2 Kings 4:15

KJV

And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Call {H7121} her. And when he had called {H7121} her, she stood {H5975} in the door {H6607}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha said, "Call her." After he called her, she stood in the doorway.

Berean Standard Bible

“Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway.

American Standard Version

And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:15 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Shunammite woman, where the prophet Elisha, having been shown exceptional hospitality, prepares to announce a miraculous blessing. Elisha's simple command to "Call her" and the woman's immediate, respectful appearance "in the door" signify her humble readiness to receive a divine word. This brief interaction sets the stage for the profound prophecy of a son, demonstrating God's attentive response to faithful generosity and His sovereign initiative in bestowing blessings beyond human expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the larger narrative of Elisha's ministry, specifically following the Shunammite woman's extraordinary hospitality towards the prophet. Having built a dedicated room for Elisha on her roof and consistently provided for his needs, Elisha feels compelled to reciprocate her kindness. His servant, Gehazi, identifies her barrenness as a potential area of divine intervention. The preceding verses detail the woman's initial contentment, stating she dwells "among her own people" [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Shunammite's Contentment"), suggesting she lacks nothing and desires nothing. However, Elisha's command in verse 15 immediately precedes his life-altering prophecy in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha Prophesies a Son"), where he promises her a son "at this season, according to the time of life." Thus, verse 15 acts as the crucial threshold, both literally and figuratively, between the recognition of a need and the pronouncement of a miraculous fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty and a highly valued virtue. Providing lodging and sustenance to travelers, especially prophets or holy men, was seen as an act of piety that often invited divine favor. The Shunammite woman's actions went beyond mere duty, demonstrating sustained and generous care. The social standing of women in this period, even wealthy ones, generally meant they did not directly engage with male guests, particularly prophets, in private settings without explicit invitation or through an intermediary. Her standing "in the door" rather than entering fully into Elisha's private chamber reflects cultural decorum, respect, and modesty. Prophets like Elisha were revered as direct spokespersons for God, and their words carried immense authority, making the woman's posture one of humble anticipation before a divine messenger.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles") and broader biblical theology. It highlights God's **divine attentiveness and reciprocal blessing**, demonstrating that acts of selfless generosity do not go unnoticed by the Lord, who often responds with blessings that exceed human expectation or even unspoken desire, as seen in [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul"). The woman's respectful posture embodies the theme of **humility and readiness to receive**, illustrating that a receptive heart is often a prerequisite for divine revelation and miraculous intervention. Furthermore, the verse serves as a dramatic moment of **anticipation and divine initiative**, setting the stage for one of Elisha's most profound miracles—the reversal of barrenness, a recurring biblical motif that underscores God's power over life and death and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, echoing the miraculous births of Isaac to Sarah in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise of Isaac") and Samuel to Hannah in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call (Hebrew, _qārā'_):** This verb signifies to summon, invite, or proclaim. In this context, it is a direct command from Elisha, indicating his authority as a prophet and his intention to communicate a significant message. It is not merely a polite request but an authoritative summons, preparing the recipient for a divine encounter.
* **Door (Hebrew, _petaḥ'_):** This noun refers to an opening, entrance, or doorway. Its significance here is primarily cultural and symbolic. Standing "in the door" (or "at the entrance") suggests a respectful distance, a liminal space between the private domain of the prophet and the public or semi-private space of the household. It signifies accessibility while maintaining proper decorum and humility, awaiting instruction or permission to enter further.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Call her.":** Elisha, having discerned the woman's barrenness through Gehazi, takes the initiative. His command is direct and purposeful, signaling that a significant divine word is about to be delivered. This demonstrates Elisha's role as God's agent, acting with divine authority to address a need that the woman herself had not voiced.
* **"And when he had called her,":** Gehazi, acting as Elisha's intermediary, promptly obeys the command. This swift obedience underscores the prophet's authority and the immediate execution of his will. The calling itself is an act of summoning, drawing the woman into a moment of direct engagement with the prophetic word.
* **"she stood in the door.":** This seemingly simple detail is rich with cultural and spiritual meaning. The Shunammite woman's posture reflects humility, respect, and readiness. She does not intrude but positions herself at the threshold, indicating her deference to the prophet's authority and her openness to receive whatever message he might have. It is a posture of attentive expectation, poised to hear and obey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle yet effective literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, with Elisha's concise command initiating the action, highlighting his authority and purpose. The narrative's **economy of language** is notable; the brief description of the woman standing "in the door" conveys a wealth of information about her character—her humility, respect, and readiness—without explicit commentary. This detail also functions as **symbolism**, with the "door" representing a threshold moment, a transition from a state of barrenness and unspoken need to the reception of a miraculous promise. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the divine intervention that is about to be revealed in the subsequent verses, where the miracle of a son is promised.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This brief interaction underscores profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only observant of human kindness and faithfulness but also proactively seeks to bless those who honor Him through their actions. The Shunammite's hospitality, though seemingly self-sufficient, opens a door for God's supernatural intervention, demonstrating that divine blessings often come in unexpected ways and address needs we may not even articulate. Her humble posture of readiness exemplifies the principle that receptivity to God's word and will is often a precursor to experiencing His power and provision. This narrative serves as a testament to God's abundant grace, providing far beyond what is asked or imagined, and His sovereign ability to reverse seemingly impossible situations.

* [Matthew 10:41](/matthew/10-41 "Reward for Receiving a Prophet")
* [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Angel's Promise to Zechariah")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's story, encapsulated in this simple verse, offers timeless lessons for believers. Her consistent and uncalculating generosity towards Elisha serves as a powerful reminder that our acts of kindness, hospitality, and service to God's people do not go unnoticed by the Lord. God is attentive to the heart behind our actions, and while He does not owe us anything, He often chooses to respond with blessings that far exceed our expectations or perceived needs. Furthermore, the woman's humble posture "in the door" teaches us the importance of cultivating an attitude of spiritual readiness and receptivity. In a world full of noise and distractions, are we truly listening for God's voice? Are we postured to receive His word, even when it challenges our assumptions or promises the impossible? This narrative encourages us to remain open to divine surprises, trusting that God's plans for us are often grander than our own, addressing our deepest, unspoken longings with His abundant grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shunammite woman's hospitality challenge my own understanding and practice of generosity towards others, especially those who serve God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to cultivate a posture of humility and readiness to receive from God, even if it means stepping into the unknown?**
* **Are there unspoken needs or desires in my heart that I have not brought before God, perhaps because they seem impossible? How does this story encourage me to trust in His ability to provide beyond my imagination?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha command Gehazi to "Call her" instead of speaking to her directly from the outset?**

Answer: Elisha's command to Gehazi to "Call her" (2 Kings 4:15) demonstrates several important aspects of ancient Near Eastern cultural norms and prophetic practice. Firstly, it respects the social decorum of the time, where a man, especially a prophet, might not directly summon or address a woman in private without an intermediary. Gehazi, as Elisha's servant, acts as a bridge, maintaining appropriate boundaries. Secondly, it highlights Gehazi's role as Elisha's attendant and messenger, reinforcing the hierarchical structure. Thirdly, it could also serve to build anticipation and underscore the solemnity of the moment, preparing the woman to receive a significant divine word. The prophet's authority is conveyed through his command, and the woman's immediate response "in the door" signifies her respect and readiness.

**What is the significance of the Shunammite woman standing "in the door"?**

Answer: The detail that "she stood in the door" (2 Kings 4:15) is highly significant. Culturally, it signifies respect and modesty. In ancient societies, a woman would typically not enter a man's private chamber uninvited, especially a prophet's. Standing at the threshold, or "in the door," indicates her accessibility and willingness to hear, while maintaining proper social distance. Spiritually, it symbolizes a posture of humility and readiness to receive. She is not demanding or presumptuous but is poised to hear whatever Elisha, as God's representative, has to say. This receptive stance is often a prerequisite for experiencing divine revelation and blessing, as seen throughout biblical narratives where individuals humble themselves before God's messengers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Shunammite woman and Elisha, particularly the promise of a son in response to her hospitality, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Elisha, a prophet of life, brings supernatural fruitfulness to a barren woman, so too does Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Giver of Life, bring spiritual life and fruitfulness to those who are spiritually barren. The Shunammite's hospitality, though seemingly for a transient prophet, was ultimately an act of faith that opened the door for a miraculous intervention. Similarly, our acts of faith and hospitality towards Christ and His kingdom, often expressed through service to others, are met with immeasurable spiritual blessings that transcend earthly limitations. The barrenness of the Shunammite woman can be seen as a type of humanity's spiritual barrenness due to sin, incapable of producing true spiritual life on its own. Christ, however, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, empowers believers to bear fruit for God, transforming spiritual death into vibrant life [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit"). He is the one who calls us, and when we respond with humility and readiness, standing "in the door" of faith, He promises not merely a temporary blessing but eternal life and abundant spiritual fruit [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life"). The ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to reverse barrenness is found in the New Covenant, where all who believe in Christ are made children of God, regardless of their past spiritual infertility [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Children of God Through Faith").

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.