2 Kings 4:23

“And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him today? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.”

Context:The passage is part of a narrative about the prophet Elisha and the Shunammite woman. The Shunammite woman had shown great hospitality to Elisha, and as a result, Elisha had prophesied that she would conceive a son. The child was born, but tragically he died when he was a little older. The woman then seeks out Elisha for help, which brings us to this particular verse.

Seeking advice:In this verse, the Shunammite woman is consulting with her husband about going to see Elisha. Her husband questions her decision, asking why she would go to Elisha on that particular day when it is neither the new moon nor the Sabbath. In ancient Israel, the new moon and the Sabbath were significant times for gathering and seeking the counsel of prophets. The husband’s question implies that it might be inappropriate or unnecessary to visit the prophet on a regular day.

The woman’s response:Despite her husband’s concern, the Shunammite woman confidently responds, “It shall be well.” This phrase can be understood as her expression of faith and trust in God’s providence. She seems to be saying that everything will be fine and that she believes God will work through the situation.

Lesson of faith:The Shunammite woman’s response demonstrates a remarkable level of faith. She trusts that God will intervene and bring about a positive outcome. It reveals her unwavering confidence in God’s power and sovereignty, even in the face of a distressing situation like the death of her son. Her response is a reminder that we too can approach God with faith and trust in difficult times.

Application:This verse encourages us to maintain our faith and trust in God, regardless of the circumstances. It reminds us that God is always in control, even when things may seem uncertain or challenging. Like the Shunammite woman, we can approach God confidently, knowing that He is able to bring about a positive outcome and provide comfort and guidance in our lives.