Then she saddled the donkey and told her servant, "Drive onward; do not slow the pace for me unless I tell you." Then she saddled the donkeyIn ancient Israel, donkeys were common means of transportation, especially for long journeys. The act of saddling a donkey indicates preparation and urgency. This woman, the Shunammite, is taking decisive action, reflecting her determination and faith. Her initiative is reminiscent of other biblical figures who took immediate action in times of crisis, such as Abraham in Genesis 22:3. and told her servant
The presence of a servant highlights the social status of the Shunammite woman, indicating she was of some means. Servants were often entrusted with important tasks, and her command shows her authority and the trust she placed in her servant. This mirrors the relationship between other biblical figures and their servants, such as Eliezer with Abraham in Genesis 24. “Drive onward;
The phrase suggests urgency and determination. The Shunammite woman is focused on reaching the prophet Elisha without delay. This urgency is similar to the haste seen in other biblical narratives, such as the Israelites' exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:11). do not slow the pace for me
Her insistence on maintaining speed underscores the critical nature of her mission. It reflects her resolve and the seriousness of her situation, akin to the urgency seen in the New Testament when Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). unless I tell you.”
This phrase indicates her control over the journey and her awareness of her own limits. It shows wisdom and foresight, ensuring that the journey is as swift as possible while still allowing for necessary adjustments. This balance of urgency and prudence is a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 21:5, which speaks to the value of diligent planning. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Shunammite WomanA notable woman from Shunem who showed great faith and hospitality. She is central to the account, demonstrating determination and urgency in seeking help for her son. 2. ElishaThe prophet of God who had previously promised the Shunammite woman a son. He represents God's power and presence in the account. 3. The ServantThe unnamed servant of the Shunammite woman, who is instructed to lead the donkey quickly. He plays a supportive role in her urgent mission. 4. ShunemA town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman lived. It is significant as the starting point of her journey to find Elisha. 5. Mount CarmelThe destination of the Shunammite woman's journey, where Elisha was located. It is a place associated with prophetic activity and divine encounters. Teaching Points Urgency in FaithThe Shunammite woman's immediate action to seek Elisha teaches us the importance of urgency in our faith when addressing spiritual and personal crises. Trust in God's RepresentativesHer journey to Elisha underscores the value of seeking godly counsel and intervention in times of need. Perseverance in AdversityDespite her distress, the Shunammite woman remains focused and determined, exemplifying perseverance in the face of adversity. Role of Supportive RelationshipsThe servant's role highlights the importance of having supportive relationships that aid us in our spiritual journeys. Faith in ActionThe account encourages believers to put their faith into action, trusting God to work through their efforts and the people He places in their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Shunammite woman's response to her crisis reflect her faith and trust in God? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate urgency in our spiritual lives, similar to the Shunammite woman's journey to Elisha? 3. How can the account of the Shunammite woman inspire us to seek godly counsel and support in our own lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can persevere in faith during challenging times, as the Shunammite woman did? 5. How does the role of the servant in this account illustrate the importance of community and support in our faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 1The account of Hannah, another woman of faith who sought God's intervention for a child, parallels the Shunammite woman's faith and determination. Hebrews 11The "Hall of Faith" chapter, which highlights the faith of individuals who trusted God in difficult circumstances, similar to the Shunammite woman's trust in seeking Elisha. James 5:16The emphasis on the power of prayer and faith, which aligns with the Shunammite woman's urgent and faith-driven actions. People Elisha, GehaziPlaces Baal-shalishah, Edom, Gilgal, Mount Carmel, ShunemTopics Ass, Beast, Bid, Donkey, Drive, Driving, Except, Forward, Lead, Orders, Pace, Ready, Restrain, Riding, Saddled, Saddleth, Servant, Slack, Slacken, Slow, Stop, Unless, UrgeDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 4:23 7398 New Moon festival
7429 Sabbath, in OT 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 4:24 NIV2 Kings 4:24 NLT2 Kings 4:24 ESV2 Kings 4:24 NASB2 Kings 4:24 KJV
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