The Way
The Shunammite Woman's Son
A gift she never asked for, a son given back
Story
As the sun went down over the fields of Shunem, a tired traveler passed by a certain house. It was Elisha, the man of God. A well-to-do woman of that house urged him to stay and eat every time he came by. The woman said to her husband, “That man is a holy man of God. Let's build a small room on the roof and put a bed, a table, a chair and a lamp in it.”
Elisha's servant Gehazi said quietly, “This woman has no son, and her husband is old.” Elisha said to the woman, who was standing in the doorway, “About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms.” The woman trembled and said, “Man of God, do not deceive your servant.” At that time the next year, a son really was born to her.
The child grew, and one day he went out to his father among the reapers. The boy cried out to his father, “My head! My head hurts!” The father told a servant to carry the boy to his mother. The boy lay on his mother's lap until noon, and then he died. The woman laid her son on the prophet's bed, rushed to Mount Carmel and took hold of Elisha's feet. Elisha went into that room, shut the door, prayed, and stretched himself out on the boy. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and the Prophets
About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms.
Did I ever ask you for a son, my lord? Didn't I tell you not to deceive me?
Pick up your son.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Kgs 4:8–37
Background
Shunem was a village at the foot of the Hill of Moreh, on the north side of the Valley of Jezreel. Mount Carmel, where Elisha was staying, lay about twenty-five kilometers to the west even at its nearest slopes, so the woman probably rode a donkey for half a day.
Pause and Reflect
Have I ever warmly welcomed someone without expecting anything in return?