SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 4:8-37
A well-to-do woman made a place for Elisha to stay with her whenever he came to Shunem. One day, he asked his servant to find out if the woman wanted anything because she has been so kind to him. The woman had no son, so Elisha told her about this time next year, she would have one.
Indeed, she did have a son who grew, but one day he got a headache. The boy died in her arms. She sent for Elisha who sent his servant ahead to heal the boy. The servant could not. When Elisha arrived, he lay upon the boy, and the boy’s body grew warm. He once again lived.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37
5) She prepared a permanent place for Elisha to stay whenever he visited Shunem. She fed him a meal every time he came, too. She knew he was a holy man of God. When Elisha asks her what does she want as a reward for this hospitality, she asks for nothing, saying she is content.
6a) The unexpected joy was God rewarding her with a son when she was old. But the boy got sick and died.
b) When he saw the woman coming, he knew immediately something was wrong. He sent his servant out to find out and then he worked to make it right.
7) He doesn’t answer our prayers when the answer is not in our best interest or not in His will. We do not know the future, but God does. He orchastrates events, and we are to trust Him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37
I love reading about miracles. There is something inherently comforting in knowing God is omnipotent.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37
The woman went out of her way for Elisha who then did the same for her.
Being barren in the ancient world was a stigma, and people were looked down upon because of it.
Many Bible Scholars suggest the boy got heat stroke since he was out working in the fields.
The woman believed Elisha could raise her son from the dead since she laid him on Elisha’s bed and left immediately to get him.
Note Elisha thought God would reveal the woman’s problems to him.
The child may have been healed by the staff if the woman had full faith to leave Elisha.
The boy was raised due to Elisha’s faith and God’s willingness to have the boy live.
Note how Jesus commanded Lazarus to come from the tomb. Here, Elisha and Elijah asked God to raise the dead.
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