2 Kings 8:1 – 6 “Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land.”
So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines.
At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.”
And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.”
When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now.”
THE NEED WAS IMMEDIATE! Elisha knew that there was going to be a terrible famine that would last for seven years. Naturally, Elisha warned the Shunammite woman who had sheltered him and whose son he had raised from the dead. This lady took Elisha’s advice and left for the coastal lands of the Philistines, where the famine did not reach. But in the woman’s absence, others moved into her home and tried to take over her fields. Now the woman was returning to Israel, but she needed the king’s help to re – claim her house and lands.
Meanwhile, Gehazi was chatting with the king of Israel. Perhaps this story took place before Gehazi became a leper; at any rate, Gehazi was thrilled to have the opportunity to brag about Elisha. Gehazi was telling the king about the Shunammite woman and how God had given her a son despite her husband’s old age and how God had used Elisha to raise that boy from the dead. Just then, the lady herself entered the king’s court, accompanied by her son. Little wonder then, that when the lady confirmed the story that Gehazi had just told, the king immediately issued the order to restore her house and lands.
This is such a simple story that we might well overlook it. “Ho hum,” we think. “What’s the big deal about a lady getting her house and lands back?” But in thinking like this, we are overlooking the customs of the day. Once that lady left for Philistia, it was quite likely that one of her husband’s near relatives moved in swiftly to take over everything. After seven years, it was going to take a major effort to evict this man, and by now the Shunammite woman’s husband might have died, leaving her even more vulnerable. If the individual who took over the Shunammite woman’s property had proven reasonable, she wouldn’t have needed to appeal to the king. Obviously, this guy was banking on the idea that possession was nine tenths of the law.
The timing was crucial. Had the lady arrived prior to Gehazi informing the king of her matter, the king might have ignored her. It’s likely that as the lady was going to the king, the man who had taken over her house and lands was also sending a representative, possibly bearing a bribe. But God arranged events so that just as Gehazi was recounting this lady’s story, the lady and her son approached the king. Realizing that this woman was a special friend of Elisha’s, the king swiftly granted the lady’s request and restored everything to her. After all, who would want to mess with a prophet who can raise the dead?
APPLICATION: During our missionary careers, there have been times when we have trusted others with large sums of money, only to learn later that they diverted the money, keeping much of it for themselves. Obviously, such events are very distressing; however, we have also learned from this. The funds that flow through us belong to God and not to us. This means that if someone mishandles funds once we have paid them out in good faith, those individuals will have to answer to God. (This, however, does not mean that we need to make the same mistake twice!) As long as we continue to handle God’s resources faithfully, God will continue to supply our needs. God can multiply or restore resources, and the final result will remain the same.
The Shunammite woman in this story needed God’s assistance. Returning to Israel after a seven years’ absence, this lady found herself in an extremely difficult position. But God knew the day and moment when the Shunammite woman would reach the court, and God moved the king of Israel to quiz Gehazi for miracle stories.
Being defrauded is always painful and frightening. We wonder what will happen if we lose our hard – earned savings. Those who have trusted in Social Security are perpetually struggling with its limitations, wondering how they will pay for food, medicine, rent, etc. In telling this story, I am not trying to sugar – coat circumstances. But my husband and I can testify that God has continued to multiply our resources. Many times, we have encountered situations and have feared that we would be caught short; yet, somehow, God has always come through for us.
Are you stuck like the Shunammite woman? Is your back to the wall with no help in sight? Beg God for His assistance. God does not change, nor does He play favorites. The same God who restored the Shunammite woman’s house and lands to her stands willing to help you as well.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, there are those reading these words who are in dire straits. Social Security has proven inadequate. Perhaps there are no family members who can or will help in any fashion. But You are the God of Israel, the same God who restored everything to the Shunammite woman. Today, help those in need to appeal to You and hear the cries of their hearts. You are a God of infinite variety and Your provision can come in ways we cannot possibly anticipate. Hear us, Oh Lord! In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment