So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, "Look, there is the Shunammite woman. So she set outThis phrase indicates a decisive action taken by the Shunammite woman. In the Hebrew context, the verb used here suggests a purposeful journey, reflecting her determination and faith. Her setting out is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, demonstrating her trust in the man of God and, by extension, in God Himself. This mirrors the Christian call to step out in faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance. and came to the man of God
The "man of God" refers to Elisha, a prophet who served as God's mouthpiece. In the Hebrew tradition, prophets were revered as direct communicators with God, and approaching them was akin to seeking divine intervention. This highlights the woman's faith and recognition of Elisha's role as a mediator of God's power and will. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking godly counsel and the power of prayer in the Christian life. at Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the Bible. It was the site of Elijah's famous confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), symbolizing God's supremacy over false gods. By coming to Mount Carmel, the Shunammite woman is not only seeking Elisha but is also coming to a place of divine encounter and victory. This location underscores the theme of God's power and faithfulness, encouraging believers to seek God in places of spiritual significance. When the man of God saw her at a distance
Elisha's ability to see her from afar suggests a prophetic insight, a common trait among biblical prophets. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for God's omniscience and His ability to see our needs even before we express them. It reassures believers that God is always aware of our struggles and is ready to respond to our cries for help. he said to his servant Gehazi
Gehazi, Elisha's servant, plays a supporting role in this narrative. His presence highlights the importance of service and obedience in God's work. In a broader sense, this interaction between Elisha and Gehazi can be seen as a model for discipleship, where the servant learns from the master. It encourages Christians to serve faithfully and learn from those who are spiritually mature. Look, there is the Shunammite woman
The identification of the woman as "the Shunammite" emphasizes her identity and previous interactions with Elisha. Her recognition by Elisha signifies the personal relationship and history they share, which is crucial in understanding the depth of her faith and the urgency of her visit. This phrase reminds believers of the importance of being known by God and having a personal relationship with Him, which is foundational to the Christian faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Shunammite WomanA notable woman from Shunem who showed hospitality to Elisha and was blessed with a son through his prophecy. Her faith and determination are central to this account. 2. ElishaThe prophet of God, known for his miracles and as a successor to Elijah. He represents God's presence and power in Israel. 3. GehaziElisha's servant, who plays a role in communicating between Elisha and the Shunammite woman. 4. Mount CarmelA significant location in Israelite history, known for Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. It symbolizes a place of divine encounter and revelation. 5. The JourneyThe Shunammite woman's journey to Mount Carmel signifies her urgent need for divine intervention and her faith in God's prophet. Teaching Points Faith in ActionThe Shunammite woman's journey to Elisha demonstrates active faith. True faith often requires us to take steps toward God, trusting in His power and timing. Seeking Godly CounselHer decision to seek Elisha's help underscores the importance of seeking guidance from godly leaders in times of crisis. God's Presence in Our JourneyMount Carmel, as a place of divine encounter, reminds us that God is present in our journeys, ready to meet us when we seek Him earnestly. The Role of IntermediariesGehazi's role as a servant highlights the importance of those who assist in God's work, reminding us of the value of service in ministry. Perseverance in FaithThe Shunammite woman's determination to reach Elisha, despite obstacles, teaches us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual walk. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Shunammite woman's journey to Mount Carmel teach us about the nature of faith and action in our own lives? 2. How can we apply the principle of seeking godly counsel in our current situations, and who are the "Elishas" in our lives today? 3. In what ways does Mount Carmel serve as a symbol of divine encounter in your personal spiritual journey? 4. How can we serve as intermediaries like Gehazi in our communities, facilitating others' encounters with God? 5. Reflect on a time when perseverance in faith led to a breakthrough in your life. How does the Shunammite woman's account inspire you to continue persevering? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 18Mount Carmel is where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, demonstrating God's power. This connection highlights the mountain as a place of divine encounter. Hebrews 11The Shunammite woman's faith can be compared to the faith of those listed in the "Hall of Faith," emphasizing trust in God's promises. James 5:16-18The power of a righteous person's prayer is exemplified in Elisha's life, similar to Elijah's effective prayers. People Elisha, GehaziPlaces Baal-shalishah, Edom, Gilgal, Mount Carmel, ShunemTopics Afar, Behold, Carmel, Direction, Distance, Gehazi, Geha'zi, God's, Hill, Mount, Over-against, Pass, Seeing, Servant, Shunamite, Shunammite, Shu'nammite, There's, YonderDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 4:25-31 5178 running Library When the Oil Flows
'And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.'--2 KINGS iv. 6. The series of miracles ascribed to Elisha are very unlike most of the wonderful works of even the Old Testament, and still more unlike those of the New. For about a great many of them there seems to have been no special purpose, either doctrinal or otherwise, but simply the relief of trivial and transient distresses. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Miracle Needing Effort
'So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: 26. Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband! is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. 27. And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Infant Salvation
Now, let every mother and father here present know assuredly that it is well with the child, if God hath taken it away from you in its infant days. You never heard its declaration of faith--it was not capable of such a thing--it was not baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ, not buried with him in baptism; it was not capable of giving that "answer of a good conscience towards God;" nevertheless, you may rest assured that it is well with the child, well in a higher and a better sense than it is well …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
The Voice of the Beloved Thou oughtest to seek earnestly the grace of devotion, to ask it fervently, to wait for it patiently and faithfully, to receive it gratefully, to preserve it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to leave to God the time and manner of heavenly visitation until it come. Chiefly oughtest thou to humble thyself when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion, yet not to be too much cast down, nor to grieve out of measure. God ofttimes giveth in one short moment what He …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Extracts No. Ix.
[As the objector here begins to give up his ground, his letters from this place will be given nearly entire. He commences this number as follows, viz.] "Dear sir and brother--Your reply to my seventh number has been received, and hereby duly acknowledged. I have just given it a second reading, with peculiar care and attention; and I must add, generally speaking, with peculiar satisfaction too; for as it has tended in some degree to revive my almost extinguished faith in divine revelation, so it …
Hosea Ballou—A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
"And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him." If we consider the sketch, given us in scripture, of the life of this patriarch, we shall find that few have had equal manifestations of the divine favor. But the light did not at all times shine on him. He had his dark hours while dwelling in this strange land. Here we find an horror of great darkness to have fallen upon him. The language used to describe his state, on this occasion, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Soul.
Man as we behold him is not all there is of man. He is a wonderful being. He stands in the highest order of God's creation. He Is A Compound. Man was created a physical and spiritual organism. He possesses an animal and a spiritual life. Thus he is connected with two worlds. The physical creation is termed the "outward man," and the spiritual, the "inward man." "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:16. "For we know …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 4:25 NIV2 Kings 4:25 NLT2 Kings 4:25 ESV2 Kings 4:25 NASB2 Kings 4:25 KJV
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