2 Kings 4:19

"My head! My head!" he complained to his father. So his father told a servant, "Carry him to his mother."

Study Bible

My head, my head!
This phrase is a cry of distress from the young boy, indicating a sudden and severe ailment. In the Hebrew context, the repetition of "my head" emphasizes the intensity of the pain. Historically, this could suggest a sunstroke or a severe headache, common in the hot climate of ancient Israel. The repetition also reflects the urgency and desperation of the situation, highlighting the vulnerability of human life and the need for divine intervention.

he said to his father
The boy's immediate response is to call out to his father, which underscores the natural human instinct to seek comfort and help from a parent in times of distress. This reflects the familial structure and the role of the father as a protector and provider in ancient Israelite society. It also sets the stage for the unfolding miracle, as the father's actions will lead to the involvement of the prophet Elisha.

Carry him to his mother
The father's directive to carry the boy to his mother indicates a recognition of the mother's nurturing role. In the cultural context, mothers were often the primary caregivers, responsible for the well-being of their children. This phrase also foreshadows the mother's pivotal role in seeking out Elisha, demonstrating her faith and determination. It highlights the importance of maternal care and the deep bond between mother and child, which is a recurring theme in Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Child
The son of the Shunammite woman, who was miraculously given to her by God through the prophet Elisha. His sudden illness and subsequent death set the stage for a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.

2. The Father
The child's father, who is working in the fields during the incident. His immediate response is to send the child to his mother, indicating a reliance on her care and perhaps a lack of understanding of the severity of the situation.

3. The Servant
An unnamed servant who is instructed to carry the child to his mother. This highlights the social structure and the roles within the household.

4. The Shunammite Woman
The mother of the child, who plays a central role in the account. Her faith and actions are pivotal in the unfolding of the miracle that follows.

5. The Field
The setting where the child first experiences his ailment. It represents the everyday life and labor of the family, interrupted by this crisis.

Teaching Points

Faith in Crisis
The Shunammite woman's response to her son's illness teaches us about maintaining faith and seeking God's intervention in times of crisis.

Parental Responsibility
The father's immediate action to send the child to his mother highlights the importance of parental roles and responsibilities in caring for children.

Community and Support
The involvement of the servant underscores the value of community and support systems in times of need.

God's Sovereignty
This passage reminds us of God's sovereignty and power over life and death, encouraging us to trust in His plans and purposes.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The Shunammite woman's decision to seek Elisha's help illustrates the importance of seeking godly counsel and guidance in difficult situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the father's response to his son's illness reflect the roles and responsibilities within the family? How can we apply this understanding to modern family dynamics?

2. In what ways does the Shunammite woman's faith challenge us to trust God in our own crises? Can you think of a time when you had to rely on faith in a difficult situation?

3. How does the involvement of the servant in this account illustrate the importance of community support? What are some ways we can be supportive to those in crisis within our own communities?

4. Compare this account with the account of Elijah raising the widow's son in 1 Kings 17. What similarities and differences do you see, and what do they teach us about God's character?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought godly counsel during a challenging situation. How did it impact the outcome, and what can you learn from the Shunammite woman's example in seeking Elisha's help?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 17:17-24
The account of Elijah raising the widow's son parallels this account, showing God's power over life and death through His prophets.

Mark 5:22-43
The healing of Jairus's daughter by Jesus echoes the theme of faith and divine intervention in the face of death.

Psalm 121:1-2
The psalmist's declaration of looking to the Lord for help resonates with the Shunammite woman's faith in seeking Elisha.