Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 4
It seems that Elisha regularly visited many different places in Israel. God had given him the responsibility to teach Israel’s people about God. Elisha also met often with those people who were loyal to the true God. At this time, most people in Israel served false gods – that fact made Elisha’s work among Israel’s people especially important.
Shunem was a town about 5 miles (8 kilometres) north of Jezreel, where there was a royal palace (1 Kings 21:1). Shunem was on the north side of one of the best valleys for agriculture in Israel. Perhaps that was how this man and his wife in Shunem became wealthy.
They used their wealth well, because they were generous people. They also respected Elisha greatly. They looked after him well because he was a holy man. So, when they provided for him, they were in fact giving a gift to God.
They saw that Elisha passed that way often. Originally, they provided a meal for him in their home, each time that he passed. However, they then saw that they could help him even more. If they built an extra room onto their house, it would be a comfortable place for him to stay overnight. The furniture was simple – but it was all that Elisha needed. Here, he could sleep or pray or study – and nothing would interrupt him. He could stay there occasionally or often, for a short or a long time – whatever suited him.
Next part: A reward for the woman who helped Elisha (2 Kings 4:11-13)
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