Topical Encyclopedia
The narrative of the Shunammite woman, found in
2 Kings 4:8-37 and
2 Kings 8:1-6, serves as a profound example of divine preservation during times of judgment and adversity. Her account is a testament to faith, hospitality, and the providential care of God.
Background and ContextThe Shunammite woman was a notable figure from the town of Shunem, located in the territory of Issachar. She is described as a "prominent woman" (
2 Kings 4:8), indicating her wealth and social standing. Her encounter with the prophet Elisha marks the beginning of a series of miraculous events that underscore God's protective hand over her life and household.
Hospitality and PromiseThe Shunammite woman extended generous hospitality to Elisha, recognizing him as a "holy man of God" (
2 Kings 4:9). She persuaded her husband to build a small upper room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through. In response to her kindness, Elisha, through his servant Gehazi, promised her a son despite her husband's old age and her own barrenness (
2 Kings 4:16). This promise was fulfilled, and she bore a son the following year.
Trial and RestorationTragedy struck when her son suddenly died in the field. The Shunammite woman displayed remarkable faith and composure, laying her son on the prophet's bed and setting out to find Elisha at Mount Carmel. Her unwavering trust in God's power through Elisha is evident in her declaration, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you" (
2 Kings 4:30). Elisha's subsequent return to Shunem and the miraculous restoration of her son to life (
2 Kings 4:35) highlight God's ability to preserve and restore even in the face of death.
Preservation During FamineThe narrative continues in
2 Kings 8:1-6, where Elisha warns the Shunammite woman of an impending seven-year famine. He instructs her to leave and reside wherever she can. Obediently, she and her household sojourn in the land of the Philistines for seven years. Upon her return, she finds her land and property seized. However, God's providence is again evident as Gehazi recounts her account to the king at the very moment she arrives to appeal for her property. The king, moved by her testimony and the miraculous account of her son's revival, orders the restoration of all her property and the income from her land during her absence (
2 Kings 8:6).
SignificanceThe Shunammite woman's account exemplifies divine preservation through faith and obedience. Her life illustrates the principle that God honors those who honor Him, providing protection and restoration even amidst judgment and adversity. Her interactions with Elisha and the subsequent miracles affirm the power of God to intervene in the lives of His faithful servants, ensuring their preservation and blessing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 8:1,2Then spoke Elisha to the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go you and your household, and sojourn wherever you can sojourn: for the LORD has called for a famine; and it shall also come on the land seven years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What are the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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