(2 Kings iv. 8-37; viii. 1-6.)
As the Prophet Elisha carried God's messages, and did His appointed work among the Israelites, he passed through Shunem.
"A great woman," or, as we should say, a rich, influential lady, lived there with her husband and servants, and in her heart "some good thing toward the God of Israel was found," so when the Prophet passed her door, she invited him and his attendant to rest and refreshment; and since he often came that way, she induced her husband to have a room built upon the wall of the house, which she got furnished in a simple way, and this was set apart for Elisha's special use. His heart was deeply touched by the kind sympathy so freely shown him, and he offered to do anything she might ask to show his gratitude. But the good woman was not ambitious. "I dwell," said she, "among mine own people. I am well content with the blessings I enjoy, and ask no more."
This Shunammite was doing good not for the sake of reward. She honoured the Prophet because she perceived that he was "a holy man of God"—a beautiful proof that she also loved and served the Lord, for "we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." In honouring His Prophet she honoured God, and He has said (and He is true), "Them that honour Me I will honour."
The Shunammite's honour belongs to all who love God's people for His sake, for Jesus also declared that "whosoever shall give one of His little ones a cup of cold water to quench his thirst, in the name of a disciple, shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matt. x. 41, 42).
The loving services rendered to the Saviour's friends—even to those who are most closely connected with us, or who often come in our way—are accepted by Jesus as done unto Himself. We may not be able to accomplish great and notable things, but, like this woman of old, may we do good as we have opportunity, and receive His word of acceptance, like Mary, "She hath done what she could."
But the Shunammite was to be rewarded in a very unexpected way. She had no children, and Gehazi mentioned this fact to his master, who, in the spirit of prophecy, assured her that, in due time, a son should be given her. Her joy is described in her reply to Elisha. The news seemed too good to be true. But "God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." The promised blessing came, and doubtless the mother felt that her cup overflowed with happiness.
But earthly hopes are always insecure. The child had grown; and at harvest-time he went to the field with his father and the reapers, when suddenly what we should call a sunstroke fell upon him. "My head! my head!" was all he could say, and the father had him carried to his mother. She tended him with loving care, but at noon he died. She took the lifeless form upstairs, and laid it on the Prophet's bed, and then announced her intention to go and find the man of God, saying, "It shall be well," or "peace."
Did she think her child would be restored to life at the Prophet's word? Perhaps so. She had received him at first in a miraculous way, and by a miracle he might be restored to her. At all events, her words and conduct illustrate the divine encouragement, "Trust Him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a Refuge for us."
They saw her in the distance, and Gehazi ran to meet her, with the question, "Is it well with thee, thy husband, and the child?" And she answered, "Well." She would not tell the servant her sorrow. She hastened on to his master, and in her grief she caught hold of his feet, as if to hold him fast. Elisha, though a prophet, did not know what had befallen her. Perfect knowledge belongs to God alone, and He had not revealed this matter to him yet. He heard her story, and sent Gehazi with all haste to lay his staff upon the face of the child. But the mother refused to leave Elisha, and they together followed Gehazi, who, first reaching the chamber of death, laid the Prophet's rod upon the dead, but in vain. "There was neither voice nor hearing." A solemn picture of spiritual death—no voice to cry to God; no ears to listen to His Word. Are we alive or dead?