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Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Why he returned to meet him, and told him, saying, The child has not awakened.

Verse Takeaways

1

Power Belongs to God, Not Objects

Commentators highlight that the failure of Elisha's staff in Gehazi's hand demonstrates a crucial principle: spiritual power does not reside in objects, formulas, or delegated authority. The staff, though a symbol of the prophet, was inert. This shows that miracles are the direct work of God, not a magical power that can be wielded through a ritual, underscoring that true power comes from God alone.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

2 Kings

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Kings 4:31

18th Century

Theologian

There was neither voice nor hearing - Compare 1 Kings 18:29.

The child is not awakened - See [Ref…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Kings 4:31

19th Century

Bishop

There was neither voice, nor hearing.1 Kings 18:29; see the margin, and Isaiah 21:7.

Th…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On 2 Kings 4:30–34

19th Century

Preacher

And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, no…

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John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Kings 4:31

17th Century

Pastor

And Gehazi passed on before them
The prophet and the Shunammite:

and laid the staff upon the face…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Kings 4:18–37

17th Century

Minister

Here is the sudden death of the child. All the mother's tenderness cannot keep alive a child of promise, a child of prayer, one given in love. But …