The Shunammite Woman: The Power of Persistent Faith 🏡
A Presentation on Petition and Provision from 2 Kings 4:8-37
The story of the Shunammite woman is a powerful biblical account of proactive service and unwavering, expectant faith. This woman, a prominent homeowner who provided hospitality to the prophet Elisha, received two miracles because she sought not the prophet’s gifts, but the God he served.
The Prophetic Hotspot: The Promised Son
The Shunammite woman’s initial reward for her hospitality was the promise of a son, despite her husband being old. When Elisha offered to speak on her behalf to the king or the captain of the host, she gave a remarkably humble and content answer:
“And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.“ (2 Kings 4:13, KJV)
She was content in her life and community. She was not a petitioner seeking a social favor or status, but a person of integrity. Yet, Elisha, perceiving her unspoken need, promised her a son:
“And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.“ (2 Kings 4:16, KJV)
Her initial response, a plea for the prophet not to deceive her, reveals a deep, protective longing that she scarcely dared to hope would be fulfilled. The subsequent birth of the boy became her first great blessing from God.
The Return Question: The Power of Determined Clinging
The ultimate test of her faith came when the child, now grown, suddenly died. Her reaction was immediate, decisive, and focused entirely on the source of the gift: the man of God.
- Immediate Action and Silence: She laid the dead child on Elisha’s bed and immediately set out for Mount Carmel where Elisha was. Crucially, she refused to elaborate on the tragedy when asked by her husband or Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, simply stating, “It shall be well” (2 Kings 4:23, KJV) and “Peace” (2 Kings 4:26, KJV). Her focus was entirely on reaching the prophet, not wasting time or energy on human grief.
- Unwavering Petition: Upon meeting Elisha, her grief and determination boiled over. She grabbed his feet and refused to let go:
“And when she came to the mount, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?“ (2 Kings 4:27-28, KJV)
She was essentially saying, “You gave me this gift; now you are responsible for it!” She clung to the prophet, demanding his personal presence.
The Double Resurrection
Elisha first sent his staff with Gehazi, but the woman, convinced the miracle required the prophet himself, would not relent:
“And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.” (2 Kings 4:30, KJV)
Her powerful, persistent clinging faith compelled Elisha to return. The miraculous revival of her son, where Elisha stretched himself upon the body, was her second great miracle, confirming the power of her unwavering petition.
Conclusion: The Shunammite woman teaches that the faith which perseveres and clings to God, refusing to accept less than His full provision, is the faith that prevails.