2 Kings 4:8-37

Elisha And The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:8).

Shunem was near a well travelled road between Mount Carmel and Jezreel, one which Elisha would use frequently. In the process he became recognised by a wealthy couple who built a small brick built room on their house for him to stay in. Having stayed there on numerous occasions, and wanting to demonstrate his gratitude, he promised the couple a son, in spite of the advanced age of the husband.

The son was duly born. But sadly when he had grown to boyhood he suffered from what was probably cerebral meningitis and died. Full of faith his mother went to Elisha, who sent his servant with Elisha's own staff to heal him, but on the servant failing he went himself. After some effort the son was raised up, and Elisha presented him to his mother.

The account splits up into three subsections:

1) A wealthy couple provide a permanent lodging place for Elisha for when he visited Shunem (2 Kings 4:8).

2) Elisha demonstrates his gratitude by promising her a son and a son is duly born (2 Kings 4:11).

3) When the son grows up he dies suddenly, and on the woman appealing to Elijah, he raises the son from the dead (2 Kings 4:18).

The major lesson behind the story is that YHWH is the living God Who has the power of life and death and is able to raise up whom He will.