“You give them something to eat”

In the accounts of Elijah (1 Kgs 17:9-14) and Elisha (2 Kgs 4:42-44), there is an emphasis on the command by the prophet to give food to the people. The Lucan Jesus told his disciples: “You give them something to eat.” It is God’s command to feed the hungry, and when this is done, there will always be food, not only enough, but there will also be plenty left over. There is left over food in these stories and in the Gospel feeding accounts.

Paul also understood how God’s multiplies. Paul states: “As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.”[1]

When Paul begins, “As it is written”, he, in verse 9, is probably quoting Psalm 112:9 which says, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.” Yet I believe Paul was also inspired by verses such as Isaiah 55:10, “giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.”

Thus we learn God multiples food that is shared.

Wouldn’t this be a wonderful way to conduct our foreign policy?

[1] 2 Cor. 9:9-12.

copyrighted 2005