Studying the Old Testament Narratives Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Instructions: 

For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of Elisha and the Widow’s Oil found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.

I. Observation

A. I have read 2 Kings 4:1-7 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) 

and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library.

o Yes

o No

B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying

1. Main characters: (List them)

2. Plot: (50-100 words)

3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)

C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.

1. Who:

2. What:

3. Where:

4. When:

5. Why:

6. How:

II. Interpretation

A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you 

think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember, the Old Testament narratives frequently communicate truth by showing it to us in story form instead of telling it to us by way of teaching or sermon.

B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able 

to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.

III. Correlation

A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what 

type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length. 

B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have 

written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.

C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State 

and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.

IV. Application

What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.

A. The question of duty

B. The question of character

C. The question of goals

D. The question of discernment