The Great Woman Of Shunem

by TOMS, A.F. | Category: In The Time Of Elisha The Prophet | Feb 2002

When Elisha was passing through the town of Shunem, maybe on his round of visits to the sons of the prophets, a godly woman invited him into her home. She recognized him as a holy man of God. She is described in 2 Kings chapter 4 as a great or notable woman. She was great, and not only in wealth. In hospitality, in discernment, in contentment and in faith she was outstanding. With the agreement of her husband she provided a room for the prophet in their home. It contained all he needed for a stop-over visit: a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp. And Elisha greatly appreciated her kindness.

'"He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward,"' (Mat.10:41) the Lord Jesus said, and Elisha was concerned that this woman would receive her due reward. He would have spoken for her to the king, for he had the power to do so, but that was not the woman's desire at all. '"I dwell among my own people,"' she said, indicating her remarkable contentment. She was not wanting any of the king's favours.

But she did receive a handsome reward, even though she was not seeking it. To that contented couple God gave the blessing of a son, their firstborn, and that late in life. A few happy years followed and then the lad fell sick and died. The Lord gave and the Lord took away, leaving her with an aching heart and a great unanswered question as to the Lord's purpose in this. In her distress she sought out the prophet and this is where her faith shines so brightly. Her word to her husband and later to Gehazi was '"It is well,"' or as the Hebrew has it, 'Shalom', peace! How could she say that when her boy's dead body lay on the prophet's bed? Hebrews chapter 11 gives us the answer, 'By faith ... women received their dead raised to life again' (v.35). It was a wonderful demonstration of faith. She believed that the God who had given life in the first place was well able to give it again and therein lay her peace. And her faith was rewarded. In her case God gave her back her son.

It does not always happen that way, but as Mr Spafford reminds us in his lovely hymn, written not long after he lost his four girls in a tragedy at sea, God is able to give peace even in adversity; even when everything seems to be against us. And He does it by faith. Let us learn from the great woman of Shunem!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows, like sea-billows, roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

"It is well, it is well with my soul." (H.G.Spafford)

TOMS, A.F. | Feb 2002
In The Time Of Elisha The Prophet