What is the meaning of 2 Kings 4:37? She came in • Elisha summons the Shunammite woman after the prophet has prayed, stretched himself over the child, and seen the boy’s life return (2 Kings 4:32-36). • Her immediate entrance shows unhesitating faith—she believes the word that her son is alive before she even sees him. Compare the ready obedience of the widow of Zarephath who does “as Elijah told her” and finds the jar of oil never fails (1 Kings 17:15-16). • Like the believer who “draws near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), she steps into the presence of God’s representative expecting mercy, not judgment. Fell at his feet • “Fell at his feet” mirrors countless moments of humble gratitude in Scripture: – The cleansed Samaritan leper “fell facedown at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him” (Luke 17:16). – Jairus “fell at Jesus’ feet” pleading for his daughter (Luke 8:41). • The posture declares, “I acknowledge that the power behind this miracle is the Lord.” Elisha is God’s servant; the woman honors the God who sent him (2 Kings 3:14; Acts 10:25-26). • Humbling ourselves positions us to receive grace (James 4:6). Bowed to the ground • Bowing underscores reverence, worship, and submission. Abraham “fell facedown” before God (Genesis 17:3), and the psalmist invites, “Come, let us worship and bow down” (Psalm 95:6). • For this mother, worship flows naturally from witnessing resurrection power. Her bow is not mere etiquette; it is heartfelt adoration of the Lord who “puts to death and brings to life” (1 Samuel 2:6). • Genuine worship follows real encounters with God’s saving acts. Picked up her son • The narrative shifts from worship to tangible restoration: “Then she picked up her son” (2 Kings 4:37). • The living, breathing child in her arms embodies answered prayer and the reliability of God’s promise given through Elisha (2 Kings 4:16). • Similar scenes: – Elijah gives the revived boy to his mother, “See, your son is alive!” (1 Kings 17:23). – Jesus delivers the widow of Nain’s son back to her, and “fear seized them all” (Luke 7:15-16). • Every resurrection scene foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Went out • Having received, she departs—no spectacle, just quiet obedience and peace. Elisha later blesses Naaman with “Go in peace” (2 Kings 5:19), and Jesus tells the healed woman, “Go in peace and be freed from your affliction” (Mark 5:34). • Her exit testifies to others in the household; the miracle cannot stay hidden. Like the demoniac of Decapolis who “went away and began to proclaim…all that Jesus had done” (Mark 5:20), this mother’s life now proclaims God’s power. • Moving forward, she carries both her child and a living testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness. Summary Each movement—entering, falling, bowing, receiving, and departing—forms a seamless picture of faith in action. The Shunammite woman approaches God’s servant with confidence, responds with humble worship, embraces the literal fulfillment of God’s promise, and walks away in peace. Her story assures believers that the Lord hears, acts, and deserves wholehearted gratitude for every work of resurrection—large or small—in our lives. |
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