But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha doesn't just ask for a miracle; he grounds it in God's promise, declaring, "They shall eat and have some left." This isn't just about providing food, but demonstrating God's abundant provision and faithfulness, turning a scarcity problem into a testament to divine sufficiency.
But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha has just miraculously multiplied a small amount of bread to feed a large group of people, responding to a desperate famine. The servant's immediate reaction shows disbelief and concern about logistics, highlighting the sheer impossibility of feeding so many with so little. Elisha, however, stands firm on God's promise, emphasizing that divine provision supersedes human limitations.
Elisha's servant looked at a small amount of food and saw impossibility. God sees potential for overflow. Have you ever felt like your resources were too small for the task?
The servant's question, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” highlights our natural tendency to assess situations based on limited human capacity. He's thinking, 'This isn't enough! It's illogical!' But Elisha's command isn't based on logic; it's based on faith in God's power. When we face overwhelming needs, our first instinct might be to tally up what we don't have. This passage reminds us that God often calls us to act in our limitations, trusting Him to multiply what we offer.
Elisha doesn't just tell the servant to give the food; he gives a divine promise: 'They shall eat and have some left.' What does this reveal about God's provision?
The power of this passage lies in Elisha’s absolute certainty, rooted in God’s word: “thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a prophetic declaration backed by divine authority. God's provision isn't about barely meeting a need; it's about abundance. When we obey God, even with seemingly inadequate resources, we can trust His promise to not only meet the need but to leave a surplus. This overflow isn't just for the recipients; it points to the generous nature of God Himself.
Understand the original words
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Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and the One who keeps His promises to His people.
This miraculous feeding occurs during a period of prophetic ministry in a time of Israel's spiritual and political turmoil, showcasing God's provision even amidst scarcity and danger.
c. 870 BC
Elisha Ministers in Israel
Elisha, a prominent prophet, continues the work of Elijah during a time of religious and political instability in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
c. 870 BC
Shunammite Woman's Son Dies
Elisha is invited to the home of a wealthy Shunammite woman. Later, her son, whom Elisha had miraculously brought back to life, dies.
c. 870 BC— this verse
Elisha's Servant Distressed
Elisha's servant faces the daunting task of feeding a large group of prophets with limited resources, highlighting the scarcity of the times.
c. 870 BC
Divine Multiplication of Food
Through Elisha's command and God's power, a small amount of food is miraculously multiplied to feed a hundred people with leftovers.
c. 853 BC
King Ahab Dies
King Ahab dies in battle, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Israel.
c. 841 BC
Jehu Anointed King
Elisha, following God's command, has Jehu anointed as king, leading to a violent purge of Ahab's dynasty and the worship of Baal.
This passage mirrors the feeding miracle where Jesus, with only a few loaves and fish, provides for a large crowd, echoing the prophetic word of provision given by Elisha.
John 6:11Jesus takes the small amount of food and gives thanks, distributing it to the crowds, showing a divine multiplication similar to what Elisha declared would happen.
1 Kings 17:16This earlier miracle with Elijah, where the widow's jar of flour and jug of oil never ran empty, establishes the pattern of God's supernatural provision through His prophets.
Philippians 4:19Paul assures believers that God will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory, a profound theological parallel to the miraculous supply demonstrated by Elisha.
Elisha doesn't just ask for a miracle; he grounds it in God's promise, declaring, "They shall eat and have some left." This isn't just about providing food, but demonstrating God's abundant provision and faithfulness, turning a scarcity problem into a testament to divine sufficiency.
Elisha has just miraculously multiplied a small amount of bread to feed a large group of people, responding to a desperate famine. The servant's immediate reaction shows disbelief and concern about logistics, highlighting the sheer impossibility of feeding so many with so little. Elisha, however, stands firm on God's promise, emphasizing that divine provision supersedes human limitations.
Elisha has just miraculously multiplied a small amount of bread to feed a large group of people, responding to a desperate famine. The servant's immediate reaction shows disbelief and concern about logistics, highlighting the sheer impossibility of feeding so many with so little. Elisha, however, stands firm on God's promise, emphasizing that divine provision supersedes human limitations.
"But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’”" — Elisha doesn't just ask for a miracle; he grounds it in God's promise, declaring, "They shall eat and have some left." This isn't just about providing food, but demonstrating God's abundant provision…
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Last reviewed October 2026