This verse from 2 Kings 4:30 is a crucial part of the story of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son from the dead. Let's break it down:
Context: Elisha had performed a miracle and raised the Shunammite woman's son. He then instructed Gehazi, his servant, to run ahead and place his staff on the boy's face, but Gehazi's effort failed to revive the child. Elisha is now on his way to the Shunammite woman's home.
"The child's mother said, 'As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.'"
This is the heart of the verse. The Shunammite woman is swearing a solemn oath, a double oath, using the most sacred things she knows:
"As Yahweh lives": This is a powerful declaration invoking God himself as the guarantor of her words. She is saying, "As surely as God is alive," showing her unwavering commitment.
"As your soul lives": This is another serious oath, referencing Elisha's own life. It shows profound respect for Elisha and indicates the seriousness of her intent.
"I will not leave you": This is the core statement. The woman is determined to stay with Elisha. She recognizes that something significant is happening. She doesn't want to miss what Elisha will do, she trusts in his power. She doesn't believe the matter is resolved. This shows great faith and trust in the prophet Elisha.
"So he arose, and followed her."
Elisha recognizes the weight of her oath. He understands her determination and her faith in his ability to help further.
He arises (from whatever he was doing) and chooses to follow her back to her home, recognizing the urgency and importance of the situation and her faith.
In summary, the verse emphasizes:
The Shunammite woman's deep faith and unwavering trust in Elisha. She believes he is the only one who can truly help her son.
The seriousness of her oath and determination to stay with Elisha until the situation is resolved.
Elisha's respect for her faith and willingness to respond to her plea for help.
The urgency of the situation and the anticipation of further action to restore her son to life.
The verse also highlights the dynamic between a person of faith in need and a prophet who serves as a vessel for God's power. The Shunammite woman's unwavering belief is key to the eventual miracle.
This verse from 2 Kings 4:30 is a crucial part of the story of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son from the dead. Let's break it down:
Context: Elisha had performed a miracle and raised the Shunammite woman's son. He then instructed Gehazi, his servant, to run ahead and place his staff on the boy's face, but Gehazi's effort failed to revive the child. Elisha is now on his way to the Shunammite woman's home.
"The child's mother said, 'As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.'"
This is the heart of the verse. The Shunammite woman is swearing a solemn oath, a double oath, using the most sacred things she knows:
"As Yahweh lives": This is a powerful declaration invoking God himself as the guarantor of her words. She is saying, "As surely as God is alive," showing her unwavering commitment.
"As your soul lives": This is another serious oath, referencing Elisha's own life. It shows profound respect for Elisha and indicates the seriousness of her intent.
"I will not leave you": This is the core statement. The woman is determined to stay with Elisha. She recognizes that something significant is happening. She doesn't want to miss what Elisha will do, she trusts in his power. She doesn't believe the matter is resolved. This shows great faith and trust in the prophet Elisha.
"So he arose, and followed her."
Elisha recognizes the weight of her oath. He understands her determination and her faith in his ability to help further.
He arises (from whatever he was doing) and chooses to follow her back to her home, recognizing the urgency and importance of the situation and her faith.
In summary, the verse emphasizes:
The Shunammite woman's deep faith and unwavering trust in Elisha. She believes he is the only one who can truly help her son.
The seriousness of her oath and determination to stay with Elisha until the situation is resolved.
Elisha's respect for her faith and willingness to respond to her plea for help.
The urgency of the situation and the anticipation of further action to restore her son to life.
The verse also highlights the dynamic between a person of faith in need and a prophet who serves as a vessel for God's power. The Shunammite woman's unwavering belief is key to the eventual miracle.