In this and the following verses the writer largely repeats what he has already said. With obvious satisfaction he states again the predictions of Elisha and the officer’s words of doubt, and shows again how completely the prophet’s predictions had been fulfilled.

It was by such experiences as these that the Lord was slowly drawing the children of Israel back again to faith and obedience, and to the religion of their fathers. For many years the people had been worshiping idols. Both priests and rulers were evil. Kings took a leading part in apostasy and iniquity. Injustice, immorality, intemperance, and cruelty were to be seen on every hand. Temples of worship became seats of iniquity. God’s chosen people had strayed far from righteousness and the ways of holiness and peace. They needed to learn anew concerning God, that He was kind and good, that He loved His people, and that He desired them to walk in the ways of mercy, justice, and truth.

Under Israel’s present circumstances these lessons were exceedingly hard to learn. Ordinary measures did not suffice. Therefore such men as Elijah and Elisha were sent, proclaiming messages of rebuke and appeal and working singular miracles. The result was that many were brought back again to reason and righteousness and to faith and obedience to God. Holy men of God were living out before their fellows the life and love of God, and as a consequence a new spirit and hope were coming back into the hearts and lives of men. Once more the peace and righteousness of heaven were beginning to be seen among the children of earth. The work of Elisha was not in vain.