The answer is: 100

2 Ki 4:43

In the remarkable story found in 2 Kings 4:43, we see the prophet Elisha perform an extraordinary act of provision with twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain. When presented with the question of who could be fed with so little, Elisha simply insists that it will indeed be enough—demonstrating faith in divine abundance over human logic.

It’s fascinating to note that this miraculous feeding underlines a pattern akin to what later becomes the famous Biblical theme of multiplication. Just like when Jesus feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, both narratives emphasize that abundance often exists in places where there seems to be none. Elisha confidently commands, “Give it to the people to eat!”—showing that faith is the key ingredient that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.

Interestingly, the town Baal-Shalishah translates to “Ba’al of Threes” or can imply cleverness, hinting toward the notion that wisdom and spirituality sometimes come in unexpected packages. And speaking of numbers, the 100 men here can echo communal and sharing themes interwoven throughout the scripture. An interesting factoid: ancient barley bread is known for its nutritional benefits, setting the stage for this divine act to appeal not just to need, but also health!

So, the permission to “eat it” isn't just about filling bellies—it’s propagation of hope in scarcity, a beautiful reminder that with a little faith, even the smallest offering can bring great joy and sustenance to those around us!