2 Kings 4:12

And he said to Gehazi his servant, "Call the Shunammite woman." And when he had called her, she stood before him,

Study Bible

And he said
This phrase indicates the authority and initiative of Elisha, the prophet. In the Hebrew context, the verb "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often signifies not just speaking but commanding or instructing. Elisha, as a man of God, speaks with divine authority, reflecting the role of prophets as God's mouthpiece in Israel.

to his servant Gehazi
Gehazi is Elisha's servant, and his name means "valley of vision" or "valley of sight." In the historical context, servants often played crucial roles in the lives of prophets, assisting them in their ministry. Gehazi's presence highlights the communal aspect of prophetic ministry, where the prophet is supported by faithful aides.

Call the Shunammite woman
The Shunammite woman is a significant figure in this narrative. Her designation as "Shunammite" ties her to the town of Shunem, a place in the territory of Issachar. This phrase underscores her identity and the personal relationship she has with Elisha. Her hospitality and faith are central themes in the surrounding narrative, illustrating the blessings that come from supporting God's work.

And when he had called her
This phrase shows obedience and respect for the prophet's command. Gehazi acts as an intermediary, a common practice in ancient times, where servants facilitated communication between their masters and others. This reflects the structured social order and the respect for prophetic authority.

she stood before him
The act of standing before Elisha signifies respect and readiness to listen. In the Hebrew culture, standing before someone often indicated a willingness to serve or receive instruction. This posture of the Shunammite woman reflects her humility and openness to the prophet's words, setting the stage for the miraculous events that follow in the narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and being a spiritual leader in Israel.

2. Gehazi
Elisha's servant, who plays a significant role in assisting Elisha but later faces consequences for his actions.

3. The Shunammite Woman
A notable woman from Shunem who shows hospitality to Elisha and is blessed with a son as a result of her kindness.

4. Shunem
A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman lived. It is significant as a place of hospitality and divine encounters.

5. The Event
Elisha instructs Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman, setting the stage for a miraculous promise and fulfillment in her life.

Teaching Points

The Power of Hospitality
The Shunammite woman's hospitality opens the door for God's blessings. We are encouraged to practice hospitality, knowing it can lead to divine encounters.

Faithful Service
Gehazi's role as a servant reminds us of the importance of serving faithfully, though his later actions warn against greed and unfaithfulness.

Divine Appointments
God orchestrates meetings and events for His purposes. We should be attentive to His leading and ready to respond to His call.

God's Reward for Kindness
The Shunammite woman's kindness is rewarded with a miraculous gift. Our acts of kindness can have far-reaching spiritual impacts.

Standing Before God
Just as the Shunammite woman stood before Elisha, we are called to stand before God, ready to receive His word and direction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Shunammite woman's hospitality reflect the biblical call to serve others, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does Gehazi's role as a servant teach us about the importance of faithful service, and what lessons can we learn from his later actions?

3. How can we recognize and respond to divine appointments in our lives, similar to the Shunammite woman's encounter with Elisha?

4. What are some practical ways we can show kindness to others, and how might God use these acts to bless both us and those we serve?

5. How can we cultivate a posture of readiness to stand before God and receive His guidance, as the Shunammite woman did before Elisha?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 17
The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath parallels Elisha's interaction with the Shunammite woman, highlighting themes of hospitality and divine provision.

Hebrews 13:2
This verse encourages believers to show hospitality, as some have entertained angels without knowing it, reflecting the Shunammite woman's actions.

Luke 10:38-42
The account of Mary and Martha emphasizes the importance of serving and listening to God's word, akin to the Shunammite woman's service to Elisha.