This verse is a significant demonstration of God's miraculous provision through the prophet Elisha. It highlights several themes—faith, divine provision, obedience, and the power of God's word. Below is a detailed analysis based on insights from various public domain commentaries.

Contextual Overview

In the broader context of 2 Kings 4, Elisha performs several miracles, establishing his role as God's prophet. The verses before 4:44 describe the miraculous feeding of a hundred men with just a small amount of food. This event points to God's ability to multiply resources and provide for His people against the odds.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry notes that the act of providing food for a hundred men from twenty loaves serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' later miracles. He emphasizes the importance of faith in the face of insufficiency: the servant initially doubts, but Elisha, trusting in God's command, insists on setting the food before the people.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the command given to Elisha and the importance of following God's instruction. He points out how this miraculous event serves to strengthen the Israelite community’s faith. Barnes interprets the outcome—there being leftovers—as a sign of God's abundant provision, emphasizing that God often gives more than we need.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke reinforces the idea of divine bounty and underscores the cooperative relationship between God and man—man must provide what he can, and God miraculously increases it. He also highlights the significance of the leftovers, indicating God's abundance beyond immediate needs and suggesting a prototype of Christ's feeding miracles.

Key Themes for Understanding Scripture

• Divine Provision: This verse reveals God's faithfulness in meeting the needs of His people, illustrating that He can multiply even the smallest offerings.
• Faith and Obedience: Elisha's assurance in God's word encourages believers to trust in divine instruction, even when circumstances seem impossible.
• Signs and Wonders: Miracles such as this one communicate God's power and authority, serving as a testament to His ability to perform the extraordinary.

Application to Daily Life

For modern believers, 2 Kings 4:44 encourages trust in God's provision. It reflects the idea that no situation is too dire for God's intervention and inspires individuals to bring their limited resources to God, expecting Him to perform miracles. In Bible study groups, this verse can prompt discussions about moments when God provided abundantly in one's life.

In online Bible studies or personal study, this verse invites members to explore how to interpret Bible verses considering faith's role and the significance of obedience to God's word. It can serve as a reminder to seek God’s guidance in times of need, emphasizing prayer and faith as key components to experiencing God’s provision.