The Shunammite Woman: an example of hospitality, faith and hope

The Shunammite Woman is a story of a wealthy woman who was capable, generous and hospitable to the travelers who would pass by her home. She would show great kindness to one of God’s prophets. Her greatest sorrow would give rise to her greatest joy. She and her husband were childless. Unlike other childless women, i.e. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Tamar and Hannah, she seemed to be content being childless and providing for the travelers on the road. She would experience great sorrow and yet experience the depth of God’s faithfulness. Her story is told between 2 Kings 4:8-37. What is her story? How is hospitality important to her story and to us? What is the power of hope? 

A few miles north of Jezreel, a wealthy Jewish woman keeps sharp eyes on the travelers who travel the road from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah, frequented the road outside her house. One day, she invites him to stay for a meal. She and her husband set up a small room on the roof of their home for Elisha to use whenever he was in the area. Moved by her kindness, he wanted to do something for her. Gehazi, his servant, pointed out that the couple was aging and childless. Elisha tells the woman that within a year, she will hold a son in her arms. She is shocked and refuses to hope. Yet one year later, that promise is fulfilled and she holds her son. A few years later, the boy became sick and died. The woman carried the boy to Elisha’s room, laying him on the bed and closed the door. She, then, travels to Mount Carmel, hoping to find Elisha. When she finds him, she falls to his feet and says, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?” (2 Kings 4:28). Elisha travels to the woman’s home and finds the boy, still and cold. He laid across the boy’s body and prayed three times. Soon, the boy’s body grew warm, his chest raised and he sneezed. Elisha returns the boy to his grateful mother. 

Hospitality played an important role in the cultures of the Middle East. Desert travel was strenuous. When travelers came to a town or village, they would wait for an invitation to rest at someone’s home. If no invitation came, they would sleep outside. Hosts were expected to feed and provide sleeping arrangements but also provide protection from robbery and harm. In the Old Testament, there are countless examples of hospitality. Abraham and the three strangers (Genesis 18:1-15), Rebekah offering water to a traveler and his camels (Genesis 24:15-21). Solomon had daily provisions for visitors (1 Kings 4:22) to list a few. In the New Testament, there are verses that remind believers to be hospitable. Romans 12:13 says to share with those in need and “practice hospitality.” My favorite verse is Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” The idea of entertaining angels is an occurrence that happened often in the Old Testament. Hospitality and entertaining is simply making others feel comfortable and at home. It doesn’t always mean to open your home; however, it could mean engaging in a conversation with the person who seems to be left out. It’s being aware of your neighbors and inviting a few, as a group or individuals, over for coffee and conversation. 

Her story is also a story of the power of hope. Did Elisha’s promise of a son reveal an unspoken hope of her heart? Did she hear about Elijah raising the son of the widow (1 Kings 17:8-24)? Did she hope for a miracle? Hope is a feeling of optimism, a desire for something good or better will happen. Isaiah 40:31 says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” As humans, even with our strengths, we get tired. But God’s power and strength will never diminish. He will never be too tired or too busy to listen and help. His strength can be the source of our strength. In our weakest moments, we can call on, hope in the Lord and we can be renewed. One of my favorite songs that illustrates this hope and strength in God is Twila Paris’ The Warrior is A Child (1984). It is a song with a powerful imagery of a believer who is tired and runs to the Father for comfort, strength and encouragement. 1 Peter 1:3-9 talks about the living hope believers have in Jesus Christ. When someone utters “I hope so,” there’s a bit of uncertainty in that phrase. But a living hope is fertile. It is fruitful and productive. A living hope has power and produces changes in one’s life.

In conclusion, the story of the Shunammite Woman is an example of hospitality, faith and hope. She was a generous and giving woman. She was a woman who had a desire to care for others. She provided for Elisha above and beyond what was socially expected. When her son became ill and died, she turned to Elisha with faith in the hopes that God would bring him back to life. Hope is a powerful thing. It is a light in a world of darkness. It is what keeps the fight going. Believers have an eternal hope in Jesus Christ. A hope that has power and confidence. A hope that can give us strength to fight the good fight and keep going against all odds.