Elisha's healing work was an outstanding mark of his career, and much can be gained from considering his association with the brave Shunammite who is described as "a great woman" (II Kings 4:8). She recognized him as "an holy man of God" (verse 9), welcomed him as her guest on repeated occasions, and, with her husband, provided a special room for the prophet's use.
Grateful for her generosity, and learning that she was childless, he assured her that within a year she would bear a son, despite the fact that her husband, a prosperous farmer, was well on in years. Elisha's promise was at first more than she was prepared to accept, but in due course it was fulfilled.
One morning, several years later, the boy, who had joined his father in the harvest field, was suddenly stricken by severe pains in his head. Although promptly returned to his mother's care, about noon he passed away on her knee.
