2 Kings 4:21

And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God. Then she shut the door and went out.

Study Bible

And she went up
The phrase "went up" indicates a deliberate and purposeful action. In the Hebrew context, the verb "עלה" (alah) often signifies an ascent, not just physically but spiritually or in status. This reflects the Shunammite woman's faith and determination. She is not merely moving to another room; she is ascending to a place of divine encounter, symbolizing her hope and trust in God's power through His prophet.

and laid him
The act of laying the child down is tender and intentional. The Hebrew verb "שָׁכַב" (shakab) can mean to lay down or to rest. This action signifies her belief that the child is not beyond hope. She places him in a position of rest, perhaps symbolizing her faith that God can bring peace and restoration even in death.

on the bed of the man of God
The "bed of the man of God" is significant. It is not just any bed; it is the bed of Elisha, the prophet. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a prophet's belongings were considered sacred, and this bed represents a place of divine presence and power. By placing her son there, the Shunammite woman is making a profound statement of faith, seeking divine intervention from the God whom Elisha serves.

then shut the door
Shutting the door is an act of privacy and faith. The Hebrew verb "סָגַר" (sagar) implies closing off from the outside world. This action can be seen as a way to create a sacred space, free from doubt and distraction, where God can work. It reflects her desire to protect the sanctity of the moment and her faith in God's ability to perform a miracle.

and went out
Her departure from the room signifies trust and surrender. The Hebrew phrase suggests a leaving behind of her burdens, entrusting them to God. By going out, she demonstrates her faith that the situation is now in God's hands, and she must act according to His leading, seeking Elisha for the next steps.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Shunammite Woman
A notable woman from Shunem who showed great hospitality to Elisha, the prophet. Her faith and actions are central to this account.

2. Elisha
The prophet of God who regularly visited Shunem. He had a room prepared for him by the Shunammite woman and her husband, symbolizing their respect and reverence for God's servant.

3. The Child
The son of the Shunammite woman, a miraculous gift from God through Elisha's prophecy. His sudden death sets the stage for the events in this verse.

4. The Bed of the Man of God
A significant place in the account, representing faith and hope. The Shunammite woman places her dead son here, indicating her belief in God's power through Elisha.

5. Shunem
A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman and her family lived. It serves as the backdrop for this miraculous account.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The Shunammite woman's decision to lay her son on Elisha's bed demonstrates her faith in God's power. In times of crisis, we should act in faith, trusting in God's ability to intervene.

Seeking God's Presence
By placing her son on the prophet's bed, the woman sought the presence of God. In our lives, we should seek God's presence in our trials, knowing He is our source of hope and restoration.

The Power of a Closed Door
Shutting the door signifies a private moment of faith and expectation. Sometimes, we need to shut out distractions and focus on God, trusting Him to work in our lives.

Hope in Desperation
The Shunammite woman's actions reflect hope even in desperate circumstances. We are encouraged to maintain hope and trust in God's promises, regardless of how bleak our situation may seem.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Shunammite woman's response to her son's death teach us about faith and action in times of crisis?

2. How does the act of laying the child on Elisha's bed symbolize the woman's faith in God's power? How can we apply this symbolism in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the account of the Shunammite woman parallel other biblical accounts of resurrection? What does this teach us about God's character?

4. How can we "shut the door" in our own lives to focus on God's presence and promises during difficult times?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly hopeless situation. How can the Shunammite woman's example inspire you to trust in God's power and provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 17:17-24
The account of Elijah raising the widow's son parallels this account, highlighting God's power to restore life through His prophets.

Hebrews 11:35
This verse references women receiving their dead back to life, connecting the faith of the Shunammite woman to the broader theme of faith in God's promises.

Mark 5:35-43
Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from the dead echoes the theme of faith and divine intervention in hopeless situations.