | Happened | |
| Reapers (v. 18) | People who harvest | |
| Slack (v. 24) | Slow | |
| Bid (v. 24) | Tell | |
| Yonder (v. 25) | Over there | |
| Vexed (v. 27) | Bitter | |
| Gird up thy loins (v. 29) | Dress ready for travel | |
| Salute (v. 29) | Greet | |
| Twain (v. 33) | Both | |
| Seethe pottage (v. 38) | Cook soup | |
| Servitor (v. 43) | Servant |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study 2 Kings 3–4.
Elisha’s Priesthood Blessings
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1.
Make a chart in your notebook like the one below. Read the following references from the life of Christ and tell how they are like something that happened in 2 Kings 4:
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Things Jesus Did |
Priesthood Blessings of Elisha in 2 Kings 4 |
|---|---|
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John 2:1–11 (see also JST) |
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2.
Considering the activity you just completed, how did Elisha leave a testimony for future Israelites that Jesus is their Messiah?
