The answer is: 100

2 Ki 4:43

In 2 Kings 4:43, we're drawn into the story of Elisha, a remarkable prophet known for his miracles and deep connection to God. The account of the twenty loaves of barley–sourced from a man coming from Baal-Shalishah–is a wonderful tale of abundance and divine provision despite seemingly meager offerings. Elisha instructs his servant to feed a hundred men with this modest supply, illustrating a theme we often see echoed throughout the Scriptures: God can multiply what seems insufficient into what is more than enough.

A fun parallel can be made with the New Testament story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. Both narratives invite us to reflect on how small gifts can bear great fruits when placed in the right hands. This undercurrent of multiplication and miracle returns throughout biblical accounts and often emphasizes communal sharing and trust in provisions.

Moreover, the location of Baal-Shalishah signifies one of those interconnected roles in biblical places. Interestingly, Baal-Shalishah is often thought to be a place linked with the En Gedi region or near the mountains of Gilboa, enriched by flowing resources and productivity.

This event not only highlights Elisha’s prophet-like wisdom but also engages readers in themes of generosity, faith during scarcity, and the significance of community sharing, leading us to embrace hospitality in our everyday lives. Such moments in the Bible remind us of the importance of looking beyond the "what is," to "what could be."