2 Kings 8:1

KJV

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then spake {H1696} Elisha {H477} unto the woman {H802}, whose son {H1121} he had restored to life {H2421}, saying {H559}, Arise {H6965}, and go {H3212} thou and thine household {H1004}, and sojourn {H1481} wheresoever {H834} thou canst sojourn {H1481}: for the LORD {H3068} hath called {H7121} for a famine {H7458}; and it shall also come {H935} upon the land {H776} seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Move away, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; because ADONAI has called for a famine; and it will be on the land for seven years."

Berean Standard Bible

Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land.”

American Standard Version

Now Elisha had spoken unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thy household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for Jehovah hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:1 records a crucial moment where the prophet Elisha, acting as God's messenger, warns the Shunammite woman and her household of an impending seven-year famine across the land. This divine foresight prompts Elisha to instruct her to relocate temporarily to a foreign land, showcasing God's continued care and provision for those who have shown faithfulness and hospitality, particularly after He had previously restored her son to life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the remarkable account of Elisha restoring the Shunammite woman's son to life in [2 Kings 4:8-37](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-37 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"). The narrative flow in 2 Kings often presents a series of Elisha's miracles and prophetic acts, demonstrating God's power and care through His prophet. Chapter 8 begins by revisiting this specific woman, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenantal faithfulness to those who honor Him. The warning of famine sets the stage for her subsequent return and the miraculous restoration of her property in [2 Kings 8:3-6](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Return and Property Restoration"), creating a narrative arc of divine protection and provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided kingdom, particularly during the reigns of Israelite kings like Jehoram (mentioned later in the chapter), was marked by spiritual apostasy, political instability, and often, divine judgment in the form of natural disasters like famine. Famines were devastating events in ancient agrarian societies, leading to widespread death, displacement, and social upheaval. The explicit statement that "the LORD hath called for a famine" signifies that this was not merely a natural phenomenon but a divinely ordained event, likely a consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, as warned in covenant curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses for Disobedience")). The instruction to "sojourn" (live as a temporary resident) highlights the common practice of seeking refuge in other lands during times of severe hardship, a practice seen throughout biblical history, from Abraham to Jacob's family in Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes emerging from 2 Kings 8:1 include God's **sovereignty over creation and natural phenomena**, demonstrated by His direct "calling for" a famine, emphasizing His control over all circumstances, whether for judgment or for specific purposes. This verse also powerfully illustrates God's **providential care and faithfulness** towards His devoted servants, as He provides a specific warning and a means of escape for the Shunammite woman, echoing His provision for His people during the [seven years of famine in Joseph's time](/genesis/41-27 "Genesis 41:27 - Joseph's Famine Prophecy"). Furthermore, it highlights **Elisha's comprehensive prophetic ministry**, extending beyond miraculous acts of healing and resurrection to practical, life-saving guidance and foresight, serving as God's mouthpiece to warn and protect. Finally, the implied theme of **obedience and trust** is crucial, as the woman's survival depends on her immediate and faithful response to Elisha's seemingly disruptive command to leave her home.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called for (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרָא (_qara'_) means "to call, summon, proclaim." In this context, "the LORD hath called for a famine" is a powerful theological statement. It signifies not merely a prediction, but a divine decree or summons. God is actively initiating and orchestrating this famine, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over nature and human affairs. This is not a passive observation of an impending event, but an active declaration of His will, demonstrating His direct involvement in the land's circumstances, whether for judgment or for a specific purpose.
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gur'_):** The verb גּוּר (_gur_) means "to sojourn, dwell as a foreigner, reside temporarily." The repetition of "sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn" emphasizes the temporary, transient nature of their relocation. It implies a period of living as aliens in a foreign land, without permanent rights or ownership, relying on hospitality or temporary arrangements. This word choice highlights the disruption and vulnerability inherent in their situation, yet also the necessity of finding refuge outside their familiar surroundings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life,"**: This opening clause immediately connects the current warning to the profound miracle of resurrection in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). It identifies the recipient of the prophecy, the Shunammite woman, whose previous faith and hospitality had been met with extraordinary divine favor. This re-introduction emphasizes God's ongoing watchfulness and care for her specifically, building on their established relationship of divine intervention.
* **"saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn:"**: Elisha delivers a direct, urgent command. "Arise, and go" conveys the necessity of immediate action. The inclusion of "thine household" indicates that God's provision extends to her entire family unit, not just her. The phrase "sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn" grants her flexibility in choosing a destination, yet also underscores the widespread nature of the coming famine, implying that finding a safe haven might be challenging. It highlights the disruptive nature of the command, requiring a complete uprooting.
* **"for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years."**: This clause provides the divine rationale for Elisha's warning. The famine is explicitly stated as a direct act of God ("the LORD hath called for"), not a random natural disaster. The duration, "seven years," is significant, mirroring the length of famines in other biblical narratives (e.g., [Genesis 41:27](/genesis/41-27 "Genesis 41:27 - Joseph's Famine Prophecy")). This specific detail underscores the severity and prolonged nature of the impending hardship, justifying the extreme measure of temporary relocation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Elisha's warning of a future famine sets up the subsequent narrative of the woman's return and the miraculous restoration of her property in [2 Kings 8:3-6](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Return and Property Restoration"). This creates a sense of narrative continuity and divine purpose. The phrase "the LORD hath called for a famine" functions as a **Divine Decree**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and active involvement in the unfolding events, rather than merely predicting them. The **Repetition** of "sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn" underscores the urgency and the comprehensive nature of the command to relocate. There is also an element of **Irony** in God's judgment (the famine) being simultaneously an act of profound provision and protection for His faithful servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's active providence and meticulous care for His people, particularly those who demonstrate faithfulness. Just as He had miraculously intervened to give the Shunammite woman a son and then restore him to life, He now extends His protective hand by providing a specific warning and a means of escape from impending disaster. This demonstrates that God's oversight is not limited to grand miracles but extends to the practical, life-sustaining details of His servants' lives, even in times of widespread hardship or judgment. His sovereignty over natural phenomena, explicitly stating He "called for" the famine, reinforces His ultimate control over all circumstances, assuring believers that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or permission.

* [Genesis 41:27](/genesis/41-27 "Genesis 41:27 - Joseph's Famine Prophecy"): God's prior warning and provision for a seven-year famine through Joseph in Egypt.
* [Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the LORD Stands Forever"): "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - The Prudent See Danger"): "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 8:1 serves as a profound reminder that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, even those that appear to be natural disasters or periods of severe hardship. For the believer, this passage underscores the importance of heeding God's warnings, whether they come through Scripture, the wise counsel of trusted spiritual leaders, or the discerning promptings of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Shunammite woman was called to leave her familiar surroundings and trust in Elisha's word, we too are often called to step out in faith, make difficult decisions, and rely on God's unseen hand of provision, especially when faced with uncertainty or adversity. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of spiritual attentiveness, recognizing that God's care extends to our practical needs and that His foresight enables us to navigate challenging seasons with wisdom and trust, rather than fear or complacency. It challenges us to consider how we respond when God's guidance seems counter-intuitive or requires significant personal sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit statement "the LORD hath called for a famine" shape your understanding of God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in your own life or in the world?**
* **In what ways might God be warning or guiding you today, perhaps through Scripture, wise counsel, or personal discernment, to prepare for future challenges?**
* **What aspects of your life might God be calling you to "arise and go" from, requiring a step of faith and trust in His provision?**
* **How does the narrative of the Shunammite woman's ongoing relationship with God, even after her son's resurrection, encourage your perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was the Shunammite woman, and why was God so concerned for her welfare?**

Answer: The Shunammite woman was a wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who, along with her husband, provided a room for the prophet Elisha whenever he passed through ([2 Kings 4:8-10](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-10 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman")). In gratitude for her kindness, and through Elisha's prophetic word, God miraculously granted her a son in her old age ([2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - The Promise of a Son")). Later, when this son died, Elisha, by God's power, restored him to life ([2 Kings 4:32-35](/2_kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")). God's concern for her welfare in 2 Kings 8:1 is a continuation of His covenantal faithfulness and providential care for those who honor Him and serve His prophets. It demonstrates that divine favor is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship of protection and provision for His faithful servants, even amidst widespread judgment or hardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8:1, while rooted in Old Testament history, powerfully foreshadows aspects of Christ's person and work. Elisha, as God's prophet, acts as a mediator of divine warning and provision, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha warns of physical famine and provides a way of escape, Jesus warns of spiritual famine—a world perishing without the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the ultimate provision, giving Himself as the living bread that came down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - The Bread of Life")). The restoration of the Shunammite woman's son to life, a miracle preceding this famine warning, points directly to Christ as the Resurrection and the Life, who not only raises the dead but offers eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Furthermore, God's meticulous care for the Shunammite woman, even to the point of warning her of impending disaster and providing a safe haven, reflects the ultimate love and sacrificial provision of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")) and promises to never leave or forsake His followers, even through the most challenging "famines" of life ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")).

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

Haggai 1:11

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

Psalms 105:16

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

Ruth 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

2 Kings 4:31

And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but [there was] neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

2 Kings 4:35

Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

Genesis 12:10

¶ And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

2 Kings 4:18

¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.