The woman of Shunem (or Shunammite woman) is a character in the Hebrew Bible. 2 Kings 4:8 describes her as a "great woman" (KJV) in the town of Shunem. Her name is not recorded in the biblical text.
Hospitality
editAccording to 2 Kings 4, she showed hospitality to the prophet Elisha, constructing a room where he could stay whenever he was in the town. She is childless, but Elisha prophesies that she will have a son. A year later she gives birth to a son.
Raising of her son
edit2 Kings 4:18–37 relates how, when her son had grown up, he became sick and died. She goes to Elisha for help, and he brings her son back to life.
Land restored
editThe woman of Shunem appears again in 2 Kings 8. At Elisha's advice, she has spent seven years in Philistia to avoid a famine, and has come back to find she no longer has possession of her house and land. She appeals to the king (Jehoram), and her property is restored to her.
Evaluation
editAbraham Kuyper views the woman of Shunem as a typical example of pious people in Israel having love and respect for the prophets. Kuyper suggests that the narrative indicates her "independence and readiness".[1] Carol Meyers notes that "unlike virtually all women in biblical narratives, she is not presented as the 'wife' of someone".[2] Claudia Camp says that the woman is "both independent and maternal, powerful and pious."[3] The proposal to build a room for Elisha originates with the woman and is supported by her husband (2 Kings 4:9–10).
References
edit
- ^ Abraham Kuyper, Women of the Old Testament, p. 152.
- ^ Carol Meyers, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context, p. 190.
- ^ Claudia V. Camp, 1 and 2 Kings, in Women's Bible Commentary, p. 113.