2 Kings 4:10

KJV

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us make {H6213} a little {H6996} chamber {H5944}, I pray thee, on the wall {H7023}; and let us set {H7760} for him there a bed {H4296}, and a table {H7979}, and a stool {H3678}, and a candlestick {H4501}: and it shall be, when he cometh {H935} to us, that he shall turn {H5493} in thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please, let's build him a little room on the roof. We'll put a bed and a table in it for him, and a stool and a candlestick. Then, whenever he comes to visit us, he can stay there."

Berean Standard Bible

Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

American Standard Version

Let us make, I pray thee, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a seat, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the profound spiritual discernment and practical generosity of the Shunammite woman, who proposes to her husband the construction of a dedicated "little chamber" for the prophet Elisha. Her initiative to provide a private, comfortable space equipped with basic necessities—a bed, table, stool, and candlestick—demonstrates a deep respect for Elisha's prophetic office and a desire to facilitate his ministry, setting the stage for divine reciprocity and miraculous events in their relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of narratives in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles and Ministry") that highlight Elisha's prophetic ministry and God's powerful work through him. The immediate preceding verses introduce the Shunammite woman, a wealthy and influential figure who, recognizing Elisha as a "holy man of God" ([2 Kings 4:9](/2_kings/4-9 "2 Kings 4:9 - The Shunammite Woman's Discernment")), frequently offered him hospitality as he passed through Shunem. Verse 10 marks a pivotal moment where her hospitality transcends mere provision of meals to a more intentional, permanent commitment, establishing a dedicated space for the prophet. This act of thoughtful provision directly precedes Elisha's inquiry into how he might repay her kindness, leading to the miraculous promise of a son in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Promise of a Son") and the subsequent narrative of the son's death and resurrection in [2 Kings 4:32-37](/2_kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Resurrection of the Shunammite's Son").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious obligation, particularly towards travelers, strangers, and, significantly, prophets who often journeyed from place to place. Providing lodging and sustenance was a common expression of piety and respect. The "chamber on the wall" (עֲלִיָּה, _'aliyah_) likely refers to an upper room or a rooftop chamber, a common architectural feature in Israelite homes, often used for privacy, prayer, or quiet contemplation. Such a room, being elevated and separate, would offer solitude and peace, ideal for a prophet who required undisturbed time for communion with God, study of the Law, and reflection on divine messages. The simple furnishings listed—a bed for rest, a table for meals or study, a stool for sitting, and a candlestick for light—underscore the practical and thoughtful nature of the provision, ensuring Elisha's fundamental needs were met for his spiritual and physical well-being.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evinced in [2 Kings 4:10](/2_kings/4-10 "2 Kings 4:10 - The Shunammite's Hospitality") are **Radical Hospitality and Generosity**, demonstrating a selfless and proactive commitment to caring for God's servant beyond conventional expectations. This act is rooted in **Spiritual Discernment**, as the Shunammite woman recognized Elisha not merely as a guest but as a "holy man of God" ([2 Kings 4:9](/2_kings/4-9 "2 Kings 4:9 - Recognizing God's Servant")), understanding the sacred nature of his calling. The provision of basic, yet essential, items highlights **Thoughtful Provision**, emphasizing that true care involves meeting practical needs with intentionality. Underlying these themes is the principle of **Divine Reciprocity**, where acts of faith-filled generosity towards God's representatives often precede extraordinary blessings, as seen in the subsequent events of [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chamber (Hebrew, _'aliyah'_):** This term (עֲלִיָּה) typically refers to an "upper room" or "roof chamber." In ancient Israelite homes, these were often built on the flat roofs or as an elevated extension of the main house. Such a location provided privacy, quiet, and often better ventilation, making it an ideal secluded space for rest, prayer, or study. The specification "on the wall" implies it was an addition or extension, perhaps built specifically for this purpose, rather than just an existing spare room, highlighting the intentionality and effort involved.
* **Make (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** The verb (עָשָׂה) here signifies "to make," "to do," or "to prepare." It conveys active construction and deliberate effort. The Shunammite woman wasn't merely offering an existing space but proposing to *create* a dedicated one. This verb choice emphasizes the proactive, intentional, and sacrificial nature of her hospitality, going beyond passive reception to active provision.
* **Holy man of God (Hebrew, _'ish 'Elohim qadosh'_):** While not in verse 10, this phrase from [2 Kings 4:9](/2_kings/4-9 "2 Kings 4:9 - The Shunammite Woman's Discernment") is crucial for understanding the motivation behind the Shunammite's actions in verse 10. Her discernment of Elisha's true identity as a prophet, set apart by God, is the foundation for her extraordinary generosity. It indicates that her hospitality was not merely social courtesy but an act of reverence and service directed towards God through His servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall":** The Shunammite woman takes the initiative, addressing her husband with a polite and persuasive "I pray thee." The proposal to "make" a "little chamber" (a private, elevated room) "on the wall" signifies a deliberate, permanent, and thoughtful act of provision, specifically designed for Elisha's comfort and privacy during his frequent visits. It reflects her foresight and commitment to long-term hospitality.
* **"and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick":** This clause details the simple yet essential furnishings for the room. A "bed" for rest, a "table" for meals or study, a "stool" for sitting, and a "candlestick" for light at night. These items demonstrate a practical understanding of a traveler's basic needs and a desire to provide a self-sufficient, comfortable, and dignified space for the prophet, enabling him to live and work without imposing on the main household.
* **"and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.":** This final clause articulates the purpose and convenience of the dedicated room. It establishes a standing invitation and a ready sanctuary for Elisha. The phrase "turn in thither" implies a place of refuge and consistent availability, ensuring that Elisha always had a private, welcoming space awaiting him, allowing him to rest and focus on his divine calling without interruption or burden.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Characterization** to reveal the Shunammite woman's remarkable spiritual insight and practical piety. Her initiative, detailed in the proposal to her husband, showcases her as a woman of discernment and action, contrasting with her husband's more passive role. The listing of the simple furnishings—a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick—functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only basic necessities but also the elements of a life dedicated to study, prayer, and rest, which are vital for a prophet. These items collectively symbolize a complete provision for a man of God. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as this act of selfless hospitality sets the stage for the extraordinary divine blessings that follow, including the miraculous birth of her son and his subsequent resurrection, demonstrating God's lavish response to faithful generosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's hospitality in [2 Kings 4:10](/2_kings/4-10 "2 Kings 4:10 - The Shunammite's Hospitality") stands as a powerful testament to the biblical principle of caring for God's servants and, by extension, for all those in need. Her discerning eye recognized Elisha's unique calling, prompting her to provide not out of mere obligation but from a heart of reverence and active faith. This act embodies the broader theological truth that generosity towards those who minister or represent God is an act of worship and an investment in God's kingdom. It teaches us that true hospitality is not just about opening one's home, but about discerning needs and proactively meeting them with thoughtful provision, creating a space for spiritual flourishing and physical rest. Such acts of selfless service often become conduits for divine blessing, illustrating God's faithfulness to those who honor Him through their care for others.

* [Matthew 10:41](/matthew/10-41 "Matthew 10:41 - Receiving a Prophet's Reward")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Neglect Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's example challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active, discerning generosity. Her initiative to build a dedicated space, furnished with thoughtful necessities, speaks volumes about her respect for Elisha's ministry and her desire to facilitate his work. This isn't just about providing a room; it's about creating an environment where God's servant can rest, reflect, and be refreshed for the arduous demands of his calling. For us today, this translates into identifying the needs of those who serve, whether in vocational ministry or simply those who are weary, and responding with practical, intentional, and often sacrificial acts of love. It encourages us to consider how we can use our resources—time, talent, and treasure—to support and encourage others, particularly those who are pouring themselves out for the good of others or the advancement of God's kingdom. Our generosity, like the Shunammite's, should be born out of a discerning heart that recognizes the value and dignity of every individual, especially those consecrated to God's service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shunammite woman's "discernment" of Elisha as a "holy man of God" influence her specific act of hospitality, and what does this teach us about the foundation of true generosity?**
* **Beyond merely offering a place to stay, what is the significance of the specific items (bed, table, stool, candlestick) provided, and how do they speak to meeting holistic needs?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like the Shunammite woman, proactively identify and meet the needs of those around us, especially those serving in demanding roles, without being asked?**
* **How might our acts of hospitality and thoughtful provision, even if seemingly small, contribute to the spiritual flourishing of others and potentially open doors for God's miraculous work?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Shunammite woman build a special "chamber on the wall" instead of just offering a room in her house?**

Answer: The "chamber on the wall" (עֲלִיָּה, _'aliyah'_) likely refers to an upper room or a rooftop chamber, which would have offered Elisha a greater degree of privacy, quiet, and solitude than a room within the main part of the house. This dedicated, separate space allowed him to rest, pray, and study without interruption, respecting his need for seclusion as a prophet. It demonstrated a deeper level of thoughtful provision and honor, going beyond typical hospitality to create a truly sacred and functional space for God's servant.

**What is the significance of the specific items provided: a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick?**

Answer: The items listed—a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick—are basic necessities, yet they are profoundly significant in their simplicity and completeness. They represent the fundamental provisions for a person's well-being and productivity. The bed provides rest; the table and stool allow for meals, study, and reflection; and the candlestick provides light for evening activities. Together, these items ensure that Elisha had everything he needed for physical comfort, spiritual contemplation, and practical work, allowing him to be self-sufficient in his private space and fully equipped for his prophetic duties. This thoughtful provision underscores the Shunammite woman's deep understanding of Elisha's needs as a traveling prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's act of discerning hospitality towards Elisha, the prophet of God, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate hospitality and provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as she recognized Elisha as a "holy man of God" ([2 Kings 4:9](/2_kings/4-9 "2 Kings 4:9 - The Shunammite Woman's Discernment")) and created a dwelling for him, so too does Christ offer a dwelling place, not merely a physical room, but a spiritual home for all who believe. Jesus himself, the Son of God, became the ultimate "man of God" who "had nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), yet He constantly extended radical hospitality to the outcast, the sinner, and the weary, inviting them into His presence and His kingdom. He is the one who provides the ultimate rest (a spiritual "bed" for our souls, [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), the spiritual sustenance (the "table" of His body and blood, [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and the guiding light (the "candlestick" of His truth, [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Ultimately, the Shunammite's provision for Elisha points to Christ's own self-giving provision for humanity, where He not only provides a place for us but *becomes* our dwelling, our rest, and our light, inviting us to "turn in thither" to Him for eternal life and abundant grace ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Matthew 10:41

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.