2 Kings 8:2

KJV

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} arose {H6965}, and did {H6213} after the saying {H1697} of the man {H376} of God {H430}: and she went {H3212} with her household {H1004}, and sojourned {H1481} in the land {H776} of the Philistines {H6430} seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman acted at once and did as the man of God had said - she went with her household and stayed in the land of the P'lishtim for seven years.

Berean Standard Bible

So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines.

American Standard Version

And the woman arose, and did according to the word of the man of God; and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details the Shunammite woman's prompt and unwavering response to the prophetic warning delivered by Elisha, the man of God. Demonstrating profound and tested trust, she immediately gathered her entire household and relocated to the land of the Philistines, sojourning there for the full seven years of the impending famine that Elisha had foretold. Her radical obedience and decisive action secured her family's preservation through divine foresight and faithful adherence to God's word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns the Shunammite Woman of Famine"), where the prophet Elisha, frequently referred to as "the man of God," issues a crucial warning to the Shunammite woman about an impending seven-year famine that would devastate the land of Israel. Her immediate and comprehensive obedience, as described in [2 Kings 8:2](/2_kings/8-2 "2 Kings 8:2 - The Shunammite Woman's Obedience and Sojourn"), is not an isolated act but is deeply rooted in her extensive prior experiences with Elisha and the miraculous power of God. She is a familiar and significant character, first introduced in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles and the Shunammite Woman") for her exceptional hospitality to Elisha, for which God miraculously blessed her with a son ([2 Kings 4:8-17](/2_kings/4-8-17 "2 Kings 4:8-17 - The Shunammite Woman Receives a Son")). Later, when this beloved son tragically died, Elisha, as God's instrument, miraculously [raised him from the dead](/2_kings/4-32-37 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son"), profoundly cementing her faith in Elisha as a genuine messenger of the Lord. Her actions in this passage are a powerful testament to a tested and proven trust in God's word delivered through His prophet, setting the narrative stage for her miraculous restoration of property upon her return, as detailed in [2 Kings 8:3-6](/2_kings/8-3-6 "2 Kings 8:3-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Return and Restoration of Property").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Famine was a perennial and devastating threat in ancient Near Eastern societies, often perceived as either a direct divine judgment or a severe natural disaster that could decimate entire populations. Elisha's specific warning of a "seven-year" famine in Israel underscores its projected severity and prolonged nature, necessitating drastic and immediate measures for survival. The "land of the Philistines" was a territory traditionally hostile to the Israelites, both geographically and culturally. For an Israelite woman and her entire household to "sojourn" there for such an extended period would have been an immense and potentially perilous undertaking, requiring extraordinary faith and a willingness to live as aliens among a people who worshipped different deities. This act highlights the extreme gravity of Elisha's warning and the Shunammite woman's desperate need for refuge, while also reflecting the common ancient practice of temporary migration for survival during times of severe hardship. It further emphasizes God's sovereignty, providing a safe haven for His people even in unexpected and traditionally adversarial lands.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Obedience to Prophetic Warning** is paramount; the Shunammite woman's immediate and unquestioning action demonstrates radical trust in God's word, even when it demands significant personal sacrifice and relocation. This highlights a core biblical principle: heeding divine instruction is crucial for preservation. Secondly, it showcases **Divine Provision and Protection**, as her obedience directly leads to her household's preservation from the devastating famine, underscoring God's sovereign foresight and meticulous care for those who heed His warnings. God's protective hand extends even to foreign lands. Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes **Trust in God's Messenger**; her willingness to uproot her life and sojourn in a foreign land for seven years underscores her profound conviction that Elisha was indeed speaking on behalf of the Lord, a trust built on a history of miraculous encounters, including the [raising of her son](/2_kings/4-32-37 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son"). Finally, the act of "sojourning" itself evokes the broader biblical theme of **Sojourning and Exile**, where God's people often experience periods of displacement and temporary residence in foreign lands, relying completely on divine sustenance and guidance, often leading to a miraculous return and restoration, as will be seen later in her story in [2 Kings 8:3-6](/2_kings/8-3-6 "2 Kings 8:3-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Return and Restoration of Property").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saying (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) From the root "dabar," meaning "to speak." This word signifies not merely a spoken utterance but carries the weight of a matter, a decree, a word with authority and substance. In this context, it refers to the authoritative prophetic word of Elisha, which the Shunammite woman recognized as originating from God. Her response was not to a mere suggestion but to a divine imperative, highlighting the gravity and truthfulness of the warning.
* **did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** (H6213) A primitive root meaning "to do or make" in the broadest sense. Here, it denotes active and complete execution. It signifies more than passive reception; it implies a decisive act of compliance and prompt fulfillment of the instruction. The Shunammite woman's "doing" was a direct, unreserved, and immediate response to the prophetic word, demonstrating her profound trust and obedience.
* **sojourned (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** (H1481) A primitive root meaning "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest)." This verb implies dwelling as a temporary resident, a stranger, or a foreigner in a place that is not one's permanent home. It emphasizes the transient nature of her stay in the land of the Philistines, highlighting her status as an alien dependent on temporary refuge, awaiting a return to her own property and homeland. This term underscores her faith in God's ultimate plan for her return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman arose,"**: This phrase indicates an immediate and decisive action. It suggests a prompt and energetic response to Elisha's warning, without hesitation or delay. Her "arising" is not merely physical movement but signifies a readiness to act upon the divine instruction, a posture of obedience.
* **"and did after the saying of the man of God":** This clause highlights her complete and faithful obedience. She did not question, negotiate, or procrastinate, but fully complied with Elisha's prophetic word. This obedience is a direct result of her prior experiences with God's power and faithfulness demonstrated through Elisha.
* **"and she went with her household":** This emphasizes that her action was not solitary but involved her entire family unit. It signifies a collective act of faith and a shared journey of survival, underscoring her responsibility as the head of her household in making this critical decision and leading them in obedience.
* **"and sojourned in the land of the Philistines":** This specifies her destination and the nature of her stay. She relocated to a foreign, often adversarial territory, indicating the severity of the famine in Israel and her willingness to seek refuge wherever God directed. Her "sojourning" implies a temporary, transient residence, not a permanent relocation.
* **"seven years":** This precise duration directly corresponds to the length of the famine foretold by Elisha in [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns the Shunammite Woman of Famine"). It underscores the accuracy of the prophetic word and God's precise timing in both the judgment (famine) and the provision of refuge, demonstrating His meticulous oversight of events.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 8:2](/2_kings/8-2 "2 Kings 8:2 - The Shunammite Woman's Obedience and Sojourn") effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its theological and practical impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominently evident in Elisha's precise warning of a "seven-year" famine in [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns the Shunammite Woman of Famine"), which is then perfectly matched by the "seven years" of the woman's sojourn. This precise correspondence validates the prophetic word and meticulously sets up the later narrative of her return and miraculous restoration. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that the Shunammite woman, a faithful Israelite, finds refuge and sustenance in the "land of the Philistines," a traditionally hostile and "unclean" territory from an Israelite perspective. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to provide and protect His people even in unexpected or seemingly adverse circumstances, transcending conventional boundaries and demonstrating His universal power. Furthermore, the concept of **Sojourning** itself serves as a significant **Type** or **Motif** that resonates throughout the broader biblical narrative, recalling the experiences of Abraham, the Israelites in Egypt, and their wilderness wanderings. This recurring theme emphasizes dependence on God, temporary displacement, and the promise of eventual return to an inheritance, thus connecting the Shunammite woman's personal story to the grander narrative of God's dealings with His people and their pilgrim journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's warnings, delivered through His chosen messengers, are not intended to merely instill fear but to prompt obedient action for preservation and blessing. The Shunammite woman's immediate and radical obedience to Elisha's word demonstrates a deep-seated trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to provide, even when the path forward seems difficult or counter-intuitive. Her willingness to leave her familiar home and sojourn in a foreign land for an extended period underscores the active faith required to navigate seasons of uncertainty. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the truth that those who hear God's word and act upon it will experience His faithful protection and provision, often in ways that defy human logic or expectation, ultimately leading to restoration and demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness.

* [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - Abraham's Call and Obedience to Sojourn")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Faith in Sojourning")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's story in [2 Kings 8:2](/2_kings/8-2 "2 Kings 8:2 - The Shunammite Woman's Obedience and Sojourn") offers timeless lessons for believers today. Her prompt and unwavering obedience to a difficult command—to uproot her life and sojourn in a foreign land for seven years—challenges us to deeply examine the depth of our own trust in God's guidance. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, economic instability, or personal crises, we too may be called to "sojourn" in uncomfortable or unfamiliar circumstances, to leave behind what is known and secure for a season. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical obedience, trusting that God's warnings are always accompanied by His provision and protection. It reminds us that true security is not found in earthly possessions or familiar surroundings, but in aligning our lives with God's revealed will, even when it requires significant sacrifice or a step into the unknown. Her story reassures us that God is faithful to preserve those who heed His voice, and that even periods of displacement can ultimately lead to divine restoration and blessing, demonstrating His steadfast love and care for His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "warnings" or difficult instructions might God be giving me through His Word or wise counsel that require immediate and radical obedience?**
* **In what areas of my life am I clinging to familiarity or comfort, preventing me from "sojourning" into a new season or challenge that God might be calling me to?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's tested trust in Elisha, God's messenger, challenge my own willingness to trust God's voice, even when it comes through unexpected or seemingly difficult channels?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of God's provision and protection, especially when facing periods of uncertainty or displacement in my own life, truly believing He will sustain me?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Shunammite woman go to the land of the Philistines, a traditionally hostile region?**

Answer: While the Philistines were historical adversaries of Israel, the decision to sojourn in their land was likely a matter of both practical necessity and divine guidance. Famines often affect specific regions more severely than others; it's plausible that the land of the Philistines, with its coastal access and potentially different agricultural practices, was less impacted by the specific famine affecting Israel. Furthermore, her willingness to go to a foreign and potentially hostile land underscores the extreme severity of the famine and her profound trust in Elisha's word. It demonstrates that her priority was survival and obedience to God's instruction, even if it meant temporary displacement to an "unclean" or uncomfortable place. This highlights God's ability to provide refuge for His people even in unexpected or seemingly adverse locations, demonstrating His sovereignty over all lands and circumstances.

**What is the significance of "seven years" in this verse?**

Answer: The duration of "seven years" is highly significant, directly correlating with the length of the famine Elisha foretold in [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns the Shunammite Woman of Famine"). In biblical numerology, seven often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine ordering. Here, it signifies the full, divinely ordained extent of the trial (the famine) and, consequently, the precise period of the Shunammite woman's sojourn. It underscores the absolute accuracy of Elisha's prophecy and God's meticulous timing in both judgment and provision. Her return after exactly seven years, as detailed later in [2 Kings 8:3](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3 - The Shunammite Woman's Return"), further emphasizes this divine precision and the complete fulfillment of the prophetic word.

**How does this story relate to the broader biblical theme of "sojourning"?**

Answer: The theme of "sojourning" (living as a temporary resident or alien) is a pervasive motif throughout the Bible, and the Shunammite woman's experience is a powerful example. It echoes the experiences of Abraham, who was called by God to [leave his homeland and sojourn](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - Abraham's Call and Obedience to Sojourn") in a land he would later inherit. It also parallels Israel's sojourn in Egypt and their forty years of wandering in the wilderness, periods of utter dependence on God for provision and protection while awaiting their promised inheritance. For believers, this theme speaks to our identity as "aliens and strangers" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Believers as Sojourners and Exiles")) in this world, reminding us that our true home and ultimate inheritance are found in God's eternal kingdom. It calls us to live with a pilgrim mentality, relying on God's guidance and provision as we journey through life, knowing that our earthly existence is temporary and our ultimate hope is in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's radical obedience and her seven-year sojourn, prompted by the life-saving word of God's prophet, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and eternal refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as she trusted Elisha's warning to escape physical famine, humanity is called to trust in Christ, the ultimate "man of God" and the Word made flesh, who warns of spiritual famine and eternal judgment ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God's Love and Judgment Through Christ")). Her act of leaving her familiar home for a foreign land for a set period points to Christ's own sojourning on earth, leaving His heavenly glory to dwell among us, experiencing displacement, suffering, and death to secure our salvation ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true bread of life who ensures that those who come to Him will never hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the living water that quenches all spiritual thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), offering refuge from the spiritual desolation of sin and death. Her eventual restoration of property in [2 Kings 8:3-6](/2_kings/8-3-6 "2 Kings 8:3-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Return and Restoration of Property") serves as a powerful type of the glorious spiritual inheritance and eternal restoration that believers receive through Christ, who has gone to prepare a place for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")). Ultimately, her story is a testament to the life-saving power of obedient faith in God's messenger, a faith fully realized and eternally secured in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our sovereign Lord and Savior.

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

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1 Samuel 27:1

¶ And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

1 Samuel 27:3

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

Judges 3:3

[Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.