This verse describes the fulfillment of a prophecy made by the prophet Elisha. Let's break it down:
"The woman conceived, and bore a son...": This is the central event. The woman, previously childless, became pregnant and gave birth to a son.
"...at that season, when the time came around...": This refers to a specific period of time. The "season" likely points to a timeframe previously specified by Elisha. "When the time came around" suggests that the birth happened according to a natural cycle of pregnancy and childbirth, but also aligned with the timeframe Elisha had mentioned.
"...as Elisha had said to her.": This is the key part. It emphasizes that the birth was a direct result of Elisha's prophecy. In the preceding verses, Elisha had told the woman that she would hold a son in her arms within a year (2 Kings 4:16). This verse confirms that Elisha's promise was fulfilled.
In essence, the verse means: The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son at the time that Elisha had predicted she would.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger story about a Shunammite woman who showed hospitality to Elisha. As a reward for her kindness, Elisha prophesied that she would have a son, despite being older and her husband being old as well. The fulfillment of this prophecy demonstrates Elisha's power as a prophet and God's faithfulness in keeping his promises. It's a story of divine intervention, rewarding kindness, and highlighting the power of faith.
This verse describes the fulfillment of a prophecy made by the prophet Elisha. Let's break it down:
"The woman conceived, and bore a son...": This is the central event. The woman, previously childless, became pregnant and gave birth to a son.
"...at that season, when the time came around...": This refers to a specific period of time. The "season" likely points to a timeframe previously specified by Elisha. "When the time came around" suggests that the birth happened according to a natural cycle of pregnancy and childbirth, but also aligned with the timeframe Elisha had mentioned.
"...as Elisha had said to her.": This is the key part. It emphasizes that the birth was a direct result of Elisha's prophecy. In the preceding verses, Elisha had told the woman that she would hold a son in her arms within a year (2 Kings 4:16). This verse confirms that Elisha's promise was fulfilled.
In essence, the verse means: The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son at the time that Elisha had predicted she would.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger story about a Shunammite woman who showed hospitality to Elisha. As a reward for her kindness, Elisha prophesied that she would have a son, despite being older and her husband being old as well. The fulfillment of this prophecy demonstrates Elisha's power as a prophet and God's faithfulness in keeping his promises. It's a story of divine intervention, rewarding kindness, and highlighting the power of faith.
