CLEAN – podcast 21, Wealthy Shunammites’ Child

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/clean-podcast-21-wealthy-shunammites-child/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><ul><li>CLEAN 21, <i><strong>The Wealthy Shunammites’ Son</strong></i> = also <strong>OT character study 64</strong>.</li><li>Yesterday we saw how the prophet Elijah saved the life of the son of the Widow of Zarephath. Today we will look at a similar account—and it’s easy to confuse the two!—involving Elijah’s successor, Elisha.</li><li>This woman is probably younger than the widow of Zarephath. Her husband is still living, and out in the fields working, probably as a supervisor. That makes more sense, since they were wealthy. But even wealthy persons have problems, suffer tragedies, and need God.</li><li>Perhaps the woman is the main character because the money came from her family. At any rate, she eclipses her husband.</li></ul><p><strong>Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-37; 8:1-6</strong></p><ul><li>The couple are friends and supporters of the prophet Elisha -- and his ministry.</li><li>The couple ups their game: hospitality will now include a room (v.10). It makes us think of the guest room Paul anticipates Philemon will provide.</li><li>They were a very giving couple. Elisha wishes to reciprocate, to give them a precious gift for all their kindness (v.14).</li><li>Quite naturally, the woman cannot believe her ears (v.16)! Her dream of being a mother (again?) has died, or lain dormant. Now the Lord is revivifying it.</li><li>Barrenness is a common theme in the Bible. Just think of all the older women who were enabled to conceive (think Sarah and Elizabeth).</li><li>This child wasn’t conceived of the Holy Ghost! Since the baby came a year later, she and her husband obviously took action sometime in the three months after Elisha made the promise.</li><li>Now the scene is several years later (the child can talk (v.19) – perhaps he is two or three years old).</li><li>Notice how the father delegates t