2 Kings 4:23
And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Elisha's question, "It is neither new moon nor Sabbath," highlights that this woman isn't seeking help during a designated time of worship or communal gathering. Her simple, almost dismissive, reply, "All is well," is the truly powerful part; it reveals a profound, perhaps even desperate, contentment that belies the crisis she's clearly facing, prompting us to question what truly prompts us to seek divine intervention.
Elisha's servant is questioning a distressed woman who is insisting on going to the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. The woman's terse reply of "All is well" clearly signals that everything is not well, setting up the unfolding crisis of her son's death that Elisha will soon confront.
The Shunammite woman is clearly distressed, but her words to her husband seem calm, even dismissive. What's really going on here?
Elisha asks a very reasonable question: 'Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.' In ancient Israel, these were days set aside for rest and seeking God. People typically wouldn't undertake long, potentially difficult journeys on ordinary days unless absolutely necessary. Elisha senses something unusual about her visit request. He’s trying to understand the reason for her urgency. Her immediate, almost rote, response – 'All is well' – is a stark contrast to the tension Elisha perceives. This isn't just a casual visit; it's a woman driven by a desperate need, but choosing her words carefully.
Why didn't she just tell her husband the truth? Her response reveals a deeper strategy at play.
The Shunammite woman is in a deeply painful situation – her son has just died (as we learn in the verses immediately following). She knows her husband. She knows how he might react. Telling him the full, devastating truth might lead to panic, despair, or perhaps even his prohibition of seeking Elisha. Her simple 'All is well' is not a lie, but a masterful understatement. It's a way to navigate a difficult conversation without causing immediate alarm, buying her the freedom to pursue the solution she believes in: seeking the prophet. It’s a strategic choice to protect her mission and manage the emotional fallout.
Understand the original words
chodesh · Hebrew Noun
The monthly festival beginning with the appearance of the new moon, associated with sacrifices and special worship in Israelite religious life.
shabbat · Hebrew Noun
The seventh day of the week, sanctified by God as a holy day of rest and cessation from labor, rooted in the creation account and later codified in the Decalogue.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew idiom ("shalom") meaning peace, completeness, soundness, welfare, or health; often used to convey that one is in a state of well-being or harmony with God and circumstances.
The conversation in this verse takes place after a profound miracle – the resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son. The father's question, 'Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath,' highlights that this visit isn't for a regular religious observance, but a pressing personal matter, underscoring the depth of the crisis she is facing and her continued faith in Elisha's intervention.
c. 9th Century BC
Elisha's Ministry Flourishes
Elisha is actively prophesying and performing miracles, building on Elijah's legacy. He is a recognized figure of spiritual authority in Israel.
c. 9th Century BC
Shunammite Woman's Hospitality
A wealthy Shunammite woman and her husband show extraordinary kindness to Elisha, providing him with a dedicated room. This establishes a deep bond.
c. 9th Century BC
Prophecy of a Son
Elisha, in gratitude for their hospitality, prophesies that the barren Shunammite woman will have a son within a year.
c. 9th Century BC
Son's Tragic Death
The prophesied son grows up but tragically dies in the field. The grieving mother seeks out Elisha, demonstrating her trust in him.
This passage shows Hannah, in deep distress, explaining her sorrow to Eli, similar to how the Shunammite woman is initially evasive about her troubles but ultimately seeking help from Elisha.
Proverbs 15:13This verse states that a 'broken spirit dries up the bones,' reflecting the Shunammite woman's internal turmoil despite her outward declaration that 'All is well.'
John 11:3Here, Martha and Mary send word to Jesus about their brother's illness, stating 'Lord, he whom you love is ill,' which parallels the Shunammite woman's indirect plea for divine intervention by approaching Elisha.
2 Kings 4:26This verse directly follows, showing Elisha asking if 'All is well,' and the woman finally revealing her deep sorrow ('All is well' is not true), highlighting the tension between her initial response and the reality of her situation.
Elisha's question, "It is neither new moon nor Sabbath," highlights that this woman isn't seeking help during a designated time of worship or communal gathering. Her simple, almost dismissive, reply, "All is well," is the truly powerful part; it reveals a profound, perhaps even desperate, contentment that belies the crisis she's clearly facing, prompting us to question what truly prompts us to seek divine intervention.
Elisha's servant is questioning a distressed woman who is insisting on going to the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. The woman's terse reply of "All is well" clearly signals that everything is not well, setting up the unfolding crisis of her son's death that Elisha will soon confront.
Elisha's servant is questioning a distressed woman who is insisting on going to the prophet, even though it's not a special festival day. The woman's terse reply of "All is well" clearly signals that everything is well, setting up the unfolding crisis of her son's death that Elisha will soon confront.
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c. 9th Century BC— this verse
Elisha Resurrects the Son
Elisha travels to the Shunammite's home, prays, and miraculously brings her son back to life. This is a powerful demonstration of God's power through Elisha.
c. 9th Century BC
Famine in the Land
A period of famine eventually strikes the region, prompting Elisha to warn the Shunammite woman to flee for safety.
"And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”" — Elisha's question, "It is neither new moon nor Sabbath," highlights that this woman isn't seeking help during a designated time of worship or communal gathering. Her simple, almost dismissive, repl…
