Elisha and the widow
The story of the widow and her sons moves from death to life: the dead man of verse 1 is exchanged for the ?live on the remainder?Ein verse 7. The story is also a Passover: Children are saved from slavery, and they are saved by being locked into a house (cf Ex 12:22). There are apparent liturgical/templar themes as well: The word for ?vessel?Eis the same as the word for vessels of the temple (the word for ?jar?Ein v 2 is different); the vessels are ?brought near,?Ea verb that has liturgical connotations; oil was one of the common substances of the temple rituals. There is a simple chiasm going on:
1. Husband dead, v 1 2. ?Tell me,?Ev 2 3. Instructions, vv 3-4 (ask, go in, shut, pour out, full) 3. Obedience, vv 5-6 (shut, bring, pour out, full) 3. She ?told,?Ev 7a 1. widow and sons live, v 7b
The widow is Israel; Elisha the man-of-God, the God-man, saves Yahweh’s distressed bride.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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