I have four kids. Life was never quite even among the four of them, but we aimed to be fair. I can only imagine the outrage if the oldest had always gotten double what the others got. Think about it – a double scoop of ice cream for the firstborn, but single scoops for everyone else. Christmas morning there would be 3 presents for everyone but the firstborn who would have six. Carving out time, the oldest would get twice as much focus time than the others. How would this play out? I think it would be a nightmare! In our culture, it would be a recipe for family disfunction and drama.

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The cultural norms in Old Testament times were quite different. The firstborn did inherit a double portion. It was standard. Expected. That’s not to say it was without tension. Think of Jacob and Esau. They certainly struggled with the rights to inheritance, especially as twins. But, for the most part, the double portion of the eldest was simply standard practice. Firstborns received a double portion. This was God’s plan and showed His generosity in giving responsibility and honor to the firstborn.

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Another time that a double portion was used in Scripture was when Elkanah, the husband of Hannah, showed her extra love and favor because of her barrenness. Again, we must set aside our cultural norms to grasp the meaning and intent. Elkanah had two wives – Hannah and Peninnah (the whole story unfolds in 1 Samuel 1) – but Hannah was barren while Peninnah had children. Peninnah wasn’t kind to Hannah, so, Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion to extend to her his love and favor. In this story we see another picture of God’s generosity and His deep compassion and care for the hurting.  

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In today’s verse, we see another example of a double portion. Elijah, the prophet of Israel, is about to be taken away. Elisha knows it’s the end of his time with Elijah, and yet he continues to follow him – unwilling to let him go quite yet. Finally, Elijah turns to Elisha and asks him what he wants before he’s taken. Elisha’s response is “a double portion of your spirit on me.”  What he was really asking for was a double portion of the Spirit that rested upon and within Elijah – the Spirit of God who equipped him. It was a big ask – but Elisha was asking not for his own glory but to walk in the power of the same Spirit whom Elijah had walked and served. Elisha knew whose power he needed. Read on in 2 Kings 2 to find out what happened – it's a great story. Basically, Elijah tells him that it was a big ask, but if Elisha sees Elijah taken from him, then he will receive a double portion. And Elisha does see Elijah take up into Heaven by a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Can you imagine?! God generously gives to Elisha to equip him for ministry and care for him in the transition of losing his friend and mentor, Elijah.

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Our current series, The Life You Want, is out of Isaiah 61. In Isaiah 61:7 we read about more “double portions.” Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours (Isaiah 61:7, NIV). As you go about your week, ponder this idea of double portions and God’s generosity to us. He replaces our shame with a double portion of honor. Our God is a God of abundance and grace.

Be on the lookout this week for God’s abundance and generosity. Even in life’s challenges, He is near, and He is generous. Sometimes we are simply so focused on what we see as lacking to appreciate where He is blessing us with abundance. Ask Him for fresh eyes to see Him at work!

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Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit. Are we asking for God’s Spirit each day? Or are we trying to do life in our strength? Ask Him this week – in faith – He wants to give to those who ask (Luke 11:13).