Questions and Answers
Who requested Elisha's help after her husband died?
A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets who owed a debt at his death.
What was the creditor going to take as payment for the widow's debt?
Her two sons to be slaves.
Why did the widow think that Elisha would help her?
She knew her husband was a servant of Elisha and feared the Lord.
What did Elisha ask the widow to determine how to help her?
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What was the widow's response to Elisha's question?
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How did Elisha help the widow to pay her husband's debt?
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Where did Elisha go to stay when he was in Shunem?
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Why did the Shunammite woman feel the need to prepare a room for Elisha?
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Since Elisha was thankful for the care the Shunammite woman had given him, what did he ask her?
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Did the woman ask for a favor in return for her goodness?
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What did Elisha and Gehazi find out about the woman?
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What favor did Elisha do for the woman of the house where he stayed in Shunem?
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What later happened to the Shunammite woman's son?
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What did the woman proceed to do after the boy died?
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Where did she go with her servant?
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When Elisha saw the woman afar off, what did he tell Gehazi to do?
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What did the Shunammite woman answer to Gehazi?
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What did the woman do when she saw Elisha?
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Did she tell Elisha that the child was dead?
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Did the child revive when Gehazi laid the staff on him?
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How did Elisha raise the Shunammite woman's son from the dead?
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Did this revive the boy?
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What was Elisha's next action?
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Did the second attempt at revival succeed?
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After Elisha returned to Gilgal, what hardship was affecting the land?
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The sons of the prophets were making some stew with what deadly ingredient?
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Study Notes
Widow's Plea and Miracle
- A widow of a prophet's son approached Elisha after her husband's death, as she owed a debt that threatened her sons (v. 1).
- The creditor planned to take her two sons as slaves to pay off the debt (v. 1).
- The widow sought Elisha's help, knowing her husband had been his servant and recognizing the holy nature of Elisha (v. 1).
- Elisha inquired about what the widow had in her house to help her (v. 2).
- She reported having only one jar of oil (v. 2).
- Elisha advised her to gather as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors, then pour oil from her single jar into them. The oil continued to flow until all jars were filled, allowing her to sell it and settle the debt (v. 3-7).
Hospitality of the Shunammite Woman
- Elisha frequently stayed at a room prepared for him by a Shunammite woman, showing her hospitality (v. 9-10).
- She recognized Elisha as a holy man of God, prompting her act of kindness (v. 9).
- Grateful for her care, Elisha offered to help her in any way, including speaking to influential people on her behalf (v. 13).
- The Shunammite woman declined any favors, stating she lived among her own people (v. 13).
Prophecy and Tragedy
- Elisha discovered the woman was childless and her husband was old (v. 14).
- He promised her that she would have a son within the year (v. 14-15).
- Tragically, the son later suffered a head injury and died while on his mother's lap (v. 18-20).
- In grief, she laid her son's body on Elisha's bed and sought him out for help (v. 21-22).
Journey for Help
- The Shunammite woman went to find Elisha at Mount Carmel (v. 24-25).
- When she approached, Elisha sent Gehazi to ask if all was well (v. 25-26).
- The woman reassured Gehazi that everything was fine, not revealing her tragedy (v. 26).
Elisha's Response
- Upon meeting Elisha, the woman fell at his feet in distress, prompting Gehazi to push her away, but Elisha recognized her suffering (v. 27).
- Though she didn't directly tell Elisha about her son's death, he sensed a grave problem and sent Gehazi ahead with his staff to attempt a revival (v. 27-29).
- Gehazi returned, reporting that the child had not awakened after laying the staff on him (v. 29-31).
The Miracle of Resurrection
- Elisha entered the room, prayed to God, and stretched himself over the lifeless boy (v. 34).
- Although the boy's flesh grew warm, he did not yet revive (v. 34).
- Elisha repeated the process, leading to the boy sneezing seven times and reviving successfully (v. 35).
Famine and Danger
- After these events, Elisha returned to Gilgal, where the land was affected by famine (v. 25).
- The sons of the prophets prepared a stew using wild gourds they mistakenly believed to be safe, which unfortunately turned out to be deadly (v. 38-39).
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of II Kings Chapter 4 with these flashcards designed for the Bible Bowl (NKJV). Each card explores significant events and characters, providing essential insights into the widow's plight and Elisha's responses. Perfect for memorization and understanding the chapter's key themes.
