And Elisha declared, "At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms." "No, my lord," she said. "Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God." And Elisha declaredElisha, the successor of Elijah, is a prominent prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His ministry is marked by miracles and acts of compassion, reflecting God's power and presence among His people. Elisha's declaration is authoritative, indicating his role as a spokesperson for God. Prophets often delivered messages that were direct and carried divine authority, as seen in other instances like Nathan's confrontation with David ( 2 Samuel 12:7). At this time next year
This phrase indicates a specific prophetic timeline, similar to God's promise to Abraham and Sarah regarding the birth of Isaac (Genesis 18:10). It underscores the certainty and divine timing of God's promises, emphasizing that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule. you will hold a son in your arms
The promise of a son is significant in the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where having a male heir was crucial for inheritance and family lineage. This promise mirrors other miraculous births in Scripture, such as Isaac, Samuel, and John the Baptist, each playing a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan. The son symbolizes hope and the continuation of God's covenant promises. “No, my lord,” she said
The Shunammite woman's response reflects a mix of disbelief and reverence. Addressing Elisha as "my lord" shows respect for his prophetic office. Her reaction is reminiscent of Sarah's laughter in Genesis 18:12, highlighting a common human response to seemingly impossible promises. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.”
Her plea reveals her vulnerability and fear of disappointment. The term "man of God" acknowledges Elisha's divine authority and connection to God. This phrase underscores the deep trust and expectation placed on prophets, as well as the human struggle with faith and doubt. The woman's request not to be deceived echoes the desire for truth and reliability in God's promises, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God who succeeded Elijah. Known for performing miracles and being a conduit of God's power and messages. 2. Shunammite WomanA wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who showed kindness to Elisha by providing him with a place to stay. She is central to this account as the recipient of Elisha's prophecy. 3. ShunemA town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman lived. It is significant as the setting for this miraculous event. 4. Prophecy of a SonThe event where Elisha prophesies that the Shunammite woman will have a son, despite her initial disbelief. 5. Man of GodA term used to refer to prophets like Elisha, emphasizing their role as messengers and representatives of God's will. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesDespite her initial disbelief, the Shunammite woman's account encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. Hospitality and BlessingThe Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha demonstrates how acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings from God. God's TimingThe prophecy's fulfillment "at this time next year" reminds us that God's timing is perfect and often requires patience and trust. Role of ProphetsElisha's role as a "man of God" underscores the importance of spiritual leaders who convey God's messages and guide His people. Miracles and FaithThe miraculous birth of the Shunammite woman's son illustrates the power of faith and God's ability to work beyond human limitations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Shunammite woman's initial reaction to Elisha's prophecy reflect common human responses to seemingly impossible promises from God? 2. In what ways can we practice hospitality in our own lives, and how might this open us to receiving God's blessings? 3. How does the account of the Shunammite woman encourage us to trust in God's timing, especially when waiting for answers to our prayers? 4. What role do spiritual leaders play in our lives today, and how can we discern true messages from God through them? 5. How can we strengthen our faith to believe in God's power to perform miracles in our lives, as seen in the account of the Shunammite woman? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 18:10-14The promise of a son to Sarah, Abraham's wife, parallels the promise to the Shunammite woman, highlighting themes of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises. 1 Samuel 1:17-20Hannah's prayer for a child and the subsequent birth of Samuel mirrors the Shunammite woman's experience, emphasizing faith and God's response to human desires. Luke 1:13-20The announcement of John the Baptist's birth to Zechariah shares similarities with Elisha's prophecy, showcasing God's power to bring life and fulfill promises. People Elisha, GehaziPlaces Baal-shalishah, Edom, Gilgal, Mount Carmel, ShunemTopics FALSE, Arms, Elisha, Embrace, Embracing, Handmaid, Hold, Lie, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Mislead, Nay, O, Objected, Round, Season, Servant, TermDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 4:16 5126 arm 2 Kings 4:11-17 5733 pregnancy 2 Kings 4:14-17 1416 miracles, nature of 2 Kings 4:15-17 7773 prophets, role 2 Kings 4:16-17 5061 sanctity of life
5726 old age, attainment 2 Kings 4:16-22 5720 mothers, examples Library When the Oil Flows
'And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.'--2 KINGS iv. 6. The series of miracles ascribed to Elisha are very unlike most of the wonderful works of even the Old Testament, and still more unlike those of the New. For about a great many of them there seems to have been no special purpose, either doctrinal or otherwise, but simply the relief of trivial and transient distresses. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Miracle Needing Effort
'So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: 26. Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband! is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. 27. And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Infant Salvation
Now, let every mother and father here present know assuredly that it is well with the child, if God hath taken it away from you in its infant days. You never heard its declaration of faith--it was not capable of such a thing--it was not baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ, not buried with him in baptism; it was not capable of giving that "answer of a good conscience towards God;" nevertheless, you may rest assured that it is well with the child, well in a higher and a better sense than it is well …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
The Voice of the Beloved Thou oughtest to seek earnestly the grace of devotion, to ask it fervently, to wait for it patiently and faithfully, to receive it gratefully, to preserve it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to leave to God the time and manner of heavenly visitation until it come. Chiefly oughtest thou to humble thyself when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion, yet not to be too much cast down, nor to grieve out of measure. God ofttimes giveth in one short moment what He …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Extracts No. Ix.
[As the objector here begins to give up his ground, his letters from this place will be given nearly entire. He commences this number as follows, viz.] "Dear sir and brother--Your reply to my seventh number has been received, and hereby duly acknowledged. I have just given it a second reading, with peculiar care and attention; and I must add, generally speaking, with peculiar satisfaction too; for as it has tended in some degree to revive my almost extinguished faith in divine revelation, so it …
Hosea Ballou—A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
"And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him." If we consider the sketch, given us in scripture, of the life of this patriarch, we shall find that few have had equal manifestations of the divine favor. But the light did not at all times shine on him. He had his dark hours while dwelling in this strange land. Here we find an horror of great darkness to have fallen upon him. The language used to describe his state, on this occasion, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Soul.
Man as we behold him is not all there is of man. He is a wonderful being. He stands in the highest order of God's creation. He Is A Compound. Man was created a physical and spiritual organism. He possesses an animal and a spiritual life. Thus he is connected with two worlds. The physical creation is termed the "outward man," and the spiritual, the "inward man." "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:16. "For we know …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 4:16 NIV2 Kings 4:16 NLT2 Kings 4:16 ESV2 Kings 4:16 NASB2 Kings 4:16 KJV
2 Kings 4:16 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
