The Shunammite Woman : Faith Unveiled

 Introduction.

In the heart of the Old Testament, nestled within the pages of 2 Kings 4:8-37, lies a compelling narrative that transcends time – the story of the Shunammite woman. A tale of unwavering faith, resilience, hospitality and the miraculous intervention of the divine. Her narrative unfolds in a way that continues to inspire and captivate readers across generations. Let's delve into the narrative and explore the timeless lessons we can glean from her remarkable journey.

“To this retreat Elisha often came, thankful for its quiet peace. Nor was God unmindful of the woman’s kindness. Her home had been childless; and now the Lord rewarded her hospitality by the gift of a son.” PK 237.3

Back ground information about Shunem.

Shunem or Shunaam as mentioned in the Bible was in the possession of the Tribe of Issachar. It was located near the Jezreel Valley, north of Mount Gilboa (Joshua 19:18).

Shunem overlooks the fertile Plain of Esdraelon (Jezreel) toward Mount Carmel more than 15 miles distant where the prophet has a home. It is just a few miles from the towns of Jezreel to the south, En-Dor to the east, and Megiddo to the west.

This episode occurs during the reign of Jehoram (or Joram), second son of Ahab and Jezebel, roughly 850 BC. From all indications, Jehoram gave lip service to God, allowing Elisha freedom to preach and travel, while granting similar freedom to pagan religions. As the writer of II Kings explains, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like his father and mother. . . . Nevertheless he persisted in the sins of Jeroboam" (3:2-3).

Shunaam is where the Philistines camped when they fought Saul, the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 28:4). 

It was the hometown of Abishag, King David's companion in his old age (1 Kings 1:1). 

The prophet Elisha was hospitably entertained there by a wealthy spiritual woman whose deceased son Elisha brought back to life. (2 Kings 4:8)

A Woman of Hospitality.

The Shunamite woman, unnamed in the biblical text, opens her home to the prophet Elisha. Her generosity is not just a fleeting act but a recurring theme in her life. Recognizing the man of God, she opens her home, providing a place for him to rest and refresh. This woman's hospitality goes beyond social norms, embodying the biblical principle of caring for strangers, later emphasized in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:2).This initial act of kindness sets the stage for the extraordinary journey that follows.

Permit me to transcribe excerpts on hospitality from the Spirit of Prophecy:

When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes palsied with selfishness. AH 447.3

To Whom Should Hospitality Be Extended?—Our social entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The Israelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the priest in the sanctuary and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to share their hospitality on all occasions of social and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home and struggling with poverty and many discouragements. AH 447.4 

Poverty need not shut us out from showing hospitality. We are to impart what we have. AH 451.3

Unwise economy and artificial customs often prevent the exercise of hospitality where it is needed and would be a blessing. CCh 155.10 

Lot did not know their true character, but politeness and hospitality were habitual with him—lessons he had learned from Abraham. Had he not cultivated a spirit of courtesy, he might have been left to perish with Sodom.  EP 99.3

The Gift of Motherhood 

Despite her spiritual and social standing and affluence, the Shunammite woman faces a heartbreaking struggle – she is childless. Elisha, sensing her longing for a child, prophesies that she will embrace motherhood. In a testament to the power of faith, she conceives and bears a son, embodying the promise of God's blessings to those who trust in Him.

A heart wrenching loss

Years passed. The child was old enough to be out in the field with the reapers. One day he was stricken down by the heat, “and he said unto his father, My head, my head.” The father bade a lad carry the child to his mother; “and when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.” 

In the face of this devastating loss, the woman's faith is put to the ultimate test. Her response to the crisis is a demonstration of profound faith, as she sets out to find Elisha, the same prophet who had prophesied her son's birth.Her resolute spirit underscores the importance of turning to God in moments of despair.

Resolute Faith and Divine Intervention

In her distress, the Shunammite determined to go to Elisha for help. The prophet was then at Mount Carmel, and the woman, accompanied by her servant, set forth immediately. “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: run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?” The servant did as he was bidden, but not till she had reached Elisha did the stricken mother reveal the cause of her sorrow. Upon hearing of her loss, Elisha bade Gehazi: “Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.”

But the mother would not be satisfied till Elisha himself came with her. “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee,” she declared. “And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.”

When they reached the house, Elisha went into the room where the dead child lay, “and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.” 

Calling Gehazi, Elisha bade him send the mother to him. “And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.” 

So was the faith of this woman rewarded. 

Christ, the great Life-giver, restored her son to her. In like manner will His faithful ones be rewarded, when, at His coming, death loses its sting and the grave is robbed of the victory it has claimed. Then will He restore to His servants the children that have been taken from them by death. “Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, ... and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.” Jeremiah 31:15-17. 

Jesus comforts our sorrow for the dead with a message of infinite hope: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” Hosea 13:14. “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, ... and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. 

Lessons for today 

 The Shunammite woman's story resonates across time, offering contemporary lessons. Her hospitality, faith, and resilience inspire us to extend kindness to others, trust in the divine plan, and persevere through life's trials.

In a world often fraught with uncertainty, the Shunamite woman's narrative encourages believers to embrace a faith that stands firm in the face of adversity. Her story challenges us to open our hearts, cultivate unwavering trust, and hold onto hope, knowing that God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing.

Conclusion

The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha and simple, sincere faith led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was certainly blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel. Still today, God often uses His people’s humble acts of service to bless both the giver and the receiver.

References.

1. https://www.brethren.org/messenger/bible-study/all-is-well/
2. https://www.gotquestions.org/Elisha-Shunammite-woman.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunem
4. Ellen G White in the book Prophets and Kings chapter 19.
5. AH - Adventist Home by Ellen G White 
6. Cch - Counsels for the Church by Ellen G White 
7. EP - Eternity Past by Ellen G White

Authored by: Zachary Nyakoe.