Topical Encyclopedia The account of the Shunammite woman is a profound example of hospitality in the Old Testament, illustrating the virtues of generosity, kindness, and faith. Her account is primarily found in 2 Kings 4:8-37 and 2 Kings 8:1-6. The Shunammite woman, though unnamed, is remembered for her significant acts of hospitality towards the prophet Elisha.Biblical Account The narrative begins in 2 Kings 4:8-10, where the Shunammite woman, described as a "prominent woman," extends her hospitality to Elisha. The Berean Standard Bible states: "One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat." Recognizing Elisha as a "holy man of God," she suggests to her husband that they prepare a small room on the roof with a bed, table, chair, and lamp for him, so he can stay whenever he visits. Her hospitality is not merely an act of kindness but a recognition of Elisha's role as a prophet. This provision of a dedicated space for Elisha demonstrates her respect and reverence for God's work through him. Divine Reward In response to her generosity, Elisha desires to bless her. Despite her contentment and lack of requests, Elisha, through his servant Gehazi, learns that she has no son and her husband is old. Elisha prophesies that she will embrace a son by the following year (2 Kings 4:16): "And Elisha said, 'At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.'" The prophecy is fulfilled, and she bears a son. However, years later, the child falls ill and dies. The Shunammite woman, in her distress, seeks Elisha, demonstrating her faith in God's power through the prophet. Elisha returns with her and, through God's intervention, raises the child back to life (2 Kings 4:32-37). Further Acts of Faith The Shunammite woman's account continues in 2 Kings 8:1-6. Elisha warns her of a coming seven-year famine, advising her to leave the land temporarily. She obeys and resides in the land of the Philistines. Upon her return, she appeals to the king for the restoration of her property. Providentially, Gehazi is recounting her account to the king at that moment, and the king orders the restoration of all her property and the produce of the fields from the day she left until her return. Theological Significance The Shunammite woman's hospitality is a testament to the biblical principle that acts of kindness and generosity, especially towards God's servants, are honored by God. Her account exemplifies the blessings that flow from a heart of service and faith. Her interactions with Elisha highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting God's work, trusting in His provision and timing. Her faith, demonstrated in her response to her son's death and her obedience to Elisha's warning, underscores a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Shunammite woman stands as a model of hospitality, faith, and perseverance, reflecting the biblical call to serve others and trust in God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 4:8And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Secret of Success. A Prophet of Peace Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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