Elisha Warns Shunammite Woman of 7 Year Famine

This incident took place some time after that recorded in ch. 4:8—37, but how long after we do not know. At the time of the restoration of the son the husband was still alive. But now there are indications that she may have become a widow. At least her husband is not mentioned, and the instructions given to leave her once prosperous home seem to be directed to one who was without the guiding help of a husband. Elisha took a kindly interest in the people whom he was called to serve. He tried to be a friend to all.

Wherever he could do something to make the lot of someone lighter and better, there he was ready to help. There were hard times ahead, and the woman was counseled to depart for a time to sojourn in some place where the situation would be easier than at her home at Shunem. He warned her of a seven year famine. This famine took place sometime during the reign of Joram of Israel, but exactly when, it is impossible to say. The woman of Shunem had learned that there are blessings in the path of obedience. The instruction given was by the direction of God, and although difficulties and hardships still lay ahead, the results would have been far worse if she had refused to obey those instructions.