The account of Elisha raising the Shunammite’s son is found in 2 Kings 4:18–37. It is one of the clearest demonstrations of resurrection power in the Old Testament and testifies to God’s compassion and the prophetic authority He gave Elisha.
The Shunammite woman had shown hospitality to Elisha, and as a result, God granted her a son through the prophet’s word. Later, the child died suddenly in the field. In deep faith, the mother traveled to find Elisha and brought him back to her home.
Elisha went to the room where the child lay dead and prayed. 2 Kings 4:34–35 describes what happened next:
“And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands… and the flesh of the child became warm… Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.”
Elisha’s actions were not mystical or ritualistic. They were acts of obedience and compassion as he sought the Lord for the child’s life. The revival of the child was a miracle of God, not Elisha’s power.
The raising of the Shunammite’s son foreshadowed later resurrections, including those performed by Jesus, and ultimately points to the future resurrection promised to all who belong to Him.
