What Do You Learn About God From His Provision of Elijah and Elisha as Prophets to Israel

In the Old Testament, the stories of Elijah and Elisha serve as powerful reminders of God’s provision and faithfulness to his people. Through these prophets, God demonstrated his sovereignty, love, and power, teaching us valuable lessons about his character and how he desires to relate to his creation.

1. How did God provide for Elijah during the drought?
During a severe drought in Israel, God provided for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him bread and meat every morning and evening at the brook Cherith. When the brook dried up, God directed him to a widow in Zarephath, where he miraculously multiplied her meager provisions of flour and oil to sustain them all throughout the remainder of the drought.

2. What does God’s provision for Elijah teach us about his faithfulness?
God’s provision for Elijah during the drought highlights his faithfulness to his promises. Despite the scarcity of resources, God sustained Elijah and the widow, proving that he can provide abundantly in even the most challenging circumstances.

3. How did God provide for Elisha after Elijah’s departure?
When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha inherited his mantle as a prophet. God provided for Elisha by granting him a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, enabling him to perform miraculous acts such as parting the Jordan River and multiplying oil for a widow in debt.

4. What does God’s provision for Elisha teach us about his power?
God’s provision for Elisha showcases his unlimited power. By granting Elisha a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, God equipped him to perform extraordinary miracles, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for him.

5. How did God provide for the widow of one of the sons of the prophets?
When the widow of one of the sons of the prophets faced debt and the threat of losing her children to slavery, God provided through Elisha. He multiplied her oil, allowing her to sell it and pay off her debts. God’s provision not only met her immediate needs but also preserved her family’s future.

6. What does God’s provision for the widow teach us about his compassion?
God’s provision for the widow reveals his deep compassion for those in need. He not only met her immediate need for financial rescue but also ensured her family’s stability and security.

7. How did God provide for the Shunammite woman?
The Shunammite woman, known for her hospitality towards Elisha, was blessed with a son through God’s provision. When the boy died, Elisha prayed to God, and he was raised back to life.

8. What does God’s provision for the Shunammite woman teach us about his restoration?
God’s provision for the Shunammite woman demonstrates his power to restore what is lost. In restoring her son’s life, God displayed his ability to bring back what was taken away, highlighting his redemptive nature.

9. How did God provide for the armies of Israel?
During a time of conflict with the Moabites, God provided water for the armies of Israel, who were suffering from thirst. Through Elisha, he made a dry valley full of trenches, which were miraculously filled with water, enabling the armies to quench their thirst and gain victory.

10. What does God’s provision for the armies of Israel teach us about his sovereignty?
God’s provision for the armies of Israel demonstrates his sovereignty over nature. He can bring forth water from dry places, showing that he is in control of all creation.

11. How did God provide for Naaman?
Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, suffered from leprosy. By God’s provision, Elisha instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times, and he was miraculously healed, his skin restored to that of a young boy.

12. What does God’s provision for Naaman teach us about his grace?
God’s provision for Naaman reveals his grace and willingness to heal even those outside of Israel. It demonstrates that God’s love and compassion extend to all people, regardless of their background or nationality.

In summary, the stories of Elijah and Elisha serve as powerful testimonies to God’s provision, faithfulness, power, compassion, restoration, sovereignty, and grace. Through these prophets, we learn that God is always present, ready to provide for our needs and demonstrate his character in extraordinary ways.