2 Kings 4:35

Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

2 Kings 4:35 (KJV)

Context

This verse records the climax of a remarkable miracle performed through the prophet Elisha. The story begins in 2 Kings 4:8-37, where a wealthy woman from Shunem showed great hospitality to Elisha, providing him with a place to stay whenever he passed by. To show her gratitude, Elisha wanted to bless her. Upon learning that she had no children, he prophesied that she would conceive a son the following year. True to his word, the woman gave birth to a son. However, tragedy struck when the child became ill and died suddenly. This verse describes the moment when Elisha brings the child back to life.

Meaning

In the preceding verse, Elisha stretched himself upon the child, placing his mouth on the child’s mouth, his eyes on the child’s eyes, and his hands on the child’s hands. Here, he returns and walks in the house to and fro, then goes up and stretches himself upon the child again. The walking to and fro is understood as deep thought, meditation, and fervent prayer for the completion of the miracle. The child sneezes seven times and opens his eyes, fully restored to life. The number seven in Scripture often symbolizes completeness or perfection, emphasizing the completeness of God’s restorative work. The child’s sneezing seven times and opening his eyes signifies full restoration to life and wholeness.

Biblical connections

This miracle demonstrates God’s power over life and death and His compassion toward those who trust in Him. The parallel account of Elijah raising the widow’s son at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:21) shows a similar prophetic act of stretching upon the child, connecting the ministries of these two prophets. This event also foreshadows the ultimate victory over death that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Application

Throughout this story, the woman from Shunem and Elisha demonstrate persistence and faith. Despite her initial barrenness, the woman did not lose hope and continued to show kindness and hospitality. When her son died, she did not give in to despair but immediately sought Elisha’s help. Similarly, Elisha did not give up when he saw the lifeless child. He stretched himself upon the child, showing a powerful act of identification and faith in God’s ability to bring life. This teaches us the importance of persisting in prayer, not losing faith, and believing in God’s power to intervene in impossible situations. The woman’s response in 2 Kings 4:37, falling at Elisha’s feet and bowing to the ground, shows reverence and profound gratitude for the mercy received. This story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s promises, stepping out in faith, and being obedient to His leading even in challenging circumstances.

Reflection

The seven sneezes of the child can be seen as a representation of complete restoration and renewal. In ancient times, sneezing was often associated with expelling illness or negative forces from the body. The number seven is significant in the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. By sneezing seven times, the child was not only restored to life but was also fully healed and made whole. This emphasizes the completeness of God’s work and His ability to bring restoration to every aspect of our lives. This passage serves as a reminder that God is in control and can intervene in the most desperate situations, offering hope and new life.