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
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
A Puritan classic on learning contentment in God in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon