Definition: And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 4:2. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious part of the story of Elijah and his servant, Jezebel. Here's what it essentially means, explained in simple terms: The Core Situation: Elisha (a prophet) is talking to a woman named Jezebel – likely a prostitute or someone involved in dishonest practices – who’s trying to trick him with false promises. She’s asking him for help, and he's refusing to give her anything. What He’s Saying: Elisha is asking her directly: “What can I do for you?” He's essentially saying, "What do you need?" Her Response – The Key Insight: She responds with a simple answer: “Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.” Putting It All Together - The Meaning: This is where it gets interesting. Jezebel isn’t asking for money or anything tangible. She's offering something very valuable – an essential item – that she possesses: oil . The Significance & Interpretation: She’s a Symbol of Deception: The oil represents something precious, something that could be used to manipulate or deceive others. Elisha's Response - A Test: Elisha's response is a test. He doesn't need her to provide anything else; he's simply acknowledging her existence and her offering. It suggests he’s recognizing her as a deceptive person. The Beginning of Elijah’s Journey: This encounter is a crucial starting point for Elijah's journey – it establishes the theme that even seemingly small things can have profound significance, and that sometimes deception is the key to uncovering truth. In short, this verse highlights Jezebel’s dishonesty and her attempt to manipulate Elisha through trickery. It sets the stage for a larger conflict and ultimately leads to Elijah's powerful actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind the oil?