And when the child was grown.
The empty home
The Bible is the most perfectly natural and human book in the world. It deals not with philosophies and theories, but with real human life. The story of the Shunammite and her child is one of the most touching episodes in Scripture, and also one of the most beautiful and finished narratives in the whole range of literature.
1. We are introduced to “a great woman,” a lady of great wealth and influence. She dwelt in Shunem, in the plain of Jezreel, the richest and most fertile tract of land in Palestine. She was a woman of keen spiritual perception; and as Elisha passed to and fro on his Master’s business, she recognised him to be a man of true piety. “I perceive,” she said, “that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.” There is an Eastern proverb, “A myrtle in the desert will be a myrtle still.” So Elisha was consistent in whatever circumstances he might find himself.
2. She was also a woman of large-hearted generosity.
3. But this great woman was hiding in her heart a great disappointment: she had no child to cherish as her very own.
4. But this great woman was to pass through a great sorrow.
5. But this great woman overcame by means of great trust in God. (F. S. Webster, M. A.)
Concerning accidents
The remark was recently made by an earnest and thoughtful believer: “There is no catastrophe that can possibly come to a living Christian.” The tidings had just reached him of a serious accident--as we are accustomed to say--that had befallen a dear relative, known not less for piety than for marked amiability of disposition. This was the sad occasion that suggested the above remark. The words were spoken tenderly, evincing no lack of heartfelt sympathy, showing no indisposition to administer comfort in the most substantial manner. While we stood silently contemplating the situation, this Christian friend added: “There is no catastrophe but the loss of faith.” Very true. To abandon one’s reliance upon the Heavenly Father’s care is incalculable loss. The whole universe, without faith inspiring the soul, would, indeed, become a dreary chaos, a world distorted, meaningless. Laying aside all discussion of extraordinary events which befall those who are in rebellion against God--how far these events are under the supervision of that Almighty power which is so despised, consider that no catastrophe can possibly come to the living Christian. He is not exposed to accident in any true sense. The severest revulsions may come; the sudden visitation of physical illness may change every earthly plan; even the throne upon which reason sits may be demolished; but not one nor all of these combined can touch that sacred relationship over which infinite love and power exercise perpetual guardianship. A living Christian has a living union with the Divine nature, enjoys a residence in the realm of faith, is upheld every moment by an arm that wearies not beneath the burden of universe. The child of our King--a victim of chance? Never! Sooner the covenants of God will be broken than this could be. Let every loyal heart rejoice in the absolute perpetuity of relationship with his Father, and in the consequent pledge on His part of unremitting care.
A day in a mother’s life
There are times when everything goes on smoothly, and one day is like another. Again, there are times when changes come, and whole years of joy or sorrow may be concentrated into a single day. So it was with the household at Shunem. It was a hallowed day when Elisha first entered the house (2 Kings 4:8). It was a joyous day when a man-child was born (2 Kings 4:17). But most memorable of all was that day when the only son was lost and found; was dead, and received back to life again (verse 18-37).
I. Morning joys. It is the harvest time. “Man goeth forth unto his work, and to his labour until the evening” (Psalms 104:22-23).
1. We see mother and child at home. She is called “a great woman” (2 Kings 4:8). This implies not greatness in wealth, but in character (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 31:10-31). Doubtless she would show her “greatness,” not only in her management of household affairs, but in her care of her child.
2. The next scene is in the harvest field. Here, too, all is joy. The father is glad at sight of his boy. His coming is not the result of command, but of his own choice. There is such love between him and his father as makes their meeting and intercourse a joy to both. They are happy together.
II. Darkness, at noon. How soon may the brightest sky be clouded. How quickly may the happiest home be darkened by sorrow and the shadow of death. “We know not what a day may bring forth.”
1. It is a cry raised in the midst of innocent labour. The work going on is good and not evil. It is in accordance with God’s ordinance. It is wholesome and pure. Old and young may join in it freely. Such, at least, it was in the olden time, when the simplicity and purity of pastoral life were still known in the land (Ruth 2:4). And yet here death comes. There is no place safe. There is no people or work with immunity from trouble.
2. The cry brought woe to the father’s heart. His son’s voice was sweet to his ear.
3. Picture the sad home-coming. “Carry him.” The lad obeys. What a change. He came out full of life and frolic; he is borne back helpless as a clod. Alas, how dreadful the awakening! (2 Kings 4:20). Mark her gentleness. “On her knees”--where often she had dandled him with delight.
III. Light at evening time. All is not lost, since God liveth. This woman, like her countrywoman of Gospel times, was great in faith. Therefore, instead of giving way to despair, she strengthens her heart in God.
1. Mark the preparation. What promptitude and decision!
2. The long ride to Carmel.
3. The passionate appeal to the prophet (verses 27-30). Nothing will satisfy her but Elisha.
4. The return and restoration (verses 32-37).
Hope has sprung up again in her breast. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Trials will come. In the darkest hour God can help. Here the child cries to his father, the father sends to the mother, the mother appeals to the prophet, and the prophet casts himself on God. So let us cast ourselves on Christ, our God and Saviour (Isaiah 66:13; John 11:25). (William Forsyth, A. M.)