2 Kings 4:13

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what [is] to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

And he said {H559} unto him, Say {H559} now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful {H2729} for us with all this care {H2731}; what is to be done {H6213} for thee? wouldest {H3426} thou be spoken {H1696} for to the king {H4428}, or to the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635}? And she answered {H559}, I dwell {H3427} among {H8432} mine own people {H5971}.

he said to him, "Tell her this: 'You have shown us so much hospitality! What can I do to show my appreciation? Do you want me to say anything to the king for you? or to the commander of the army?" She answered, "I'm happy living as I do, among my own people."

and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

Commentary

2 Kings 4:13 captures a pivotal moment in the relationship between the prophet Elisha and the wealthy, hospitable Shunammite woman. After she has shown immense kindness by providing a dedicated chamber for Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem, the prophet seeks to reciprocate her generosity.

Context

The Shunammite woman, a prominent figure in her community, had gone above and beyond in caring for Elisha, providing him with a prophet's chamber complete with essential furnishings. Elisha, deeply moved by her selfless service, felt compelled to repay her. In ancient Israelite society, access to the king or high-ranking officials was a significant privilege, often used to resolve legal disputes, gain favors, or secure protection. Elisha, as a respected man of God, possessed such influence and offered to use it on her behalf, asking, "what [is] to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host?"

Key Themes

  • Contentment and Security: The Shunammite woman's reply, "I dwell among mine own people," beautifully expresses her deep contentment and security. She was not seeking political leverage, social advancement, or material gain. She felt safe and provided for within her existing community and family structure. This highlights a profound trust in God's provision through her present circumstances, rather than through external human power.
  • Humility and Disinterest in Worldly Influence: Her response reveals a remarkable humility and lack of worldly ambition. Unlike many who would eagerly seize an opportunity for royal favor, she was satisfied with her lot. Her focus was on her established life and relationships, not on climbing the social ladder.
  • Divine Initiative: Her contentment sets the stage for a blessing she did not seek. Because she asked for nothing, God, through Elisha, initiated a miraculous provision far beyond what human connections could offer—the promise of a son, addressing her barrenness, which was a significant sorrow in that culture.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I dwell among mine own people" (Hebrew: בְּתוֹךְ עַמִּי אֲנִי יֹשָׁבֶת, b'tokh ammi ani yoshavet) conveys a strong sense of rootedness, belonging, and self-sufficiency. It implies she is not a stranger or an outsider, but fully integrated and respected within her community. This wasn't merely a statement of location but of her social and economic stability; she was well-established, secure, and had no pressing needs that required external intervention.

Practical Application

The Shunammite woman's response serves as a powerful reminder about finding contentment in our present circumstances. In a world that often encourages striving for more—more influence, more wealth, more status—her answer points to the value of being satisfied with what God has already provided and the community He has placed us in. True security and blessing often come not from what we actively pursue through human connections, but from God's unexpected grace when we live with integrity and gratitude. Her story encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and provision, knowing that He often gives us what we truly need, even before we know to ask, as seen in the subsequent miraculous birth of her son (2 Kings 4:17).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:16 (8 votes)

    The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

  • 2 Timothy 1:18 (8 votes)

    The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

  • Philippians 4:18 (7 votes)

    But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

  • Philippians 4:19 (7 votes)

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • 1 Timothy 6:8 (6 votes)

    And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

  • Hebrews 6:10 (6 votes)

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.