Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 4
The woman in Shunem and her husband had been true friends to Elisha. They saw the help that he needed – so, they provided for him. They did not expect or desire any reward for their efforts – they simply wanted to show kindness to him as a holy man.
However, God rewards the people who do such things (Mark 9:41); and Elisha too wanted to show them some kindness. He did not want to take advantage of their generous act as if he were not grateful to them. So, he tried to think of some way that he too could show kindness to them.
When people had a legal problem, they needed someone to introduce them to the king. In Israel, the king was also the chief judge. In the same way, if an enemy was causing them trouble, they needed someone to introduce them to the army commander. He could arrange guards for them, who would have similar duties to the police today. Those guards would fight against anyone who tried to damage their property.
The king at this time was Joram, an evil man. The army commander may have been Jehu, who replaced him (9:5). These important men had discovered that there was real power in Elisha’s relationship with God (3:11-19). For that reason, they might agree to see him, although he spoke strongly against their evil deeds. When Elisha saw them, he would be able to introduce the woman to them. That was what Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, did on a later occasion for that woman (8:1-6).
Next part: Help that only God can give (2 Kings 4:14)
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