Shunammite's Son Raised
A wealthy woman's only son collapsed and died in her arms. She rode to Elisha, who stretched himself over the boy seven times - and the child sneezed and opened his eyes.
The Shunammite woman, who had generously provided hospitality to the prophet Elisha, received the promise of a son in her old age as a reward for her kindness. Years later, when the boy suddenly died, she urgently sought Elisha's help; after initial attempts by his servant failed, Elisha prayed over the child, lay upon him, and restored him to life through divine power. This event, recorded in 2 Kings 4, demonstrates Elisha's prophetic authority as successor to Elijah and illustrates God's compassion toward the faithful. It holds significance in Scripture as one of several Old Testament resurrection accounts that foreshadow the greater miracles of Jesus and affirm themes of faith, prayer, and God's sovereignty over life and death.
Details
- Category
- Resurrection
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Performed by
- God through Elisha
Key Chapters
Key Passages
The Miracle
2 Kings 4:32-37
This passage reveals God's tender power to restore life, showing that faithful prayer invites His miraculous intervention into our deepest grief.
32nd when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.
Did You Know?
The Shunammite woman built a room for Elisha. Her hospitality was rewarded with the promise of a son.
When the boy died, she laid him on Elisha's bed and went straight to the prophet instead of mourning.
Elisha stretched himself out on the child twice. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
This is one of the clearest Old Testament pictures of resurrection power through a prophet.