Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground ,.... In reverence of him, and with the most profound gratitude and thankfulness for the mercy received: and took up her son, and went out ; of the chamber into her house, with great joy and gladness. read more
The Lord hath hid it from me , and hath not told me - In reference to this point he had not now the discernment of spirits. This, and the gift of prophecy, were influences which God gave and suspended as his infinite wisdom saw good. read more
Did I desire a son of my lord ? - I expressed no such wish to thee; I was contented and happy; and when thou didst promise me a son, did I not say, Do not deceive me? Do not mock me with a child which shall grow up to be attractive and engaging, but of whom I shall soon be deprived by death. read more
Salute him not - Make all the haste thou possibly canst, and lay my staff on the face of the child; he probably thought that it might be a case of mere suspended animation or a swoon, and that laying the staff on the face of the child might act as a stimulus to excite the animal motions. read more
I will not leave thee - The prophet it seems had no design to accompany her; he intended to wait for Gehazi's return; but as the woman was well assured the child was dead, she was determined not to return till she brought the prophet with her. read more
Behold , the child was dead - The prophet then saw that the body and spirit of the child were separated. read more
Prayed unto the Lord - He had no power of his own by which he could restore the child. read more
Lay upon the child - Endeavored to convey a portion of his own natural warmth to the body of the child; and probably endeavored, by blowing into the child's mouth, to inflate the lungs, and restore respiration. He uses every natural means in his power to restore life, while praying to the Author of it to exert a miraculous influence. Natural means are in our power; those that are supernatural belong to God. We should always do our own work, and beg of God to do his. read more
The child sneezed seven times - That is, it sneezed abundantly. When the nervous influence began to act on the muscular system, before the circulation could be in every part restored, particular muscles, if not the whole body, would be thrown into strong contractions and shiverings, and sternutation or sneezing would be a natural consequence; particularly as obstructions must have taken place in the head and its vessels, because of the disorder of which the child died. Most people,... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 4:36
And he called Gehazi, and said, call this Shunammite ,.... To come up to the chamber to him: so he called her: and when she was come in unto him, he said, take up thy son ; from off the bed, alive, safe, and sound. read more