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Shunem

Illustration of Shunem

Shunem was an ancient town in the territory of the tribe of Issachar in northern Israel, mentioned in the Old Testament as a site of significant prophetic activity. It served as the home of a wealthy Shunammite woman who regularly hosted the prophet Elisha, providing him with meals and a dedicated upper room during his journeys. In response to her hospitality, Elisha foretold the birth of her son and later restored the boy to life after he died suddenly, demonstrating God's power through the prophet's intercession. This narrative in 2 Kings 4 underscores themes of faithful service and divine restoration, illustrating the role of prophetic ministry in sustaining God's people during the divided monarchy.

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Details

Region
Canaan
Modern Location
Solem, Jezreel Valley, Israel
Strongest connections in Scripture

Key Passages

The Shunammite Woman

2 Kings 4:8-17

A wealthy woman provides hospitality to Elisha and receives the promise of a son - demonstrating that generosity toward God's servants brings unexpected blessing.

A8nd it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 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. 14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

Elisha Raises Her Son

2 Kings 4:32-37

When the promised son dies, Elisha raises him back to life - God's gifts are not taken back, and His power extends even beyond the grave.

A32nd when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.

33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. 34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. 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. 36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. 37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.