This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Kings 4:1-7, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a woman whose husband, one of the prophets’ sons, had died. She was very sad and worried because she had no money to pay her bills. She was going to lose her two sons to slavery because she could not pay her debts.
She decided to go to Elisha, a man who spoke with God, to ask for help. She told Elisha that her husband was a good man who loved God, but now he was gone and she had nothing to pay her bills except for a jar of oil.
Elisha asked the woman to get some empty jars from her neighbors, so she and her sons could pour the oil into them. She did as he said and started pouring the oil from her jar into the other jars.
The amazing thing was that the oil kept coming and coming, even though the woman only had a little bit of oil in her jar. She filled all the jars she had borrowed, and there was still more oil left.
Elisha told the woman to sell the oil and use the money to pay her bills. She did just that and was able to pay off her debts. Now she and her sons could live without any worries!
Biblical Lessons
- God can provide for us even when we think we have nothing left.
- We should always trust in God’s plans, even when things seem impossible.
- We should be kind to our neighbors and ask for help when we need it.
Related Stories
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath
Must-Read Christian Books
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon