MPV Commentary

1. A certain woman, one of the wives of the sons of the prophets, cried out for help. These men were allowed to marry and have families, just like priests and Levites. However, her husband's profession provided a meager income, making it difficult for him to support their family.

The creditor had come to take her two sons as bondmen because her husband was unable to pay his debts. According to the law, creditors could claim the children of insolvent debtors and force them into servitude until the year of jubilee set them free.

2-4. Elisha instructed the woman to use her only pot of oil to fill many empty vessels she would borrow from neighbors. Then, with her children nearby, she was to pour oil from her pot into each borrowed vessel. She could sell the oil to pay off her debt and then use any remaining funds to support herself and her family.

6. The miracle ceased when the woman had enough oil to settle her debt and provide for her household.