It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. Because of his vigilance Elisha received a double portion of the spirit that God had placed on Elijah. He walked and spoke in the confidence of his teacher and the power of God. He had learned to speak with God and listen to God. When the Shunammite woman’s son had died the woman came to Elisha is great distress and sorrow, but God was silent (4:27). Elisha was also a very wise and compassionate man. As the woman sobbed at his feet he must have been struggling with God asking for divine guidance. But this time God would allow his providence to speak to his prophet. After the woman spoke a few words Elisha knew the source of her pain. As he began his journey to the son, he sent his servant to run ahead and begin God’s work of restoration. I wonder what Elisha prayed on the path from Carmel to Shunem? Did he spend the whole time in intercession for the boy’s life to return? Did he question God why he had been silent? We’ll never know, but Elisha completed his journey, and then completed the wonderful work of restoration for this woman’s son’s life.
Stuart
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