Prayer: The Physical and Spiritual, Intertwined (2 Kings 4.33)

So he went in and closed the door on the two of them, and prayed to the LORD.

Background

The first chapter of 2 Kings continues the interactions between Elijah and the King of Israel (the northern kingdom), Ahaziah. The second chapter details Elijah’s death—though he is such an important figure that he is taken up to heaven in chariots of fire. Elisha is now God’s prophet to the people, and the stories that follow show that his ministry is like that of Elijah’s in words and deeds. The end of chapter 3 describes his role in the battles between Moab and Israel.

The first prayer in 2 Kings comes after the Moabite rebellion is over. After a brief story in which Elisha miraculously supplies oil to a widow, the prophet travels through the town of Shunem. A rich woman lived there, and always invited him for a meal when he came through. She had even had her husband make a small room for him on their roof, with a bed, table, chair, and lamp.

On one of these trips, Elisha decided to do something for the woman in return for her hospitality. He learned that she had no son, so he told her that she would conceive. Her disbelief at this gift is clear in her words to him: “Don’t deceive me!” But Elisha’s word was true, and she gave birth to a son the next year.

Years later, the child became sick and died. The woman left her town and searched for Elisha. When the prophet saw her face, he knew something was wrong. She cried out, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, Do not mislead me?” Without hesitation, the prophet gave his staff to his servant and ordered him quickly to Shunem, where he was to lay it on the face of the child. The servant hurried away.