2Ki 4:8-20 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Kgs 4:8-37: 4:8-37 Elisha’s dealings with the woman from Shunem are presented in two parallel sections (4:8-20 , 21-37 ). Shunem was a border town in the tribal allotment to Issachar (Josh 19:18 ).

a4:8-37►

b4:8-20►

c21-37►

dJosh 19:18►

e4:9-10►

fIsa 58:7►

gHeb 13:2►

h3 Jn 1:5►

i4:11-14►

j1 Kgs 19:21►

k4:15-16►

lGen 18:9-15►

mLuke 1:6-20►

n4:18-20►

‏ 2 Kings 4:8-20

Summary for 2Kgs 4:8-37: 4:8-37 ^a Elisha’s dealings with the woman from Shunem are presented in two parallel sections (4:8-20 ^b, 21-37 ^c). Shunem was a border town in the tribal allotment to Issachar (Josh 19:18 ^d).
Summary for 2Kgs 4:9-10: 4:9-10 ^e Because the Shunemite woman recognized that Elisha was a true prophet—a holy man of God—she wished to provide hospitality for him during his frequent travels (see Isa 58:7 ^f; Heb 13:2 ^g; 3 Jn 1:5 ^h).

• A small room ... on the roof, reached by an outside stairway, assured privacy for both Elisha and his hosts.
Summary for 2Kgs 4:11-14: 4:11-14 ⁱ Elisha wanted to return some favor to his host.

• his servant Gehazi: Gehazi served as an apprentice, as Elisha had served with Elijah (1 Kgs 19:21 ^j). It would not be unusual for a prophet to consult with his attendant.
Summary for 2Kgs 4:15-16: 4:15-16 ^k Cp. similar promises and responses at Gen 18:9-15 ^l; Luke 1:6-20 ^m.
Summary for 2Kgs 4:18-20: 4:18-20 ⁿ “My head hurts!” The boy probably suffered a brain aneurysm. The woman’s faith and character were put to the test with the sudden death of her son on her lap.