The Shunamite Woman
By Ruth Looper
Our experiences shape and change us. As human beings, we are continuously confronted with compelling words, images, and actions. A small percentage of these stimuli are pure and innocent. Most present some form of temptation ranging in intensity from mild to severe. As Christians, our goal is to walk in the light—to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16). We see the temptation and resist without gratifying our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24). Satan works to find ways to derail our peace and contentment with our Father.
How do we negotiate the wide array of occurrences while resisting the temptation to leave our first love? Sometimes, we do not feel at peace. Our experiences engender intense feelings which must be processed. We need to give place to concern, sadness, anger, and grief. Only after we permit ourselves to work through our responses may we regain peace. Each of us will travel through periods of excitement and hope such as the joy of gaining entrance to college or landing a wonderful job, becoming engaged to be married, or expecting a child. We will also live through times of difficulty with chronic strain on our resources, extended illness in ourselves or family, or the unavoidable separation from loved ones caused by death. We are comforted by our nurturing Father who places our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Each day may not be peaceful, but the goal is to commune with God so closely that we know intimately what His peace feels like. In times of depression, tragedy or illness, we can be renewed by our strong faith and trust, continuously leaning on our Savior.
To attain peace in vexing times, let’s learn from Biblical accounts. Which Bible personalities demonstrate a peaceful countenance during uncertain and unforeseen circumstances? Perhaps David, who in a one-to-one showdown, ran toward a veritable giant determined to gain the victory for God (I Samuel 17:48). Or Daniel, who prayed to God as usual when confronted with the threat of death in a lion’s den for doing so—preferring constant communication with our Father to life itself (Daniel 6:10). Or Jael (Judges 4:22), who cunningly devised and executed a dangerous plan to rid Israel of Sisera, their enemy’s captain, by impaling the sleeping warrior’s head with a tent peg!
They all dared. They all risked their own lives and in doing so, boldly achieved a higher purpose. It is clear their peace originated from their faith in God. One definition of the word peace is, “Freedom from anxiety, disturbance (emotional, mental, or spiritual), or inner conflict; calm, tranquillity,” as shown in the Oxford English dictionary online. Peace, then, means having a conscious state without worry, anger, or frustration. In this article, we will consider the value and origin of peace along with a reflection on the character of a woman who exemplified steadfast reliance on God. Her spiritual beauty and trust in God provides valuable insight for us today.
Jesus is the Source of peace. He clarified, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). In this gift lies responsibility. Jesus made clear we have a choice over whether we will be troubled or afraid. He commands His disciples to avoid allowing their emotions to become unsettled. In applying this Truth to ourselves today, we are to neutralize troubled and fearful thoughts as they come. Being distressed or being at peace is a decision. Hopefully, we can learn how to reject thoughts which cause us to question God. Certainly, in this world, we will experience pain, suffering, loss, and distress. The goal is to gain mastery over our responses so that we may give glory to God in all circumstances (I Thess. 16-18). This may be simple to imagine in the abstract, but when confronted by certain situations, it can feel nearly impossible.
While each of the Bible characters referenced above show exceptional calm under pressure, there is a matron of good deeds who deserves further study - the woman of Shunem. She shows stunning spiritual tenacity despite heartbreak. Her capacity to maintain composure is extraordinary. We will address the known circumstances and surmised context of her life, her character and the results of her actions, and then her biblical legacy. Finally, let’s imagine how to incorporate her version of wisdom in our own lives.
The Shunamite woman resided in the town of Shunem during the prophet Elisha’s lifetime. Her former home is positioned in the present-day village of Sulam, a northern Arab-Israeli location. From Scripture we know she earns the distinction of a “notable woman” (II Kings 4:8). Her husband is older, and we know he works in agriculture (II Kings 4:18). Their family enjoys sufficient resources—with enough to share. When the account begins, she has no children. She notices a man of God who travels close by their home regularly. She offers the prophet meals. Later, she petitions her husband, asking to add a room onto their home to provide accommodation for Elisha. Elisha is grateful for her thoughtfulness and wishes to reciprocate her kindness. When he asks her what she would like in return, she emphasizes she has enough: “I live among my own people” (II Kings 4:13). He counters with news that she will conceive and bear a son within the next year. She appears to have lost hope of having a child, disagreeing with him that such could be possible. Indeed, at the appointed time, she delivers her baby boy.
The role of being a mother includes potential catastrophe. Many mothers know the excruciating pain and sorrow when a child precedes them in death. The death of a child normally results in a state of horror, anguish, and dismay where a person feels out of control in grief. It is difficult to fathom, but the Shunamite woman contained those feelings while holding her son on her lap until he died. Then, knowing his heart had stopped beating, she deliberately carried her boy to the room she had arranged as a place of rest for the prophet.
Refusing to speak the natural reality that her son was dead, she urgently travels a substantial distance to Elisha:
22 Then she called to her husband, and said, “Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back. 23 So he said, “Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.” And she said, “It is well.” 24 Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, “Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.”
The Shunamite Woman seems to believe Elisha is the only one who could help her. It appears she was confident about Elisha’s capacity to reverse the calamity. Perhaps she had the strength to say “it is well” twice (above and II Kings 4:26), refusing to give voice to the tragedy of her child’s death because she knows he will be made alive again.
It seems her restraint—refraining from describing the facts was instrumental in the child’s resurrection. Her extraordinary faith that the man of God would be able to call her son back to life seems clear in her refusal to leave the prophet. She throws herself at Elisha’s feet and declares, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you” (II Kings 4:30). Although Elisha asks his servant Gehazi to intervene, she insisted on waiting for the prophet. They travel back to Shunem where he prays to God that the child’s soul will return to him and the son comes alive again.
Let’s reflect on her strengths. As the story begins, she shows eager motivation by seeking opportunities to share her resources. She must have imagined how travel weary Elisha would be after his long walking journeys on dusty roads. Her empathy inspires her to show love, and her persistence and dedication causes her to make a comfortable space for him to rest.
She shows respect for the authority of her husband by asking him to ready a donkey and a driver. She is deliberate and swift in her action to seek Elisha’s rescue. She is not denying the reality—she is focusing on her savior. The Shunamite woman acted as if her son’s death was not final. And it wasn’t. She believed there was a higher plane, a spiritual authority she could trust. The woman from Shunem was determined and would not be deterred from her goal, Elisha. She bypassed Gehazi and threw herself at Elisha’s feet and clung to him.
While her given name is not recorded, her spiritual character still communicates. It is worth knowing her story. Her embodiment of strength under pressure may provide direction for us today. Just as the woman of Shunem knew the assistant, Gehazi, did not possess Elisha’s power, so we must recognize the futility of seeking worldly substitutes and cling to our Lord and Master, Jesus. She is determined and pressing onward. Will we follow in our older Brother Jesus’ footsteps, trusting God no matter what is happening? Even to the point of death? Let’s minimize the present evil we observe, instead looking to our connection with God as the only sufficient salve.
The beautiful song “It Is Well With My Soul” comes to mind. It was penned by Horatio Gates Spafford after losing his four daughters at sea. In a state of utter grief, he illustrated the path to peace, which is childlike faith in our Savior Jesus. Especially poignant is the line, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” In our efforts to promote peace, perfect peace in our own lives, let’s practice putting into action the words of this song:
It Is Well with My Soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, O the bliss of this glorious tho’t!-My sin not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!