2 Kings 4:18-37 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.… There are times when everything goes on smoothly, and one day is like another. Again, there are times when changes come, and whole years of joy or sorrow may be concentrated into a single day. So it was with the household at Shunem. It was a hallowed day when Elisha first entered the house (ver. 8). It was a joyous day when a man-child was born (ver. 17). But most memorable of all was that day when the only son was lost and found; was dead, and received back to life again (ver. 18-37). I. MORNING JOYS. It is the harvest time. "Man goeth forth unto his work, and to his labour until the evening" (Psalm 104:22, 23). 1. We see mother and child at home. She is called "a great woman" (ver. 8). This implies not greatness in wealth, but in character (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 31:10-31). Doubtless she would show her "greatness," not only in her management of household affairs, but in her care of her child. 2. The next scene is in the harvest field. Here, too, all is joy. The father is glad at sight of his boy. His coming is not the result of command, but of his own choice. There is such love between him and his father as makes their meeting and intercourse a joy to both. They are happy together. II. Darkness, at noon. How soon may the brightest sky be clouded. How quickly may the happiest home be darkened by sorrow and the shadow of death. "We know not what a day may bring forth." 1. It is a cry raised in the midst of innocent labour. The work going on is good and not evil. It is in accordance with God's ordinance. It is wholesome and pure. Old and young may join in it freely. Such, at least, it was in the olden time, when the simplicity and purity of pastoral life were still known in the land (Ruth 2:4). And yet here death comes. There is no place safe. There is no people or work with immunity from trouble. 2. The cry brought woe to the father's heart. His son's voice was sweet to his ear. 3. Picture the sad home-coming. "Carry him." The lad obeys. What a change. He came out full of life and frolic; he is borne back helpless as a clod. Alas, how dreadful the awakening! (ver. 20). Mark her gentleness. "On her knees" — where often she had dandled him with delight. III. LIGHT AT EVENING TIME. All is not lost, since God liveth. This woman, like her countrywoman of Gospel times, was great in faith. Therefore, instead of giving way to despair, she strengthens her heart in God. 1. Mark the preparation. What promptitude and decision! 2. The long ride to Carmel. 3. The passionate appeal to the prophet (vers. 27-30). Nothing will satisfy her but Elisha. 4. The return and restoration (vers. 32-37).Hope has sprung up again in her breast. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Trials will come. In the darkest hour God can help. Here the child cries to his father, the father sends to the mother, the mother appeals to the prophet, and the prophet casts himself on God. So let us cast ourselves on Christ, our God and Saviour (Isaiah 66:13; John 11:25). (William Forsyth, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.WEB: When the child was grown, it happened one day that he went out to his father to the reapers. |
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