The Shunammite woman is a notable figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. She is remembered for her faith, hospitality, and the miraculous events that surrounded her life through the ministry of the prophet Elisha.

Biblical Account

The primary account of the Shunammite woman is found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. She is described as a wealthy and influential woman from the town of Shunem, located in the territory of Issachar. Her account begins when Elisha, the prophet, frequently passes through Shunem. Recognizing him as a "holy man of God," she persuades her husband to prepare a small room for Elisha to stay whenever he visits (2 Kings 4:9-10).

In gratitude for her hospitality, Elisha desires to bless her. Despite her contentment and lack of requests, Elisha's servant Gehazi notes that she has no son and her husband is old. Elisha prophesies that she will embrace a son by the following year, a promise that comes to pass (2 Kings 4:16-17).

Tragedy strikes when the child, now grown, suddenly falls ill and dies. The Shunammite woman, demonstrating remarkable faith and composure, lays the child on Elisha's bed and sets out to find the prophet at Mount Carmel. Upon reaching Elisha, she clings to his feet, expressing her distress. Elisha sends Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay on the boy's face, but it is only when Elisha himself arrives and prays over the child that the boy is miraculously revived (2 Kings 4:32-35).

Further Interaction with Elisha

The Shunammite woman appears again in 2 Kings 8:1-6. Elisha warns her of a coming seven-year famine, advising her to leave the land temporarily. She heeds his warning and resides in the land of the Philistines for seven years. Upon her return, she appeals to the king for the restoration of her house and land. Providentially, Gehazi is recounting to the king the miracles performed by Elisha, including the resurrection of her son, at the very moment she arrives. The king, moved by her account, orders the restoration of all her property and the produce of the fields from the day she left until her return (2 Kings 8:5-6).

Theological Significance

The Shunammite woman's account is rich with themes of faith, divine providence, and the power of God working through His prophets. Her interactions with Elisha highlight the importance of hospitality and the blessings that flow from recognizing and supporting God's servants. Her unwavering faith, even in the face of personal tragedy, serves as a powerful example of trust in God's promises and His ability to bring life from death.

Cultural and Historical Context

Shunem, the Shunammite's hometown, was a village in the Jezreel Valley, strategically located on the route between Samaria and Mount Carmel. The narrative reflects the cultural norms of ancient Israel, where hospitality was a highly valued virtue. The Shunammite's initiative in providing for Elisha underscores her discernment and generosity, qualities esteemed in the biblical tradition.

Legacy

The Shunammite woman is remembered as a model of faith and hospitality. Her account has been recounted throughout generations as a testament to God's faithfulness and the miraculous power of His prophets. Her life exemplifies the blessings that come from aligning oneself with God's purposes and the hope that emerges even in the darkest circumstances.The Shunammite

i.e. the native of Shunem , is applied to two persons: Abishag, the nurse of King David, (1 Kings 1:3,15; 2:17,21,22) and the nameless hostess of Elisha. (2 Kings 4:12,25; 36)

7767. Shunammith -- female inhab. of Shunem
... female inhab. of Shunem. Transliteration: Shunammith Phonetic Spelling:
(shoo-nam-meeth') Short Definition: Shunammite. ... of Shunem NASB Word Usage Shunammite ( ...
/hebrew/7767.htm - 6k

The Shunammite's Son.
... THE SHUNAMMITE'S SON. Many interesting stories are told in the Bible, few of which
are more touching than that of Elisha the prophet, and the Shunammite woman. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/the shunammites son.htm

The Shunammite's Boy.
... THE SHUNAMMITE'S BOY. After ... Carmel. He was tired and hungry, and, as was his
custom, he stopped at the house of a certain Shunammite woman. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the shunammites boy.htm

A Miracle Needing Effort
... 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. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a miracle needing effort.htm

On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... When Elisha sent on his servant Gehazi before him to raise the Shunammite's son
from death, I rather think he gave him these instructions: [4428] "Gird up thy ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm

The Secret of Success.
... The first principle of success is gentleness. In the 4th chapter of the 2nd book
of Kings we have this story. There was a Shunammite woman who had an only son. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlii the secret of success.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... door upon him, and went out.". In her distress, the Shunammite determined
to go to Elisha for help. The prophet was then at Mount ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work
... When Gehazi followed Elisha's command and as he went to the home of the Shunammite
saluted no one he became the forerunner of life to the child. ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/definiteness of purpose in christian.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... position. Such names as that of Huldah the prophetess, and the idyllic narrative
of the Shunammite, will readily occur to the memory. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

The Example of Jesus; How we May Allow Ourselves to be Served by ...
... Many holy women, again, ministered to holy men of their substance, as the Shunammite
woman ministered to Elisha; but she did not live with him, but the prophet ...
/.../clement/two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xv the example of jesus.htm

Infant Salvation
... consolation may be afforded to them. This good Shunammite was asked by Gehazi,
whether it was well with herself. She was mourning over a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

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