2 Kings 8:6

KJV

And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that [was] hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the king {H4428} asked {H7592} the woman {H802}, she told {H5608} him. So the king {H4428} appointed {H5414} unto her a certain {H259} officer {H5631}, saying {H559}, Restore {H7725} all that was hers, and all the fruits {H8393} of the field {H7704} since the day {H3117} that she left {H5800} the land {H776}, even until now.

Complete Jewish Bible

On being asked by the king, the woman verified it. At this, the king appointed a special officer and charged him, "Restore everything that belongs to her, including the income her fields have produced from the day she left them until now."

Berean Standard Bible

When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now.”

American Standard Version

And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse concludes the remarkable narrative of the Shunammite woman, detailing the king's divinely orchestrated decree to fully restore her property and all its accumulated produce. After a seven-year famine forced her sojourn in the land of the Philistines, her return coincided with Gehazi, Elisha's servant, recounting the prophet's miracles to the king, including the raising of her son, thus paving the way for her urgent appeal and the king's comprehensive act of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of a narrative arc spanning from [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha's Warning to the Shunammite Woman") to [2 Kings 8:6](/2_kings/8-6 "2 Kings 8:6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration"). The story begins with the prophet Elisha's timely warning to the Shunammite woman to depart the land due to an impending seven-year famine ([2 Kings 8:1-2](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1-2 - Elisha Warns of Famine")). Her obedience led her to sojourn in the land of the Philistines. Upon her return, she found her house and land confiscated. The narrative then masterfully sets up a "divine coincidence": as she approaches the king to appeal for her property, the king happens to be conversing with Gehazi, Elisha's servant, who is recounting all the great deeds Elisha had performed, specifically mentioning the miraculous raising of the Shunammite woman's son from the dead ([2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")). The king's inquiry in this verse directly follows Gehazi's identification of the woman, making her appeal incredibly timely and compelling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine described in [2 Kings 8:1](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1 - Elisha Warns of Famine") was a severe, prolonged event, indicative of God's judgment or a natural disaster in a land heavily dependent on rainfall. During such times, land could be abandoned or seized, especially if its owners were absent. The king mentioned here is likely Joram (Jehoram), son of Ahab, who reigned over Israel. While Joram was not a righteous king, he was often depicted as interacting with Elisha, sometimes seeking his counsel or being influenced by his prophetic authority. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king held ultimate judicial authority and could issue decrees regarding property, often acting as the supreme court. The concept of land as an inalienable family inheritance was deeply ingrained in Israelite law and culture, making the loss of one's ancestral property a profound tragedy and its restoration a significant act of justice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** are paramount; God orchestrates seemingly random events—the famine, the woman's return, Gehazi's conversation with the king—to converge for His purposes and the good of His faithful servant. The timing of her appeal is not accidental but divinely appointed. Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Justice** is vividly portrayed. The king's command to "Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field" goes beyond simple restitution of land; it mandates full compensation for lost income or produce, ensuring the woman is made completely whole, demonstrating a remarkable act of royal justice. Finally, this episode highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Servants** and the **Reward for Obedience**. The Shunammite woman had previously shown extraordinary hospitality and faith towards Elisha ([2 Kings 4:8-10](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-10 - The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality")), and her obedience to Elisha's warning about the famine, coupled with her bold appeal to the king, reflects her continued trust. Her restoration is a tangible blessing, affirming God's care for those who walk in His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Restore (Hebrew, _shuv_):** The Hebrew verb שׁוּב (_shuv_) fundamentally means "to return," "to turn back," or "to bring back." In this context, it carries the strong legal and ethical implication of "to restore," "to give back," or "to make whole." It signifies not merely the physical return of property but a comprehensive reversal of her loss, effectively making her situation as it was before, or even better, considering the accumulated "fruits of the field." This word emphasizes a complete and equitable restitution.
* **Fruits of the field (Hebrew, _t'vu'at ha-sadeh_):** This phrase, תְּבוּאַת הַשָּׂדֶה (_t'vu'at ha-sadeh_), refers to the produce, yield, or income derived from agricultural land. Its inclusion in the king's decree is crucial, indicating that the restoration was not limited to the land itself but extended to the entire economic output that the land would have generated during her seven-year absence. This demonstrates an extraordinary level of compensation and a commitment to full justice, ensuring she was not financially disadvantaged by her forced departure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the king asked the woman, she told him."**: This clause emphasizes the direct interaction between the highest authority in the land and the Shunammite woman. The king's inquiry, prompted by Gehazi's testimony, signifies his receptiveness and willingness to hear her case. Her immediate and presumably clear explanation of her plight highlights her courage and the urgency of her situation.
* **"So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that [was] hers,"**: The king's response is swift and decisive. He doesn't merely acknowledge her claim but immediately delegates authority to a specific officer, ensuring the decree's implementation. The command "Restore all that was hers" refers to the principal property—her house and land—which had been confiscated or occupied during her absence. This is the foundational act of restitution.
* **"and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now."**: This is the most remarkable part of the decree, demonstrating the king's comprehensive justice. It extends the restoration beyond the physical property to include all the income, crops, or produce that the land would have yielded over the entire seven-year period of her sojourn. This ensures that she is not only returned to her former status but also compensated for all lost earnings, making her financially whole despite her prolonged absence and loss.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Kings 8:1-6](/2_kings/8-1 "2 Kings 8:1-6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration") culminating in this verse is rich with literary artistry. A prominent device is **Divine Irony** or **Divine Coincidence**, where seemingly random events converge with perfect timing. The fact that the Shunammite woman arrives to make her appeal at the exact moment Gehazi is recounting her son's resurrection to the king is a powerful example of God's unseen hand orchestrating human affairs. This "coincidence" is too perfect to be accidental, underscoring God's meticulous care for His faithful. There is also an element of **Narrative Symmetry** and **Foreshadowing**; just as Elisha had previously restored her son's life (her greatest loss), the king, under divine influence, now restores her livelihood and property (her material loss), completing the cycle of restoration for this faithful woman. The king's comprehensive decree also serves as a **Symbol** of ultimate divine justice, where not only the principal is returned but also all that was lost due to circumstances beyond one's control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The story of the Shunammite woman's restoration in [2 Kings 8:6](/2_kings/8-6 "2 Kings 8:6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration") beautifully illustrates God's character as a God of meticulous care, justice, and restoration. It affirms that even in times of severe hardship, loss, or displacement, God remains sovereign, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes for those who trust Him. Her experience is a powerful testament to the truth that God does not abandon His faithful, and His timing is perfect, often working through unexpected channels and human authorities to bring about His desired outcomes. This narrative offers profound hope that God can bring about comprehensive restoration in areas of our lives that seem utterly lost or forfeited, whether they be material, relational, or spiritual.

* [Joel 2:25](/joel/2-25 "Joel 2:25 - God Restores the Years")
* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God Restores His People")
* [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Restores My Soul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Shunammite woman's restoration in [2 Kings 8:6](/2_kings/8-6 "2 Kings 8:6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration") offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even when life's circumstances force us into periods of loss, displacement, or uncertainty, God's sovereign hand is at work behind the scenes. Her experience teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing and His intricate care, even when events seem coincidental or chaotic. We are called to cultivate a spirit of faithfulness and obedience, knowing that our past acts of devotion are not forgotten by God. Furthermore, this narrative inspires hope that God is a God of restoration, capable of bringing wholeness and recovery to areas of our lives that feel broken, lost, or stolen. Just as the king's decree was comprehensive, God's desire for our well-being and flourishing is holistic, extending to every aspect of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "divine coincidence" in this story challenge your understanding of seemingly random events in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life—spiritual, relational, or material—are you currently seeking God's comprehensive restoration?**
* **What does the king's decree to restore "all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field" teach us about the depth of God's desire for our wholeness and flourishing?**

### FAQ
**Who was the king mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: The king mentioned in [2 Kings 8:6](/2_kings/8-6 "2 Kings 8:6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration") is King Joram (also known as Jehoram) of Israel, the son of King Ahab. Although Joram was not a righteous king in the eyes of the Lord, he frequently interacted with the prophet Elisha, and in this instance, he appears to have been influenced by the testimony of Elisha's servant, Gehazi, regarding the prophet's miracles.

**Why was the timing of the Shunammite woman's appeal so significant?**
Answer: The timing was divinely orchestrated. As the Shunammite woman arrived to appeal to the king for her property, the king happened to be speaking with Gehazi, Elisha's servant. Gehazi was at that very moment recounting the great deeds of Elisha, specifically mentioning the miracle of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son from the dead ([2 Kings 4:36](/2_kings/4-36 "2 Kings 4:36 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")). This perfect convergence of events immediately validated the woman's identity and her connection to Elisha, making the king exceptionally receptive to her plea and ensuring her favorable outcome.

**What does "fruits of the field" imply beyond mere land restoration?**
Answer: The phrase "fruits of the field" (תְּבוּאַת הַשָּׂדֶה) signifies not just the return of the physical land itself, but also the accumulated produce, crops, or income that the land would have yielded during the entire seven-year period of her absence. This demonstrates an extraordinary level of comprehensive restitution, ensuring that the Shunammite woman was fully compensated for all financial losses incurred due to the famine and her forced sojourn, thereby restoring her economic well-being completely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Shunammite woman's comprehensive restoration in [2 Kings 8:6](/2_kings/8-6 "2 Kings 8:6 - The Shunammite Woman's Restoration") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While an earthly king restored property and produce, Christ, the King of kings, offers a far greater and eternal restoration. He is the one who truly "restores our soul" ([Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Restores My Soul")), bringing us back into right relationship with God, a relationship lost through sin. Just as the Shunammite woman experienced a reversal of loss, believers in Christ experience redemption from the curse of sin and death, receiving new life and an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope, An Incorruptible Inheritance")). He is the ultimate restorer of all things, not just material possessions but also broken lives, shattered relationships, and lost hope. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), reconciling us to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")) and promising a future where all things are made new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")). The comprehensive nature of the king's decree in 2 Kings foreshadows the boundless grace and complete restoration that Christ offers, not merely for a season, but for eternity.

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

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

2 Samuel 9:7

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

2 Kings 9:32

And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who [is] on my side? who? And there looked out to him two [or] three eunuchs.

Genesis 37:36

And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

Deuteronomy 22:2

And if thy brother [be] not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.