The Shunammite woman’s son died not as punishment but as part of God’s plan to reveal His power and glorify Himself through resurrection. The event tested the woman’s faith, deepened her understanding of the Lord, and provided a setting for a remarkable miracle through the prophet Elisha.
This woman had shown great hospitality to Elisha, even building a room for him. As a result, God blessed her with a son, despite her old age and previous barrenness:
“About this time next year you shall embrace a son.”
(2 Kings 4:16)
Years later, the child went out to his father in the field and suddenly became ill:
“He said to his father, ‘My head, my head!’ So he said to a servant, ‘Carry him to his mother.’”
(2 Kings 4:19)
By noon, the child died:
“Then he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.”
(2 Kings 4:20)
Instead of preparing for burial, the woman sought Elisha in faith, believing he could help. She told her husband, “It is well” (2 Kings 4:23), and later told Elisha the same, expressing confidence in the prophet and in God’s mercy.
Elisha came to her house, prayed, and stretched himself on the child:
“And the flesh of the child became warm… and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.”
(2 Kings 4:34–35)
The death of the child was allowed by God to demonstrate His resurrection power and to confirm the authority of His prophet. It showed that God, not man, is the giver and restorer of life.
This event also reflects the importance of persistent faith. The woman never gave up or accused God but sought His representative with boldness, knowing the source of true hope.