2 Kings 4:25

KJV

So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunammite:

KJV (with Strong's)

So she went {H3212} and came {H935} unto the man {H376} of God {H430} to mount {H2022} Carmel {H3760}. And it came to pass, when the man {H376} of God {H430} saw her afar off {H7200}, that he said {H559} to Gehazi {H1522} his servant {H5288}, Behold, yonder is that {H1975} Shunammite {H7767}:

Complete Jewish Bible

She set out and came to the man of God on Mount Karmel. When the man of God saw her in the distance, he said to Geichazi his servant, "Look, here comes that Shunamit.

Berean Standard Bible

So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite woman.

American Standard Version

So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is the Shunammite:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:25 captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of the Shunammite woman, illustrating her profound determination and unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming grief. Having just lost her miraculously given son, she embarks on an urgent and arduous journey to Mount Carmel to seek out the prophet Elisha. The verse highlights Elisha's immediate, divinely-attuned recognition of her from a distance, signaling his prophetic awareness of her presence and the profound distress she carries, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive account of Elisha's ministry and miracles in [2 Kings chapter 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). The narrative preceding 2 Kings 4:25 details the Shunammite woman's initial hospitality towards Elisha, her childlessness, and Elisha's prophetic promise that she would bear a son ([2 Kings 4:8-17](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-17 - The Shunammite's Hospitality and Promise of a Son")). The miraculous birth of the son is then followed by his sudden and tragic death, described in [2 Kings 4:18-20](/2_kings/4-18 "2 Kings 4:18-20 - The Son's Sudden Death"). Distraught but resolute, the Shunammite woman immediately decides to seek Elisha, believing he holds the key to her son's restoration. Her journey to Mount Carmel, where Elisha was residing, underscores her desperate hope and sets the scene for the dramatic confrontation and subsequent resurrection of her son that unfolds in the latter part of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets like Elisha served as vital intermediaries between God and His people, often sought out for divine guidance, healing, and intervention in times of crisis. Mount Carmel itself held significant historical and spiritual weight, notably as the site where Elijah famously confronted the prophets of Baal, demonstrating YHWH's supreme power ([1 Kings 18:19-40](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19-40 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")). For the Shunammite woman, a prominent and wealthy figure in her community, the death of her only son would have been a devastating blow, culturally and personally, as it threatened her lineage and future security. Her immediate, unwavering decision to travel to the "man of God" reflects a deep-seated cultural understanding of the prophet's role and a profound personal faith in his connection to the divine, transcending conventional mourning practices.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding 2 Kings 4:25 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Persistent Faith and Desperate Hope**, as the Shunammite woman, despite her overwhelming grief, demonstrates extraordinary resolve by undertaking a difficult journey to seek Elisha, refusing to accept her son's death as the final word. Her actions embody a tenacious trust in divine intervention, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Awareness and Prophetic Insight**, seen in Elisha's immediate recognition of the Shunammite woman from "afar off." This suggests a heightened spiritual perception, implying God's prior knowledge of her distress and His preparation of Elisha for her arrival, showcasing divine providence at work. Lastly, the narrative emphasizes **Seeking the Man of God** in times of crisis, a recurring biblical pattern where individuals turn to God's appointed servants, believing in their ability to intercede with the Almighty and bring about miraculous solutions, as ultimately occurs in [2 Kings 4:32-35](/2_kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - The Resurrection of the Shunammite's Son").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"man of God" (Hebrew, _'ish ha'elohim'_):** This recurring title in the Old Testament is a significant designation for prophets and individuals specially chosen and empowered by God to deliver His messages, perform miracles, and execute His will. It signifies divine authority, intimate communion with the Almighty, and a recognized role as God's representative on earth. The Shunammite woman's specific pursuit of the "man of God" underscores her belief in Elisha's unique spiritual capacity and his direct access to divine power.
* **"Shunammite" (Hebrew, _hash-Shunammīt'_):** This term identifies the woman by her place of origin, Shunem, a town in the Jezreel Valley. However, in this context, it functions as more than a geographical descriptor; it identifies the specific individual whose story is central to the narrative. Elisha's immediate recognition and naming of "that Shunammite" indicates a personal relationship and a deep awareness of her identity, suggesting an intuitive understanding of her purpose in coming to him.
* **"afar off" (Hebrew, _mēraḥōq'_):** This phrase emphasizes the distance from which Elisha perceived the Shunammite woman. It highlights Elisha's keen observation, which may have been supernaturally enhanced, signaling his prophetic sensitivity and God's prior preparation for her arrival. This detail adds to the dramatic tension, as Elisha's recognition precedes any verbal communication, hinting at the profound nature of the crisis she is bringing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel.":** This clause highlights the Shunammite woman's immediate, decisive, and purposeful action. Despite her profound grief and the considerable distance, her determination to reach Elisha on Mount Carmel demonstrates her unwavering faith and desperate hope that he, as God's chosen servant, could intervene in her seemingly hopeless situation. Her journey is not merely physical but also a testament to her spiritual resolve.
* **"And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunammite:":** This segment reveals Elisha's prophetic insight and immediate awareness. His ability to recognize her from a distance, even before she drew near, suggests a divine prompting or a heightened spiritual perception. His instruction to Gehazi, specifically identifying "that Shunammite," indicates that he not only recognized her physically but also understood the significance of her unexpected arrival, anticipating the profound need she carried.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices**. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Elisha's immediate recognition of the Shunammite from "afar off" implicitly signals that he is divinely prepared for her arrival and the dramatic, life-altering event that is about to unfold. This builds anticipation for the subsequent interaction. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of the son's death and the woman's profound grief, while Gehazi (and initially Elisha) is not fully appraised of the situation, creating a tension between what is known and what is yet to be revealed. The verse also contributes to **Characterization**, portraying the Shunammite woman as a figure of extraordinary resolve and faith, and Elisha as a prophet endowed with keen spiritual insight and divine awareness. The **Setting** of Mount Carmel, a place historically associated with powerful prophetic encounters, further amplifies the spiritual weight and significance of this meeting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's determined pursuit of the "man of God" in her deepest hour of need powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of seeking divine intervention with unwavering faith. Her journey to Mount Carmel, despite overwhelming grief and the apparent finality of death, speaks to a profound trust in God's ability to transcend human limitations through His chosen instruments. Elisha's immediate recognition of her from afar further underscores God's omniscience and compassionate awareness of human suffering, even before a cry is uttered. This narrative reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with our sorrows and that persistent, faith-filled pursuit of Him, or His appointed representatives, is often met with divine attention and miraculous response. It points to a God who is not distant but actively engaged in the lives of His people, ready to meet them in their most desperate moments.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")
* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith and Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Shunammite woman's journey to Elisha on Mount Carmel offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing overwhelming circumstances. Her immediate, resolute action to seek the "man of God" in her deepest hour of crisis serves as a powerful model for where we should turn when life's trials seem insurmountable. Instead of succumbing to despair or isolating herself in grief, she actively pursued the source of divine help. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing spiritual seeking and persistent prayer, even when our faith feels stretched to its limits. Elisha's recognition of her from "afar off" is a comforting reminder that God is intimately aware of our struggles, our unspoken pains, and our desperate needs, even before we fully articulate them. Her story challenges us to cultivate a tenacious faith that believes in God's power to intervene beyond what we can see or imagine, encouraging us to press into His presence with unwavering hope, trusting that He sees us, He knows, and He cares.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the Shunammite's immediate journey to Elisha teach us about where we should turn in times of crisis?**
* **How does Elisha's recognition of her from "afar off" encourage us about God's awareness of our struggles, even before we voice them?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a faith that is as persistent and unwavering as the Shunammite's, especially when circumstances seem hopeless or defy logical solutions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Shunammite woman go to Mount Carmel specifically?**

Answer: The Shunammite woman went to Mount Carmel because it was Elisha's known residence at the time, as indicated by the narrative. Prophets often had specific locations where they resided or ministered. Furthermore, Mount Carmel held significant spiritual weight, famously being the site of Elijah's powerful confrontation with the prophets of Baal ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")), making it a recognized place of divine encounter and prophetic power. Her decision to go directly to him, regardless of the distance or her grief, underscores her desperate resolve and her conviction that Elisha, as the "man of God," was her only hope for a miracle.

**What is the significance of Elisha recognizing her from "afar off"?**

Answer: Elisha's recognition of the Shunammite woman from "afar off" is highly significant. It highlights his prophetic insight and spiritual sensitivity, suggesting that his awareness was not merely physical but divinely enhanced. This detail implies that God had already prepared Elisha for her arrival and her profound need. It serves as a powerful demonstration of divine providence and omniscience, showing that God is intimately aware of our circumstances and sorrows, even before we approach Him or articulate our distress. This immediate recognition sets the stage for the dramatic and compassionate intervention that follows in the narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's desperate journey to the "man of God" on Mount Carmel, seeking life for her dead son, profoundly foreshadows humanity's ultimate need for the true "Man of God," Jesus Christ. Her unwavering faith in Elisha's power to intercede and bring restoration points forward to Christ, who is not merely a prophet but the very source of life and resurrection. Just as Elisha recognized the Shunammite from afar, discerning her deep need, so too does Christ possess omniscient awareness of our deepest sorrows, our unarticulated pains, and our spiritual deadness, even before we come to Him ([Matthew 6:8](/matthew/6-8 "Matthew 6:8 - God Knows Your Needs")). Her tenacious pursuit of Elisha, believing he could conquer death, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who declared Himself to be the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), offering not just physical resuscitation but eternal spiritual life to all who believe ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). He is the perfect High Priest, the ultimate Intercessor, and the one who truly takes away the sting of death, offering new life to those who come to Him in 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.

Cross-References

2 Kings 2:25

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

1 Kings 18:19

Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

1 Kings 18:42

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,