She refuses to give up and remains determined to experience God’s power through His prophet.
Elisha, who lived around the 9th century BC, was traveling with Gehazi in the region of Israel when he encountered a situation of great distress after the death of a young boy. The child’s mother, known as the Shunammite woman from the area of Shunem (a town located in the Jezreel Valley of northern Israel), persistently sought Elisha’s help. In the midst of her anguish, she declared, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (v.30) This statement demonstrated her unwavering resolve to remain at Elisha’s side until her child was restored.
The verse, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (v.30) underscores the depth of the Shunammite woman’s faith and loyalty. She understood that Elisha—by God’s power—had the authority to heal and even restore life, foreshadowing the power that would later be seen in the ministry of Jesus (John 11:43-44). Her strong words reflect a mix of reverent awe toward the living God and recognition that the prophet held a divine commission to act on Israel’s behalf.
In her desperation, the mother clung to Elisha, convinced no one else could bring hope to her situation. This steadfast faith mirrors many biblical examples where believers tenaciously pursued God’s intervention (Luke 18:1-8). By insisting, “I will not leave you,” (v.30) she demonstrated a call for God’s presence and His chosen instrument of healing to accompany her in the darkest hour of her life.
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2 Kings 4:30 meaning
Elisha, who lived around the 9th century BC, was traveling with Gehazi in the region of Israel when he encountered a situation of great distress after the death of a young boy. The child’s mother, known as the Shunammite woman from the area of Shunem (a town located in the Jezreel Valley of northern Israel), persistently sought Elisha’s help. In the midst of her anguish, she declared, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (v.30) This statement demonstrated her unwavering resolve to remain at Elisha’s side until her child was restored.
The verse, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (v.30) underscores the depth of the Shunammite woman’s faith and loyalty. She understood that Elisha—by God’s power—had the authority to heal and even restore life, foreshadowing the power that would later be seen in the ministry of Jesus (John 11:43-44). Her strong words reflect a mix of reverent awe toward the living God and recognition that the prophet held a divine commission to act on Israel’s behalf.
In her desperation, the mother clung to Elisha, convinced no one else could bring hope to her situation. This steadfast faith mirrors many biblical examples where believers tenaciously pursued God’s intervention (Luke 18:1-8). By insisting, “I will not leave you,” (v.30) she demonstrated a call for God’s presence and His chosen instrument of healing to accompany her in the darkest hour of her life.