MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Kings 4
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Kings 4
19. My head, my head! The boy's cries, the part of his body affected, and the time of year suggest that he had suffered a stroke caused by the heat.
22. She called out to her husband, but kept the news of her son's death from him. This heroic concealment is an interesting aspect of the story.
24. Drive on and go ahead - it was customary for women to ride donkeys with a servant walking behind, driving the animal with a stick. The Shunammite had to travel about five or six hours to reach the top of Carmel.
26-28. When Gehazi asked her if everything was all right, she replied briefly and vaguely, reserving the full story for Elisha's ears alone. She had met Gehazi at the foot of the hill but didn't stop until she reached Elisha's feet to unburden her grief-stricken spirit. Her violent outburst of grief seemed like disrespect to Elisha, but he noticed that something was wrong and saw an opportunity to teach her a valuable lesson about faith.
29-31. Take my staff and lay it on the child's face - the staff was likely a ceremonial rod used by officials. Some believed Elisha thought the staff would carry his power, but this is unlikely, as it would undermine his character. By sending Gehazi ahead with the staff, Elisha taught the Shunammite to look to God for help and not rely solely on him.
32-33. Salute no one by the way - this command showed the urgency of the mission, requiring Gehazi to avoid unnecessary greetings common in the East. The act was meant to exercise faith and prayer, rather than simply avoiding social niceties.
34. Lay the staff on the child as you have been instructed - although touching a dead body would make Elisha ceremonially unclean, he was willing to dispense with this law for the sake of performing his moral duties.
35. The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes - these were the first signs of restored life, described as successive steps towards recovery. Miracles often occurred instantaneously, but in some cases, they unfolded progressively (1 Kings 18:44-45; Mark 8:24-25).