What is the meaning of 2 Kings 4:36? Elisha summoned Gehazi - Elisha, already inside the house where the boy has just been restored to life (2 Kings 4:34-35), gives his first order to Gehazi, his servant and faithful aide (cf. 2 Kings 4:12; 2 Kings 8:4). - The act of summoning shows the clear chain of command in prophetic ministry—God speaks to Elisha, Elisha directs Gehazi. Similar prophetic delegation appears with Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21. - By involving Gehazi again—after the servant’s earlier failure to revive the child with Elisha’s staff (2 Kings 4:31)—the prophet underscores that ultimate power rests with God, not method or messenger (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:7). "Call the Shunammite woman." - Elisha’s concern shifts immediately to the mother who had trusted God enough to seek him out (2 Kings 4:22-23). - Repeating the command to “call” mirrors an earlier moment when he summoned her to promise the birth of this very son (2 Kings 4:15-16). God, who initiated life then, now restores it. - The title “Shunammite woman” keeps her identity rooted in her faith story rather than social status, much as the “widow of Zarephath” (1 Kings 17:9) or the “woman at the well” (John 4:7) are remembered primarily for their encounters with the living God. So he called her and she came - Gehazi’s prompt obedience highlights his restored usefulness; the woman’s immediate response shows humble trust. Compare the swift obedience of Abraham rising early to obey God (Genesis 22:3) and Mary’s “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). - Coming without delay suggests she expects God’s goodness even before she sees the outcome (cf. Psalm 27:13-14). Earlier she had declared, “All is well” while her son lay lifeless (2 Kings 4:26), expressing unwavering faith. Then Elisha said, "Pick up your son." - The simple directive packs the full weight of the miracle. As in Elijah’s words to the widow of Zarephath—“See, your son is alive!” (1 Kings 17:23)—the prophet steps back so the mother can experience God’s power firsthand. - “Pick up” invites physical contact, sealing the reality of resurrection. Compare Jesus’ raising of the widow of Nain’s son: “And He gave him back to his mother” (Luke 7:15). - The scene fulfills Hebrews 11:35, “Women received back their dead, raised to life again,” affirming God’s authority over death and His tender regard for families who trust Him. summary The verse captures the closing chords of a resurrection symphony: God’s prophet commands, the servant obeys, the mother responds, and the child lives. Each phrase spotlights divine order, human faith, and the Lord’s unwavering faithfulness to His word. |
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