2 Kings 4:26

Commentary on 2 Kings 4:26

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, immediately preceding the miraculous resurrection of her son. Elisha, sensing the woman's urgent approach, sends his servant Gehazi ahead to inquire about her and her family's well-being. Her powerful, yet enigmatic, response sets the stage for God's divine intervention.

Context

The story unfolds after Elisha, the prophet, had previously blessed a prominent Shunammite woman with a son in her old age, fulfilling his prophecy to her in 2 Kings 4:16. This child, a gift from God, suddenly dies. Distraught but determined, the woman immediately seeks out Elisha, traveling a considerable distance to Mount Carmel. Elisha, not yet fully aware of the tragedy, sends Gehazi to meet her, asking a series of questions about her family's health and peace. Her one-word answer, "It is well," spoken while her son lies dead, is a profound statement of faith and resolute purpose.

Key Themes

• Faith in Adversity: The Shunammite woman's response, "It is well," is a remarkable declaration of faith in the face of profound sorrow. Despite her son's death, she refuses to verbally acknowledge defeat, instead affirming her belief that God, through His prophet, can make things right. It is a testament to her unwavering trust in God's power and Elisha's connection to it.
• Hope Beyond Circumstance: Her answer demonstrates a hope that transcends immediate, tragic circumstances. She is not denying reality, but rather expressing a conviction that her ultimate well-being, and that of her family, rests in God's hands, not in the current visible situation. This hope is justified by the miraculous resurrection that follows in 2 Kings 4:35.
• Purposeful Communication: The woman's brevity with Gehazi shows her determination to speak only to Elisha, the one she believes can truly address her desperate need. Her focus is entirely on the prophet, bypassing the servant.

Linguistic Insight: The Meaning of "Shalom"

The repeated question "Is it well?" and the woman's answer "It is well" both translate the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם). While often translated simply as "peace" or "well-being," shalom encompasses a much richer concept. It signifies completeness, wholeness, prosperity, health, safety, and harmony in every aspect of life – physical, spiritual, and relational. Therefore, when the Shunammite woman declares "It is well" (shalom), despite her son's death, she is making a profound statement of faith. She is affirming her belief in God's ultimate *shalom* for her life, trusting that He can restore what is broken and bring wholeness even out of despair.

Practical Application

The Shunammite woman's response serves as a powerful example for believers facing trials today:

• Declare God's Goodness: Even when circumstances are dire and our hearts are broken, we are called to declare God's sovereignty and goodness, trusting that He is able to bring good out of any situation. This echoes the sentiment found in Philippians 4:7, concerning the peace of God that transcends understanding.
• Focus on the Source of Hope: Her single-minded pursuit of Elisha highlights the importance of turning to God and His appointed means of grace (prayer, scripture, spiritual leaders) in times of crisis, rather than dwelling on the problem itself.
• Hope Beyond the Visible: This narrative encourages us to cultivate a hope that looks beyond immediate, tangible realities to the supernatural power and faithfulness of God. It reminds us of Job's faithful response in Job 1:21, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."