Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground; in acknowledgment of the boon conferred on her. In the East such prostrations are common, and denote at once gratitude and humility. And took up her son, and went out. (On some later circumstances in the life of the woman, see 2 Kings 8:1-6 .) read more
Take up thy son - Compare Elijah’s action (marginal reference “t”) and our Blessed Lord’s Luke 7:15. read more
2 Kings 4:36-37. When she was come in unto him Hebrew, come to him, namely, to the door of his chamber, where probably he met her with the joyful message. Then she went in Into his chamber: and after she had thrown herself at his feet, full of humility and gratitude, and reverencing him as an angel of God, she went to the bed, took up her son, and went out Publishing, no doubt, this wonderful work of God to all her family; who made it known abroad. read more
Miracles of care for the remnant (4:1-44)The widow of one of the prophets was in desperate trouble. She had hardly any food left and was about to lose her only means of income; for her sons were to be taken from her in payment for a debt. Elisha’s miraculous provision of oil enabled her to pay the debt and so preserve a few of God’s faithful in days of extreme hardship (4:1-7).Another of Israel’s faithful was the wife of a wealthy landowner. She recognized Elisha as God’s representative and... read more
Take up thy son. The seventh miracle (2 Kings 2:15 ). read more
God’s blessing of those who honor Him 4:8-37In contrast to the incident above, this one shows God’s blessing on a wealthy woman. She was not the marriage partner of a prophet but a simple faithful believer in Yahweh (cf. 2 Kings 4:8-10; 2 Kings 4:16; 2 Kings 4:21-22; 2 Kings 4:24-25; 2 Kings 4:27; 2 Kings 4:30; 2 Kings 4:37). She was living among unbelievers in Israel (cf. Rahab, Ruth, et al.). Her husband appears to have been only a formal participant in Yahweh worship rather than thoroughly... read more
Various Miracles of ElishaThe miracles related of Elisha in this and the following chapters resemble many of those previously recounted of Elijah. Thus both prophets multiplied the sustenance of a woman in need (2 Kings 4:1-7; 1 Kings 17:8-16); both restored a dead child to life (2 Kings 4:8-27; 1 Kings 17:17-24); both came into conflict with their king on the occasion of a famine (2 Kings 6:24-33; 1 Kings 18); and both brought a violent death upon certain individuals who offended them (2 Kings... read more
(36) Take up thy son.—So our Lord “delivered to his mother” the young man whom He raised from death by His word (Luke 7:15). read more
(37) Then she went in.—And she came.Bowed herself to the ground.—In deep veneration for the prophet of Jehovah. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 4:36
And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite ; i.e. tell her to come here. No time was to be lost in restoring the child to his mother, now that he was alive again. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son ; i.e. lift him up, take him in thine arms, feel him to be all thine own once more. read more