2 Kings 8:3

KJV

And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the seven {H7651} years {H8141}' end {H7097}, that the woman {H802} returned {H7725} out of the land {H776} of the Philistines {H6430}: and she went forth {H3318} to cry {H6817} unto the king {H4428} for her house {H1004} and for her land {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the end of seven years the woman returned from the land of the P'lishtim and sought an audience with the king to claim her house and land.

Berean Standard Bible

At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After a seven-year famine, the Shunammite woman, a faithful recipient of Elisha's miraculous interventions, returns to Israel to find her property likely confiscated or occupied. This verse details her immediate and decisive action to appeal directly to the reigning king for the restoration of her house and land, highlighting her persistence and the providential timing of her return, setting the stage for a remarkable act of divine justice and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative culmination of a significant subplot within the Elisha cycle, specifically picking up from [2 Kings 8:1-2](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1-2 - Elisha's Warning and the Shunammite's Departure"). Elisha had forewarned the Shunammite woman of an impending seven-year famine, advising her to seek refuge elsewhere. Her obedience led her to sojourn in the land of the Philistines. The reader is already familiar with this prominent woman from [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"), where her hospitality to Elisha was rewarded with the miraculous birth of a son, and later, his resurrection. Her return "at the seven years' end" directly fulfills Elisha's prophecy regarding the famine's duration and sets the stage for God's continued faithfulness to her, demonstrating a consistent divine care for those who honor His prophets.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, was highly susceptible to famine, often caused by drought, locusts, or war, making a seven-year famine a catastrophic event. Such prolonged periods of scarcity could lead to widespread displacement, property abandonment, and subsequent confiscation by the state or occupation by others. Property rights, particularly land inheritance, were foundational to Israelite society, rooted in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 25:23-28](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23-28 - Land Redemption Laws")). The king served as the ultimate arbiter of justice, and appealing to him directly was a recognized, though often desperate, legal recourse for those seeking redress for grievances, especially concerning property. The "land of the Philistines" (likely the coastal plain) was a viable alternative for refuge, possibly less affected by the specific famine impacting Israel's highlands.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the Shunammite woman in [2 Kings 8:3](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3 - The Shunammite Woman's Return") powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Faithfulness** are evident in God's preservation of the woman and her family through a devastating famine in a foreign land, fulfilling Elisha's warning and ensuring her safe return. This underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, even in times of severe trial, a theme echoed in [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - God's Care for the Righteous"). Secondly, **Restoration and Justice** become central as the woman proactively seeks to reclaim her rightful property. Her "crying unto the king" is an act of faith in the possibility of justice, reflecting God's ultimate desire for righteousness and the vindication of the wronged, a principle seen throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice")). Finally, the **Enduring Impact of Elisha's Ministry** is highlighted. Her story is a testament to the long-term blessings and far-reaching influence of God's servants, demonstrating how divine interventions, initiated through Elisha, continue to unfold in her life, leading to remarkable provision and the restoration of her inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **End (Hebrew, _qetz'_):** The phrase "at the seven years' end" uses the Hebrew word `qetz` (קֵץ), which signifies a definite conclusion, boundary, or termination. Its use here emphasizes the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy regarding the famine's duration. This is not a vague approximation but a divinely appointed completion, underscoring God's sovereign control over time and natural events, and the reliability of His prophetic word.
* **Returned (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The verb `shuv` (שׁוּב) means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." In this context, it signifies her physical journey back to her homeland after a period of exile. However, it also subtly anticipates the theme of restoration that follows, as her return is not merely geographical but sets the stage for the turning back of her circumstances from loss to recovery.
* **Cry (Hebrew, _za'aq'_):** The verb `za'aq` (צָעַק) means "to cry out," "to call for help," or "to appeal." It often carries a connotation of urgency, distress, or a plea for justice, particularly in a legal or judicial context. This was not a casual request but a formal, earnest, and perhaps desperate petition to the highest authority in the land, reflecting the gravity of her situation and her determination to reclaim what was rightfully hers. It implies a public, vocal appeal, emphasizing her vulnerability and her reliance on the king's intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the seven years' end":** This opening clause immediately establishes the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy from [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns of Famine"). It highlights divine timing and the reliability of God's word spoken through His prophet. The famine, a period of immense hardship, has run its full course, signaling a new season and the opportunity for the woman's return and restoration.
* **"that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines":** This phrase confirms her obedience to Elisha's instruction to sojourn abroad during the famine. Her survival and safe return from a foreign land underscore God's providential care and protection over her and her family. It marks the end of her displacement and the beginning of her re-engagement with her homeland and its challenges.
* **"and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land":** This final clause reveals her proactive and determined pursuit of justice. Upon her return, she finds her property confiscated or occupied, necessitating a direct appeal to the highest legal authority. Her specific plea for "her house and for her land" emphasizes the foundational importance of inherited property in ancient Israelite society and her rightful claim to it. Her "crying" signifies an urgent, formal, and public petition, demonstrating her faith and resolve in seeking the restoration of what was lost.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 8:3](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3 - The Shunammite Woman's Return") skillfully employs several literary devices. **Narrative Arc** is evident as the verse marks a crucial turning point in the Shunammite woman's story, moving from a period of exile and loss to the active pursuit of restoration. It provides a clear resolution to the famine narrative initiated in [2 Kings 8:1-2](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1-2 - Elisha's Warning of Famine"). **Foreshadowing** is present in the "seven years' end," which subtly hints at the restoration to come, as the completion of the famine period naturally leads to the possibility of reclaiming what was lost. The act of "crying unto the king" can be seen as **Symbolism** for seeking divine justice, as the earthly king represents the highest human authority, mirroring the ultimate appeal to God for righteousness and vindication. There is also a subtle **Irony** in that the woman, who had previously experienced miraculous provision and life through Elisha, now faces a new challenge of dispossession, only to find that God's hand is still at work to restore her through an unexpected chain of events involving the king's servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's story in [2 Kings 8:3](/2_kings/8-3 "2 Kings 8:3 - The Shunammite Woman's Return") is a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His commitment to justice for His people. Despite a period of severe hardship and displacement, God orchestrates circumstances for her restoration, demonstrating that even in times of apparent loss, His providential care is at work. Her courageous appeal to the king underscores the biblical principle that justice should be pursued and that God often uses human means, including earthly authorities, to bring about His righteous purposes. This narrative offers comfort and encouragement that God remembers the faithful and actively intervenes to restore what has been lost, whether due to natural calamity, human injustice, or the passage of time.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - God's Blessing of Provision")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalm/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - God Never Forsakes the Righteous")
* [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's journey from exile to the king's court offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. Her story reminds us that life's trials, even those of long duration like a seven-year famine, have a divinely appointed "end." During such seasons, our primary call is to trust in God's timing and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances compel us to leave our comfort zones. Her proactive step to "cry unto the king" is a profound example of faithful persistence; she didn't passively wait but actively pursued the restoration of what was rightfully hers. This encourages us to be diligent in seeking justice, advocating for what is right, and exercising our faith through action, whether in prayer, legal recourse, or community engagement. Furthermore, her previous acts of faithfulness to Elisha, though seemingly unrelated to her current plight, are ultimately instrumental in her restoration, reminding us that God never forgets our obedience and service. Our past faithfulness can indeed position us for future blessings and unexpected divine interventions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "seven years' end" – a prolonged period of difficulty that may be nearing its conclusion?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's persistence in seeking justice challenge you to be more proactive in addressing areas of injustice or loss in your own life or for others?**
* **How does this story encourage your trust in God's perfect timing, even when His plans unfold slowly or require you to step out in faith?**
* **In what ways might your past acts of faithfulness to God be positioning you for future, unexpected blessings and restoration?**

### FAQ

**Who was the Shunammite woman, and why is she important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The Shunammite woman was a prominent and wealthy woman from Shunem, a town in the Jezreel Valley. She is important primarily for her devout hospitality towards the prophet Elisha, for whom she built a room. In return for her kindness, and despite her advanced age and her husband's, Elisha miraculously prophesied that she would bear a son. Later, when this son died, Elisha miraculously raised him from the dead ([2 Kings 4:8-37](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-37 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman's Son")). Her story highlights themes of faith, divine provision, and the power of God operating through His prophets.

**Why did the Shunammite woman go to the "land of the Philistines," and what was the significance of her return?**

Answer: The Shunammite woman went to the land of the Philistines because the prophet Elisha had warned her of an impending seven-year famine that would devastate Israel ([2 Kings 8:1-2](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1-2 - Elisha Warns of Famine")). Her departure was an act of obedience and faith in Elisha's prophetic word, demonstrating her pragmatism and trust in divine guidance. Her return "at the seven years' end" signifies the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy and marks the end of her period of exile and hardship, setting the stage for the miraculous restoration of her property, further underscoring God's faithfulness to her.

**What does "she went forth to cry unto the king" imply about her situation and the legal system of the time?**

Answer: The phrase "to cry unto the king" (Hebrew: `za'aq`) implies a formal, urgent, and often desperate appeal for justice. It suggests that her property (house and land) had been confiscated, occupied, or otherwise lost during her seven-year absence, likely due to the famine or state policy. In ancient Israel, the king served as the supreme judicial authority, and an appeal to him was a final recourse for those seeking redress, particularly for violations of property rights or severe grievances. Her action demonstrates her determination and belief that justice was possible, even in a seemingly insurmountable situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's journey from displacement and loss to the miraculous restoration of her inheritance beautifully prefigures the ultimate restoration found in Jesus Christ. Humanity, alienated from God by sin, has lost its rightful inheritance and place, much like the Shunammite woman lost her land. Yet, Christ, our ultimate Prophet and King, forewarned us of the spiritual famine of sin and then, through His death and resurrection, provided the means for our return and restoration. He is the great Advocate who intercedes for us before the heavenly King, not for earthly property, but for our eternal inheritance and reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). Just as the Shunammite woman's past faithfulness positioned her for divine intervention, our faith in Christ's finished work positions us to receive abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")) and the promise that "all things work together for good to those who love God" ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). He is the one who "makes all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), ultimately restoring us to a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more tears, sorrow, or loss, fulfilling the deepest longings for justice and complete restoration that the Shunammite woman's story only hints at.

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 6:26

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

Luke 18:3

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Luke 18:5

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

2 Samuel 14:4

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

Psalms 82:3

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Psalms 82:4

Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

2 Kings 4:13

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what [is] to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.