Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to get caught up in the miracle of the child's resurrection, but notice Elisha's deliberate, repeated actions: walking the house and stretching himself out again. This wasn't a one-and-done magical gesture; it was a persistent, focused reliance on God's power, showing that sometimes breakthrough requires renewed effort and unwavering faith.
Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha has just been called to the home of a Shunammite woman whose son has died. After being led to the room where the child lies, Elisha stretches himself upon the boy, praying fervently for his life to return. This dramatic act of prayer and faith, following Elisha's previous attempts, leads to the boy's miraculous resurrection.
We often look for a lightning bolt from heaven, but what if God's power shows up in the mundane? This story reminds us that obedience, even in simple acts, can be the conduit for miracles.
Elisha's actions—walking, stretching himself on the child—seem remarkably ordinary. There's no grand ritual, no complex prayer whispered with dramatic flair. Yet, it is precisely through these familiar movements that life is restored. This teaches us that God isn't limited to extraordinary displays. He often chooses to work through the very means we might overlook. Our faithful obedience in the everyday can become the channel through which His power flows. Don't underestimate the impact of simple faithfulness.
Seven sneezes might seem like a small thing, but in the context of resurrection, they are the sounds of life returning! This moment points to the power of persistent, God-directed effort.
Elisha stretched himself upon the child not once, but it seems as if he repeated the action until life returned. The Bible doesn't detail every moment of Elisha's prayer and effort, but the result—seven sneezes and opened eyes—speaks of a process, a persistent engagement with God's power. This isn't a passive wish; it's an active, Spirit-led endeavor. When we are faced with situations that seem dead, we are called to actively and persistently bring them before God, trusting He will bring about the breakthrough.
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This account of Elisha's miracle unfolds during a period of significant spiritual and political turmoil in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting God's power and presence amidst national struggles.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Ahab Begins
King Ahab, a controversial ruler in Israel, began his reign, marked by significant religious and political challenges. This period saw increased foreign influence and idolatry.
c. 860 BC
Elijah's Ministry Peaks
The prophet Elijah confronts Ahab and Jezebel, performs numerous miracles, and challenges the worship of Baal. His ministry often occurred during times of famine and drought.
c. 850 BC
Elisha Succeeds Elijah
Elisha, Elijah's protégé, begins his prophetic ministry, inheriting Elijah's mantle and spiritual power. He continues to serve the people of Israel, often intervening in royal affairs.
c. 850 BC— this verse
The Shunammite Woman's Son Dies
A wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem, who had shown kindness to Elisha, experiences the tragic death of her only son. This event sets the stage for Elisha's intervention.
c. 850 BC
Elisha Raises the Boy
Elisha, through prayer and divine power, miraculously restores life to the Shunammite woman's son, demonstrating God's power over death.
c. 840 BC
Syrian Raids Intensify
The kingdom of Aram-Damascus (Syria) frequently raided Israel during this period, causing significant disruption and hardship for the Israelites.
This passage shows Elijah performing a similar act of resurrection, stretching himself on the widow's son three times, mirroring the intensity and desperation of Elisha's prayer and action.
Luke 7:14Jesus, like Elisha, directly touches the deceased and speaks life, demonstrating a parallel divine power to overcome death through physical contact and a commanding word.
John 11:43The command 'Lazarus, come out!' echoes Elisha's powerful decree, illustrating the authority God grants His servants to call life back into those held captive by death.
Acts 20:10This event shows Paul reviving a young man named Eutychus who had fallen to his death, highlighting a consistent theme of life-giving power extended through the ministry of God's chosen servants.
It's easy to get caught up in the miracle of the child's resurrection, but notice Elisha's deliberate, repeated actions: walking the house and stretching himself out again. This wasn't a one-and-done magical gesture; it was a persistent, focused reliance on God's power, showing that sometimes breakthrough requires renewed effort and unwavering faith.
Elisha has just been called to the home of a Shunammite woman whose son has died. After being led to the room where the child lies, Elisha stretches himself upon the boy, praying fervently for his life to return. This dramatic act of prayer and faith, following Elisha's previous attempts, leads to the boy's miraculous resurrection.
Elisha has just been called to the home of a Shunammite woman whose son has died. After being led to the room where the child lies, Elisha stretches himself upon the boy, praying fervently for his life to return. This dramatic act of prayer and faith, following Elisha's previous attempts, leads to the boy's miraculous resurrection.
"Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes." — It's easy to get caught up in the miracle of the child's resurrection, but notice Elisha's deliberate, repeated actions: walking the house and stretching himself out again. This wasn't a one-and-do…
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Last reviewed October 2026