2 kings 8:4 - Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.”

Generated Verse: 2 kings 8:4

What does "2 kings 8:4" mean?


This verse, 2 Kings 8:4, provides a window into the respect and curiosity surrounding the prophet Elisha and his miraculous deeds. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

Context: The verse sets the stage for a specific event. The king being mentioned here is likely King Jehoram of Israel, son of Ahab (although this can be debated, as Jehoram also reigned in Judah). Elisha, a prominent prophet in Israel, had performed many miracles, which had become well-known.

"The king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God...": Gehazi was formerly Elisha's personal servant and attendant. However, he had been struck with leprosy by Elisha in 2 Kings 5:20-27 for his greed and dishonesty. The fact that the king is now seeking him out suggests one of two possibilities:

Gehazi may have recovered from leprosy (implied rather than directly stated).
The king is so interested in Elisha's miracles that he is willing to overlook Gehazi's past transgression and current leprosy.

Gehazi would have been privy to Elisha's inner circle and witnessed many of his acts.

"...saying, 'Please tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.'": This is the core of the verse. The king is genuinely interested in hearing about Elisha's miracles. This shows:

Recognition of Elisha's Power: The king acknowledges that Elisha performed significant, impactful acts. He sees them as "great."
Curiosity and Perhaps Respect: The king wants to know the details of these acts. This might stem from a genuine belief in Elisha's prophetic power, a desire to understand the source of his power, or even a political calculation to align himself with a figure of influence.
Seeking Information: The king is actively seeking to learn more about Elisha's deeds. He is not just passively aware, but actively inquiring.

In summary, the verse is important because it reveals:

Elisha's reputation: His miracles were widely known and impactful, even reaching the king's ears.
The king's interest: He wants to learn about Elisha's "great things," highlighting a degree of respect, curiosity, or political calculation.
Gehazi's position: Despite his past transgression, he is still a source of information about Elisha for the king.

This verse prepares the reader for the subsequent events in chapter 8, where Gehazi recounts the story of the Shunammite woman whose son Elisha resurrected, and the king ultimately restores her land to her. The verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and recognizing God's works through his prophets.

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