Tuesday | 14 April 2026
The account of the Shunamite woman, and the resurrection of her son, vividly illustrates the importance and implications of receiving the word of faith from the Lord’s messengers. The Scriptures record that when Elisha went to Shunem, a town situated in the plain of Megiddo, a notable woman persuaded him to come to her house to eat some food. 2Ki 4:8. Most commentators agree that this Shunamite woman was notable, or great, on account of her wealth. However, her notability was also attributable to her hospitality and spiritual sight as she recognised, distinguished, and honoured Elisha as a holy messenger.
As often as he would pass through Shunem on his ministry circuit, Elisha would turn in at the Shunamite woman’s house to eat. The woman entreated her husband to add a small upper room to their dwelling, fitted with a bed, a table and chair, and a lampstand, so that Elisha could stay with them. Evidently, they were a ‘worthy house of peace’ on account of her entreaty of, and care for, this messenger. Mat 10:11‑14. Luk 10:5‑7.
During one particular stay, Elisha directed his servant, Gehazi, to call for the woman and inquire what he could do for her on account of the hospitality that she had shown to him. The authenticity of this woman’s hospitality and care was manifest as she asked for nothing in return, confessing that she was content to dwell among her own people. 2Ki 4:12‑13. Clearly, she was not cleaving to the messenger with deceit or for advantage. In fact, it was Gehazi who observed that her husband was advanced in years and she did not have a son. 2Ki 4:14. Hearing this, Elisha personally addressed the woman, saying to her, ‘About this time next year you shall embrace a son.’ 2Ki 4:16.
Further Study:
2 Kings 4
References:
2Ki 4:8
Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food.
Mat 10:11-14
Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Luk 10:5-7
But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house’. And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
2Ki 4:12-14
Then he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Call this Shunammite woman.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to him, ‘Say now to her, “Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?”’ She answered, ‘I dwell among my own people.’ So, he said, ‘What then is to be done for her?’ And Gehazi answered, ‘Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.’
2Ki 4:16
Then he said, ‘About this time next year you shall embrace a son.’ And she said, ‘No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!’