Topical Bible: Women: The Shunammite Woman, Who Gave Hospitality to Elisha

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The Shunammite woman is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for her hospitality, faith, and the miraculous events that unfolded in her life through the prophet Elisha. Her account is primarily found in 2 Kings 4:8-37 and 2 Kings 8:1-6.

Background and Hospitality

The Shunammite woman resided in Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar. She is described as a "prominent woman" (2 Kings 4:8), indicating her social standing and influence within her community. Her encounter with Elisha begins when she extends hospitality to him. Recognizing Elisha as a "holy man of God" (2 Kings 4:9), she persuades her husband to prepare a small, furnished room on their roof for Elisha to use whenever he passes through.

This act of kindness and hospitality is significant, as it demonstrates her discernment and respect for God's servants. Her initiative to provide for Elisha reflects a deep understanding of the importance of supporting those who carry out God's work.

Promise and Fulfillment

In gratitude for her hospitality, Elisha seeks to bless the Shunammite woman. 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). True to the word of the prophet, she gives birth to a son, highlighting God's power to fulfill promises and bring joy to the faithful.

Trial and Faith

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the child, now grown, suddenly falls ill and dies in his mother's arms (2 Kings 4:18-20). The Shunammite woman's response to this tragedy is marked by faith and determination. She lays her son on the bed of the man of God and sets out to find Elisha at Mount Carmel, refusing to disclose the child's death to anyone along the way.

Upon reaching Elisha, she expresses her distress, and Elisha returns with her to Shunem. After fervent prayer and a miraculous intervention, Elisha revives the child (2 Kings 4:32-35). This miracle underscores the power of God working through His prophets and the importance of unwavering faith in times of trial.

Later Years and Restoration

The Shunammite woman's account continues in 2 Kings 8:1-6, where Elisha warns her of an impending seven-year famine. She heeds his advice and relocates to 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 very moment, and the king orders the restoration of all her property and the income it had produced during her absence.

Legacy

The Shunammite woman is remembered for her hospitality, faith, and the miraculous events that marked her life. Her interactions with Elisha highlight the blessings that come from supporting God's work and the power of faith in the face of adversity. Her account serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness and the profound impact of a life lived in service and trust in Him.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 4:8-38
And 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.
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Library

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... prophet's staff on the dead child of the Shunammite. ... at least the sitting apartment
alike for men and women. ... impatience, could not think that a woman could, in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... thine army, and come out." Zebul promptly gave information of ... Shechem died also,
about a thousand men and women.". ... city had taken refuge, when a woman threw a ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm