2 Kings 4:36
Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The prophet's first, almost immediate, command to the mother is to "Pick up your son." This isn't about resurrecting him, but about taking possession of the child, as if to say, "He is yours again, claim him as if he were already alive." It highlights a profound act of faith required from her in that very moment.
Just before this, Elijah has raised the Shunammite woman's son from the dead, a powerful miracle performed after the boy had died suddenly. Now, Elijah is returning the living child to his overjoyed mother. This moment is the culmination of a series of divine interventions designed to bless this faithful woman and her family.
Elisha's servant, Gehazi, is often remembered for his greed. But here, he plays a crucial role in fulfilling a divine promise. What does this reveal about God's methods?
God Uses Unexpected Messengers
It's easy to focus on Gehazi's failings, but in this moment, he is simply a messenger. Elisha, empowered by God, has just miraculously brought the Shunammite woman's son back to life.
Elisha could have called the woman himself, but he uses Gehazi.
The Shunammite woman had a son, lost him, and now has him back. This miraculous restoration is profound. What does it mean to receive such a gift?
The Joy of Restoration
The greatest miracle here is the return of life itself. The woman's initial grief was immense, but the prophet's intervention brings unimaginable joy.
Understand the original words
Shunammith · Hebrew Proper Noun / Adjective
A woman from the city of Shunem; in this context, it refers to the woman whose son Elisha had previously restored to life.
This event occurred during a time of intense prophetic activity in the divided kingdom of Israel, highlighting God's power to intervene even amidst spiritual decline and societal unrest through faithful prophets like Elisha.
c. 900 BC
Reign of King Ahab and Jezebel
The northern kingdom of Israel was heavily influenced by Baal worship, leading to spiritual compromise and societal issues. This period sets the stage for prophetic activity.
c. 870 BC
Elisha Becomes Elijah's Successor
Elisha is called to follow Elijah, beginning his ministry as a prophet in Israel. He would become known for significant miracles and divine intervention.
c. 860 BC
Elisha's Ministry Flourishes
Elisha performs numerous miracles, including raising the dead, healing Naaman, and multiplying food. His reputation grows among the people.
c. 850 BC
The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality
A wealthy and childless woman in Shunem shows great kindness to Elisha, preparing a room for him. This act of devotion would be remembered by God.
This passage shows Elijah raising a widow's son from the dead through God's power, mirroring the Shunammite woman's situation and emphasizing God's compassionate intervention in times of grief.
Luke 7:11-17Jesus, like Elisha, compassionately raises a widow's only son back to life, demonstrating the ongoing theme of God's kingdom bringing life and hope to the sorrowful.
John 11:38-44Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead highlights God's ultimate authority over death, a power Elisha wielded through God, bringing profound joy and restoration to grieving families.
2 Kings 2:8-14Elisha receiving a double portion of Elijah's spirit, evident in his miracles, connects to this event, showing the empowered ministry through which God worked to bring about such life-restoring acts.
The prophet's first, almost immediate, command to the mother is to "Pick up your son." This isn't about resurrecting him, but about taking possession of the child, as if to say, "He is yours again, claim him as if he were already alive." It highlights a profound act of faith required from her in that very moment.
Just before this, Elijah has raised the Shunammite woman's son from the dead, a powerful miracle performed after the boy had died suddenly. Now, Elijah is returning the living child to his overjoyed mother. This moment is the culmination of a series of divine interventions designed to bless this faithful woman and her family.
Just before this, Elijah has raised the Shunammite woman's son from the dead, a powerful miracle performed after the boy had died suddenly. Now, Elijah is returning the living child to his overjoyed mother. This moment is the culmination of a series of divine interventions designed to bless this faithful woman and her family.
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c. 850 BC
Birth of the Shunammite's Son
Elisha prophesies that the woman will have a son, fulfilling God's promise and bringing great joy to the couple.
c. 849 BC— this verse
Death and Resurrection of the Son
The Shunammite's son tragically dies. The woman seeks out Elisha, who comes and miraculously restores her son to life.
c. 849 BC
Elisha's Commission to Gehazi
After raising the boy, Elisha instructs Gehazi to summon the woman, and he tells her to 'Pick up your son,' confirming the miracle.
"Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.”" — The prophet's first, almost immediate, command to the mother is to "Pick up your son." This isn't about resurrecting him, but about taking possession of the child, as if to say, "He is yours agai…
