2 Kings 4:22

KJV

And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she called {H7121} unto her husband {H376}, and said {H559}, Send {H7971} me, I pray thee, one {H259} of the young men {H5288}, and one {H259} of the asses {H860}, that I may run {H7323} to the man {H376} of God {H430}, and come again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She called to her husband and said, "Please send me one of the servants with a donkey. I must get to the man of God as fast as I can; I'll come straight back."

Berean Standard Bible

And the woman called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may go quickly to the man of God and return.”

American Standard Version

And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the servants, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:22 captures the Shunammite woman's extraordinary and immediate response to the tragic death of her only son. Rather than succumbing to despair, she demonstrates remarkable faith and resolute purpose, calling for the necessary provisions to embark on an urgent journey to seek the "man of God," Elisha. This pivotal moment reveals her profound conviction that divine intervention, accessible through the prophet, is her sole source of hope and restoration in the face of an otherwise insurmountable loss.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the larger narrative of the Shunammite woman and Elisha, spanning [2 Kings 4:8-37](/2-kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - The Shunammite Woman and Elisha"). The story begins with her generous hospitality towards Elisha, leading to his prophecy of a son, despite her and her husband's advanced age ([2 Kings 4:16](/2-kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son")). The miraculous birth of the boy establishes Elisha's prophetic authority and God's faithfulness. The narrative then takes a tragic turn when the boy suddenly dies in the field ([2 Kings 4:20](/2-kings/4-20 "2 Kings 4:20 - The Son's Death")). Immediately following this devastating event, the woman, instead of mourning conventionally, takes deliberate action: she lays her deceased son on Elisha's bed ([2 Kings 4:21](/2-kings/4-21 "2 Kings 4:21 - The Shunammite Woman Lays Her Son on Elisha's Bed")) and then, in the very next breath, issues the command in [2 Kings 4:22](/2-kings/4-22 "2 Kings 4:22 - The Shunammite Woman Seeks Elisha"), setting in motion her desperate but faith-filled quest for the prophet. Her actions are characterized by an unwavering focus on Elisha as the conduit for divine power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the birth of a son, especially to an elderly, previously barren couple, was considered an immense blessing and a sign of divine favor, ensuring family lineage and provision in old age. Conversely, the death of an only son was a catastrophic loss, threatening the family's future and economic security. Travel in this period was arduous; journeys from Shunem (located in the Jezreel Valley) to Mount Carmel (where Elisha often resided) would have been significant, requiring preparation, time, and typically, male escort for safety and assistance. The request for "one of the young men, and one of the asses" reflects the practical necessities of such a journey. The title "man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, _ish ha'Elohim_) was a recognized designation for prophets who served as God's spokespersons and instruments of His power, indicating the Shunammite woman's profound respect for Elisha's divine authority and her belief that he could intercede miraculously.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in [2 Kings 4:22](/2-kings/4-22 "2 Kings 4:22 - The Shunammite Woman's Urgent Quest") is **Urgent Faith and Resolve**. Despite the profound grief of losing her son, the Shunammite woman does not wallow in despair but acts with remarkable composure and immediate purpose. Her demand for transportation to Elisha underscores her unwavering belief that the "man of God" holds the key to a solution, demonstrating a deep spiritual conviction that transcends the natural limitations of death. This action also exemplifies the theme of **Seeking Divine Intervention**. Her first and only thought is to go directly to God's appointed servant, bypassing conventional mourning or human remedies. This highlights her profound understanding that her help must come from a divine source, accessible through the prophet. Finally, her resolute action embodies **Hope Beyond Despair**. Her terse, faith-filled reply to her husband in the subsequent verse, "It shall be well" ([2 Kings 4:23](/2-kings/4-23 "2 Kings 4:23 - The Shunammite Woman's Confident Reply")), further emphasizes her tenacious grip on hope, trusting in God's ultimate goodness and power even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"man of God" (Hebrew, אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, _ish ha'Elohim'_):** This is a significant and recurring title in the Old Testament, particularly for prophets like Elijah and Elisha. It signifies someone who is set apart by God, empowered by Him, and through whom God reveals His will and performs His works. The Shunammite woman's consistent use of this title for Elisha, even before this crisis ([2 Kings 4:9](/2-kings/4-9 "2 Kings 4:9 - The Shunammite Woman Recognizes Elisha")), indicates her deep respect for his prophetic office and her profound trust in his divine connection and power. For her, Elisha is not merely a wise man but God's direct representative, capable of extraordinary acts.
* **"run" (Hebrew, רוּץ, _ruts'_):** While the KJV translates this as "run," the Hebrew word often conveys a sense of urgency, haste, or swift movement. It is not merely a casual journey but a purposeful, rapid pursuit. This choice of word powerfully communicates the Shunammite woman's desperate need and her determined, immediate action. She is not simply traveling; she is rushing with a singular, focused intent, reflecting the critical nature of her mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she called unto her husband, and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the Shunammite woman's initiative and agency. Despite her immense grief, she takes charge, directly addressing her husband. Her immediate communication, rather than collapsing in sorrow, signals her resolute character and her clear, singular focus on finding a solution.
* **"Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses,"**: This is a direct, purposeful request, indicating her practical and immediate steps. She is not asking for comfort or commiseration but for the means to act. The "young men" would provide assistance, protection, and perhaps serve as guides for the journey, while the "asses" were the primary mode of swift travel for individuals over significant distances in that era. This demonstrates her foresight and determination to overcome practical obstacles.
* **"that I may run to the man of God, and come again."**: This final clause reveals the profound depth of her faith and the clear objective of her journey. Her destination is specific: "the man of God," Elisha. The phrase "come again" is particularly poignant; it implies an expectation of success and a return with a positive outcome, not merely a visit to mourn or seek solace. It is a declaration of hope and an implicit belief in Elisha's (and God's) power to reverse the tragedy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Dialogue** to reveal the Shunammite woman's character and resolve. Her direct address to her husband, bypassing any emotional preamble, immediately establishes her singular focus. The **Urgency** of her request, highlighted by the word "run" and her immediate action after her son's death, underscores the critical nature of her mission and her unwavering determination. Furthermore, the phrase "come again" functions as subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the successful resolution of the crisis, contrasting sharply with the apparent hopelessness of the situation and building narrative tension. This also serves as a strong element of **Characterization**, portraying her as a woman of extraordinary faith and practical wisdom, who acts decisively in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's actions in [2 Kings 4:22](/2-kings/4-22 "2 Kings 4:22 - The Shunammite Woman's Faith in Crisis") offer a profound theological lesson on the nature of faith in crisis. Her immediate turn to the "man of God" demonstrates a deep understanding that true help comes from God alone, often mediated through His chosen servants. Her resolute determination, despite the seemingly irreversible reality of death, exemplifies a faith that believes in God's power to transcend natural limitations and bring life from death. This narrative encourages believers to seek God urgently and persistently in their darkest moments, trusting in His ability to intervene miraculously and to restore what is lost, even when human reason offers no hope.

* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [Matthew 15:21-28](/matthew/15-21-28 "Matthew 15:21-28 - The Canaanite Woman's Faith")
* [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's example in [2 Kings 4:22](/2-kings/4-22 "2 Kings 4:22 - A Model of Faith") provides a powerful blueprint for how believers can respond to life's most devastating challenges. In moments of profound grief or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, her immediate and purposeful action teaches us to turn instinctively and urgently to God's presence and intervention. Her faith was not passive resignation but active pursuit, demonstrating that genuine hope leads to decisive action, seeking solutions beyond human capability. Her story challenges us to examine the depth of our own trust in God's power, reminding us that even in the face of death, there can be a posture of resolute hope, believing that God can work miracles through His chosen instruments and bring restoration. It calls us to cultivate a faith that is not easily deterred by circumstances but remains fixed on the divine source of all power and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In moments of profound crisis, where do I instinctively turn for help and comfort?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's "running to the man of God" translate into seeking God's presence and intervention in my own life today?**
* **What seemingly impossible situations in my life require me to act with the same urgent faith and resolve as the Shunammite woman?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active faith that trusts in God's power to overcome even the most devastating circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't she tell her husband the son was dead?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state her reason, but her actions suggest a deliberate choice to focus solely on her objective: reaching Elisha. By not disclosing the death, she likely sought to prevent her husband's potential despair or conventional mourning, which might have hindered her urgent mission. Her terse reply in the following verse, "It shall be well" ([2 Kings 4:23](/2-kings/4-23 "2 Kings 4:23 - The Shunammite Woman's Confident Reply")), indicates her singular faith and determination to seek a supernatural solution, bypassing any human or emotional obstacles. Her focus was on the "man of God" as the only one who could reverse the tragedy.

**What is the significance of her requesting "one of the young men, and one of the asses"?**

Answer: This request highlights her practical wisdom and the urgency of her mission. The "young man" would serve as an escort, providing protection and assistance on what was likely a significant and potentially dangerous journey. The "asses" (donkeys) were the primary means of swift transportation in that era, allowing her to cover ground more quickly than on foot. Her immediate and specific request for these provisions demonstrates her clear-headed resolve and purposeful planning, indicating that she was not merely reacting emotionally but was already formulating a strategy based on her faith in Elisha's ability to help.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's desperate but faith-filled quest to the "man of God" for the resurrection of her son finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Elisha, as a prophet empowered by God to perform miracles, including raising the dead, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of the ultimate Prophet and "Man of God," Jesus. The Shunammite woman's unwavering conviction that Elisha held the key to life foreshadows the world's need to turn to Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Her son's temporary restoration from death points to Christ's own definitive resurrection, which conquered death once and for all ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and Dominion")). Moreover, Jesus' compassion for those who mourn, exemplified in His raising of Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35-43 "Mark 5:35-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")) and the widow of Nain's son ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son")), reveals Him as the one with ultimate authority over life and death. The Shunammite woman's hope for her son's "coming again" is fully realized in the Christian hope of the general resurrection, where all who believe in Christ will be raised to eternal life through Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1-corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Thus, her story is a powerful testament to the faith that looks beyond present despair to the life-giving power of God, ultimately found in Christ.

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

John 11:3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Acts 9:38

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them.

2 Kings 4:26

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, [Is it] well with thee? [is it] well with thy husband? [is it] well with the child? And she answered, [It is] well.

2 Kings 4:24

Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not [thy] riding for me, except I bid thee.