READ: 2 Kin. 4:18–44: … the woman conceived and bore a son a year later … no sign of life … he stretched himself out over him … the child sneezed seven times … “Take up your son” …
Here we read a very affecting history. At an advanced age, the man and woman of Shunem receive a son. Thus the divine promise spoken by Elisha is fulfilled—a miracle, as the parents see it. Yet something of unbelief remains, as expressed by the woman at first. This becomes evident later (cf. vv. 18,26).
The boy suffers a sudden illness in the field, a sunstroke. He has a severe headache, and when he is brought home, he dies on his mother’s knees.
The mother remembers the miracle by which she received this child and hopes for a new miracle. This is evident in that she does not inform her husband of the boy’s death. She does ask him for a donkey to go quickly to Elisha.
When her husband asks why she is going, she only says, “It is well.” She says the same to Gehazi when Elisha sees her coming. The LORD has not informed Elisha of the boy’s death. He lets her tell her story.
Then he hastens with her to the house, while Gehazi is sent ahead to lay Elisha’s staff on the boy’s face. But only when Elisha has prayed intensely to God and stretched himself over the boy several times does a great miracle occur.
After the raising of the widow’s son at Zarephath through Elijah’s prayer, this is the second resurrection recorded in the Bible. When Elisha calls the mother, she responds with deep emotion, gratitude, and reverence. God, who gave life, has restored it!
After this miracle follow two more miracles, showing that all life, sustenance, and prosperity come from the LORD.
Not the meal, but God is the One who gives life. We must live by what proceeds from the mouth of the LORD, as the LORD Jesus makes clear to Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:4).
What is the significance of childlessness in Israel?
Singing: Ps. 146:3