2 Kings 4:8 - Meaning and Application

God’s power and favor in giving a child to those who were old and had long been childless had already been shown in the cases of Abraham, Isaac, Manoah, and Elkanah. Here we see the same kind of wonder through Elisha. God gave this blessing in return for the kind welcome a good woman showed him, just as Abraham received the promise of a son after he welcomed angels.

Notice first the kindness of the Shunammite woman toward Elisha. Things were very troubled in Israel, but not so troubled that God’s prophet could not find friends wherever he went. Shunem was a town in Issachar, on the road between Samaria and Carmel, and Elisha often passed that way (2 Kings 2:25). There lived a wealthy woman there who managed her household well and was generous with guests, while her husband had enough money and trusted her wise care (Proverbs 31:11).

Elisha was too well known to pass through unnoticed. At first, he probably stayed in simple, private lodgings in the town. But this godly woman learned he was there and strongly urged him to eat with her, until she finally persuaded him (2 Kings 4:8). He was modest and did not want to burden people, and he was humble enough not to seek out the highest social circle. So it took some effort to draw him into friendship there. After that, whenever he came that way, he kept stopping at her house.

She was so pleased to have him that she wanted not only to serve him food, but also to provide a room for him in her home so he could stay longer. She trusted that her house would be blessed because of him, and that everyone under her roof would benefit from his godly teaching and example. Even so, she would not do this without talking it over with her husband first. She would not spend his money or invite a stranger into the house without his consent (2 Kings 4:9, 2 Kings 4:10).

She explained to her husband two things. First, the man she wanted to host was a holy man of God, so he would surely bring good to their family, and God would reward their kindness to him. She may have remembered how well the widow of Zarephath was rewarded for welcoming Elijah. Second, the cost would not be great. She would build him only a small room. Perhaps they had no extra room, or none that was quiet enough for a man who spent much time in prayer and thought.

The furnishings were very plain: a bed, a table, a stool, and a lamp. There were no rich decorations, but only what he needed for rest, study, reading, and writing. Elisha was clearly pleased with the arrangement, for he turned in and stayed there (2 Kings 4:11). It seems likely that his servant stayed in the same room too, since Elisha was far from proud or grand.

Now notice Elisha’s gratitude for her kindness. He was very pleased with the peace of the room and the warmth of her welcome, and he thought about how he might repay her. Those who receive kindness should look for ways to return it. It is wrong for God’s servants to be ungrateful or to live off the generosity of others without care.

He first offered to use his influence for her at the king’s court (2 Kings 4:13). He said, in effect, “You have taken such care for us. What can I do for you? Should I speak for you to the king or the army commander? Do you have a request, a legal matter, or any need that requires help from the ruling powers?” By this time, Elisha had gained such respect that he could have helped friends in this way, though he did not use it for himself. A good person can take as much joy in helping others as in advancing personal status.

But she said she did not need any such help: “I live among my own people.” In other words, “We are comfortable as we are, and we are not looking for promotion.” It is a blessing to live among people who love and respect us, and among whom we can do good. It is an even greater blessing to be content with that and know when we are well off. Many people would be happier if they only understood when they had enough.

Later on, this Shunammite woman did need someone to speak for her to the king, though she did not need that help now (2 Kings 8:3, 2 Kings 8:4). Those who live safely among their own people should not think their position cannot change. They may be forced, as this good woman was, to live among strangers for a time. Our lasting home is above.

Elisha then used his influence in the court of heaven, which was far better. He talked with his servant about what kindness he might do for her, and he was willing to listen even to his servant. Gehazi reminded him that she had no child, though she had a good estate, and no son to leave it to. Her husband was old, so there was no human hope of changing that.

If Elisha could ask God for this gift, it would remove the one thing that was then her chief sorrow. The kindest gifts are those that fit our deepest need. Elisha sent for her at once. She stood humbly in the doorway, in her usual modest way (2 Kings 4:15). Then he told her that within a year she would have a son (2 Kings 4:16).

She had welcomed this prophet as a prophet, and now she did not get a courtier’s reward, such as being helped at court. Instead, she received a prophet’s reward, a special mercy given through prophets and in answer to prayer. The promise surprised her, and she did not want to be deceived by it. She said, in effect, “No, my lord, you are a man of God, so I trust you are speaking seriously and are not mocking your servant.” The fulfillment, within the promised time, proved the truth of his word: she gave birth to a son when Elisha had said (2 Kings 4:17).

God was building up her house in return for her kindness in building a room for the prophet. We can easily imagine the joy this brought to the whole family. Rejoice, you barren woman who never bore a child.