John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. And it came to pass when the vessels were full , etc.] For the oil being miraculously increased as it was poured forth, there was enough to fill all the vessels; Ben Gersom and Abarbinel say, that when the pot was emptied, all the air that entered it was turned into oil: that she said to her son, bring me yet a vessel ; as she had two sons, one it is probable was employed in setting aside the full vessels, as she poured into them, and the other in bringing to her the empty vessels, and to whom she thus speaks: and he said unto her, there is not a vessel more ; not an empty one, they were all filled: and the oil stayed ; it ran no longer, it was no more multiplied; there was no necessity of continuing the miracle: this oil may be an emblem of the grace that flows from the fulness of it in Christ, to which it is compared, which will be always flowing, as long as there is a vessel of salvation, or faith in any to receive it; (see Matthew 25: 3 John 1:14,16) ( 1 John 2:20,27).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - Elisha's miracles were acts of real charity: Christ's were so; not onl great wonders, but great favours to those for whom they were wrought God magnifies his goodness with his power. Elisha readily received poor widow's complaint. Those that leave their families under a load of debt, know not what trouble they cause. It is the duty of all wh profess to follow the Lord, while they trust to God for daily bread not to tempt him by carelessness or extravagance, nor to contrac debts; for nothing tends more to bring reproach upon the gospel, or distresses their families more when they are gone. Elisha put the widow in a way to pay her debt, and to maintain herself and her family. Thi was done by miracle, but so as to show what is the best method to assist those who are in distress, which is, to help them to improve by their own industry what little they have. The oil, sent by miracle continued flowing as long as she had empty vessels to receive it. We are never straitened in God, or in the riches of his grace; all ou straitness is in ourselves. It is our faith that fails, not his promise. He gives more than we ask: were there more vessels, there is enough in God to fill them; enough for all, enough for each; and the Redeemer's all-sufficiency will only be stayed from the supplying the wants of sinners and saving their souls, when no more apply to him for salvation. The widow must pay her debt with the money she received for her oil. Though her creditors were too hard with her, yet they must be paid, even before she made any provision for her children. It is one of the main laws of the Christian religion, that we pay every just debt and give every one his own, though we leave ever so little for ourselves; and this, not of constraint, but for conscience' sake. Thos who bear an honest mind, cannot with pleasure eat their daily bread unless it be their own bread. She and her children must live upon the rest; that is, upon the money received for the oil, with which the must put themselves into a way to get an honest livelihood. We cannot now expect miracles, yet we may expect mercies, if we wait on God, an seek to him. Let widows in particular depend upon him. He that has all hearts in his hand, can, without a miracle, send as effectual a supply.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 כמלאת4390 הכלים3627 ותאמר559 אל413 בנה1121 הגישׁה5066 אלי413 עוד5750 כלי3627 ויאמר559 אליה413 אין369 עוד5750 כלי3627 ויעמד5975 השׁמן׃8081
