The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Kings — Section 143

Vera. 1-6.-The Shunammite and her lands. This narrative is the seqnel to the history of the Shunammite in eh. iv. It furnishes another instance of how God cares for and rewards his people. I. ELISHA'S WARNING. In chronological order this narrative seems to precede the cure of Naaman, while Gehazi was still the servant of the prophet. A famine of long duration was about to descend on the land, and Elisha gave timely warning to the Sbnn'\mmite to take refuge somewhere else. 1. The good are often sharers in the calamities of the wicked. This famine was no doubt sent on Israel as a punishment for sin. God's prophet foretold it, as Elijah had foretold the drought in the days of .Ahab (1 Kings xvii. 1). Famines and similar calamities do not come nncalled for. They are instruments used by God iu his moral government (Ezek. xiv. 21; Amos iv.). And in the distresses brought upon the world by sin God's people are often sharers. 'l'he innocent are involved in the sufferings of the guilty (Ezek. xxi. 3, 4). This lady of Shunem, now probably a widow, is compelled, by the approach of famine, to abandon home and lands and rural comrort for a sojourn among idolaters. 2. The good, notwithstanding, are marvellously protected amidst the calamities of the wicked. It was God's mercy to this Shunammite, who in former days had befriended his prophet, which now led to her being warned beforehand. God's rewards for kindness shown to his servants are not soon exhausted. It was sad to be involved in the famine, but it would have been sadder had she not received this warning to withdraw in good time. Thus God, by a special providence, cares for and watches over the interests of bis people. He guides their steps, and is a Shield to them from trnuble. 3. The good are provided for amidst the calamities of the wicked. The Shunammite was directed to sojourn with her household wherever she could find a refuge. She believed the word of the man of God, obeyed it, and went to sojourn in the land of the Philistine:,. There she abode for the seven years that the famine lasted, and during that period was sufficiently provided for. It was an act of faith on the part of the Shunammite to take this step, for she had nothing to go upon in regard to this famine but tbe prophet's bare word. 'l'hat, however, was held sufficient, and she left all t,J do as he had bidden her. God's people are always safe in acting on his commands. When Elijah was sent to hide by the brook Cherith, the ravens were." commanded" to feed him; and when he was told to go from there to Zarepbath, a widow woman was similarly "commanded" to sustain him (1 Kings xvii. 4, 8). As God provided for Jacob and his household in Egypt in a time of famine, so he prepares a provision for all his people who humbly trust him. "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing" (Ps. xxxiv. 10). II. THE SHUNAMMITE's RETURN. At length, through the ceasing of the famine, the way was open for the Shnnammite to come back. Her return was: l. .After long exile. Seiren years had she been absent from the land of Jehovah. During that period she had lived amidst Philistine surroundings. Her spirit must often have been grieved at the idolatrous and heathenish sights she witnessed; for what moral communion could she have with the worshippers of Dagon? Nor could she now, as of  THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS. [u1, VIIL 1-- 29,