Elisha Promises Shunammite Woman a Son

Shunem is a town in the Valley of Jezreel, about 5 mi. (8 km.) north—northwest of Mt. Gilboa, and perhaps 16 mi. (25.6 km.) or more from Mt. Carmel, where Elisha at this time seems to have made his home (v. 25). In his journeys to and fro through the kingdom, Elisha frequently passed through this village, now Sôlem. A woman of high rank often urged Elisha to stay at she and her husband's home. To Elisha was extended the hospitality of this comfortable home. Men of God have the same needs of food and shelter as their fellows, and they appreciate the blessings of Christian fellowship and friendship. Life for a faithful servant of God is often made happy and pleasant by kindly courtesies extended to him by those whom he is here to serve.

In time she decided to build a room on their house for the prophet to stay in. Riches often make the possessor self—centered and forgetful of the needs and desires of others. But this was evidently not the case with this noble woman of Shunem. She was a great woman, but she did not lose the common touch. She lived not for herself alone but strove to make others happy. Having her own needs well provided for, she shared her possessions with others. She had her own household cares and responsibilities, but she did not allow the duties of her home to make her forgetful of the needs and comforts of Elisha and perhaps many others. On his journeys Elisha often looked forward to the pleasant hours of rest and relaxation that would be his when he arrived at the village of Shunem. Kindly hospitality helps to bring among the children of earth a little of the peace and friendship of heaven.

The Shunammite had been kind to Elisha and he would be kind to her. But what could he do to repay her for the favors she had bestowed on him? She did not need material things. But Elisha wanted to give her some token of his appreciation. A noble heart does not like to receive a favor and make no return. So he asked her what he could do for her. The question was a test question, for it would reveal exactly what was in the woman's heart. Had she received the prophet in the name of a prophet, or did she have a secret desire for some reward? He noticed she did not have a child and predicted that next year at this time she would have a son.