This verse highlights a woman’s determined faith and immediate pursuit of divine help in a moment of crisis.
In this passage, the Shunammite woman’s son has just encountered a life-threatening situation, and she reacts with great urgency. The scripture says, “Then she called to her husband and said, ‘Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and return.’” (v.22) This location likely refers to the region of Shunem, situated in the northern kingdom of Israel, which lay within the tribal territory of Issachar. Shunem was a rural enclave that provided a home for this faithful Israelite woman and her family. By asking for the servant and donkey, she makes clear her determination to leave immediately to find the prophet Elisha, who was active in Israel from around 852 to 796 BC, succeeding the prophet Elijah. Although the verse does not explicitly name Elisha here, the surrounding context reveals that he is the “man of God” she intends to reach.
Her request in “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys…” (v.22) captures both the urgency and sincerity of her mission. She wastes no time explaining her plans in detail but instead demonstrates resolute faith that if she can find Elisha, restoration or healing might be possible. This determination parallels similar expressions of faith found elsewhere, such as when individuals in the New Testament persistently sought out Jesus for healing (Mark 5:25-29). Though this is centuries before Christ’s ministry, we can see a grasp of the idea that God’s messengers carry divine authority.
The mention of “the man of God” underscores the Shunammite woman’s understanding that her hope resides in God’s power, channeled through His appointed prophet. Elisha himself was a significant figure in the biblical timeline, prophesying during the reigns of several kings of the northern kingdom. By the time of this story, he had already performed numerous miracles, including multiplying oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7). This woman’s swift decision to fetch him shows her trust that God can work through Elisha’s presence and prayers. Her faith, as seen throughout 2 Kings 4, foreshadows the posture believers would take in the New Testament—swiftly turning to the Messiah for miraculous interventions (John 11:25-26).
Her boldness in “…that I may run to the man of God and return” (v.22) reveals an unwavering commitment to taking action, reminding believers of the role of trust and urgency in our walk with God.
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2 Kings 4:22 meaning
In this passage, the Shunammite woman’s son has just encountered a life-threatening situation, and she reacts with great urgency. The scripture says, “Then she called to her husband and said, ‘Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and return.’” (v.22) This location likely refers to the region of Shunem, situated in the northern kingdom of Israel, which lay within the tribal territory of Issachar. Shunem was a rural enclave that provided a home for this faithful Israelite woman and her family. By asking for the servant and donkey, she makes clear her determination to leave immediately to find the prophet Elisha, who was active in Israel from around 852 to 796 BC, succeeding the prophet Elijah. Although the verse does not explicitly name Elisha here, the surrounding context reveals that he is the “man of God” she intends to reach.
Her request in “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys…” (v.22) captures both the urgency and sincerity of her mission. She wastes no time explaining her plans in detail but instead demonstrates resolute faith that if she can find Elisha, restoration or healing might be possible. This determination parallels similar expressions of faith found elsewhere, such as when individuals in the New Testament persistently sought out Jesus for healing (Mark 5:25-29). Though this is centuries before Christ’s ministry, we can see a grasp of the idea that God’s messengers carry divine authority.
The mention of “the man of God” underscores the Shunammite woman’s understanding that her hope resides in God’s power, channeled through His appointed prophet. Elisha himself was a significant figure in the biblical timeline, prophesying during the reigns of several kings of the northern kingdom. By the time of this story, he had already performed numerous miracles, including multiplying oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7). This woman’s swift decision to fetch him shows her trust that God can work through Elisha’s presence and prayers. Her faith, as seen throughout 2 Kings 4, foreshadows the posture believers would take in the New Testament—swiftly turning to the Messiah for miraculous interventions (John 11:25-26).
Her boldness in “…that I may run to the man of God and return” (v.22) reveals an unwavering commitment to taking action, reminding believers of the role of trust and urgency in our walk with God.