God’s power and compassion meet persistent faith, inspiring believers to seek Him with confidence.
“Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.’” (v.26) Elisha, who served as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel from about 850 B.C. to around 800 B.C., instructs his servant, Gehazi, to greet the Shunammite woman and inquire about her wellbeing. This woman lived in Shunem, a town situated within the territory of Issachar near the Jezreel Valley in the land of Israel. Geographically, it was a fertile area, known for its agricultural production. Asking multiple questions—about her, her husband, and her child—underscores Elisha’s pastoral concern as God’s spokesman for every aspect of her life.
When Gehazi does so, the woman responds with a simple declaration: “It is well.” (v.26) This is remarkable because, in the broader context of 2 Kings 4, her child had recently died, and yet she does not immediately divulge her distress to Gehazi. Her words indicate a profound faith and determination to bring her plea directly to Elisha himself. Spiritually, her response foreshadows the idea that even in tragic circumstances, believers can hold fast to faith that God’s power is sufficient. Jesus likewise encouraged persistent trust, teaching that prayerful perseverance can yield miraculous results (Luke 18:1-8).
The exchange highlights the closeness of God’s intervention through His prophets. It also points forward to the New Testament reality in Jesus Christ, who invites the hurting to come directly to Him for hope, healing, and restoration (Matthew 11:28). The Shunammite’s calm declaration underscores an underlying reliance on God’s promises—a trust that is tested but ultimately rewarded when Elisha later raises her son to life, mirroring God’s power over even the most desperate situations.
Set to dark mode
2 Kings 4:26 meaning
“Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.’” (v.26) Elisha, who served as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel from about 850 B.C. to around 800 B.C., instructs his servant, Gehazi, to greet the Shunammite woman and inquire about her wellbeing. This woman lived in Shunem, a town situated within the territory of Issachar near the Jezreel Valley in the land of Israel. Geographically, it was a fertile area, known for its agricultural production. Asking multiple questions—about her, her husband, and her child—underscores Elisha’s pastoral concern as God’s spokesman for every aspect of her life.
When Gehazi does so, the woman responds with a simple declaration: “It is well.” (v.26) This is remarkable because, in the broader context of 2 Kings 4, her child had recently died, and yet she does not immediately divulge her distress to Gehazi. Her words indicate a profound faith and determination to bring her plea directly to Elisha himself. Spiritually, her response foreshadows the idea that even in tragic circumstances, believers can hold fast to faith that God’s power is sufficient. Jesus likewise encouraged persistent trust, teaching that prayerful perseverance can yield miraculous results (Luke 18:1-8).
The exchange highlights the closeness of God’s intervention through His prophets. It also points forward to the New Testament reality in Jesus Christ, who invites the hurting to come directly to Him for hope, healing, and restoration (Matthew 11:28). The Shunammite’s calm declaration underscores an underlying reliance on God’s promises—a trust that is tested but ultimately rewarded when Elisha later raises her son to life, mirroring God’s power over even the most desperate situations.