2 Kings 4:10

2 Kings 4:10

I. How did this little chamber come to be? It originated in the quick and clear conception of this woman of Shunem. The perceiving, the observing, eye is the gate of knowledge, the quickener of sympathy, the informer to benevolence. It brings before the benevolent heart the material on which it can act. It is at least the hewer of wood and the drawer of water to nobler faculties than itself.

II. Let us see how these nobler things come out in this case. Immediate action is taken. It is good to know men and things somewhat correctly; but the higher pleasure is later born, and is always associated with doing and with duty. "Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do, do it." There are duties and privileges which are possible to us only within a certain limit and line of time, and beyond that impossible for ever.

III. Do not think of these duties of helpfulness as involving great exertion, or very considerable expenditure of time or money. It is not so. It is even in some cases very much the reverse, as in this case of the good Shunammite. Her gift, after all, is very simple, and to herself and her husband very inexpensive. The room she gave the prophet was hung round with no pictures; the three inscriptions we may see on the walls are these: (1) considerateness; (2) simplicity; (3) contentment.

A. Raleigh, The Way to the City,p. 115.

I. The little chamber was built by a great woman whose name is not told us. If we live to do good and to make others happy, our names will be where hers is.

II. The prophet Elisha conducted himself in such a way in this woman's house that she knew he was a man of God. If some of those who do not eat and drink to the glory of God could see themselves as others, and especially as God sees them, they would be ashamed.

III. In the little chamber Elisha raised the Shunammite's dead son. God pays good rent for all that His servants use.

T. Champness, Little Foxes that Spoil the Vines,p. 46.

References: 2 Kings 4:13. J. Van Oosterzee, Year of Salvation,vol. ii., p. 479. 2 Kings 4:19. J. Hamilton, Works,vol. vi., p. 474. 2 Kings 4:20. T. L. Cuyler, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xx., p. 104. 2 Kings 4:23. E. Blencowe, Plain Sermons to a Country Congregation,2nd series, p. 400. 2 Kings 4:25. A. Edersheim, Elisha the Prophet,p. 105. 2 Kings 4:26. E. J. Hardy, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxviii., p. 284; A. P. Stanley, Good Words,1878, p. 140; A. K. H. R., From a Quiet Place,p. 117; G. D. Macgregor, Christian World Pulpit,vol. iii., p. 49; Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. vii., No. 411; Preacher's Monthly,vol. ii., p. 179; M. Nicholson, Redeeming the Time,p. 286; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. xi., p. 20, and vol. xxii., p. 93. 2 Kings 4:30. Ibid.,vol. xvii., p. 24.