What does 2 Kings 4:10 mean?
"Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither." - 2 Kings 4:10
The verse 2 Kings 4:10 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the prophet Elisha, who was a successor to the prophet Elijah. Elisha was known for performing many miracles, and this particular passage tells the story of a wealthy woman from Shunem who showed kindness to Elisha.
The woman in this story is not named, but she is described as a "great woman" which signifies her status and wealth. She and her husband recognized Elisha as a holy man of God and wanted to provide for him whenever he passed by their home. They decided to build a small chamber for Elisha to stay in whenever he visited, showing their hospitality and generosity towards him.
The act of building a chamber for Elisha demonstrates a deep respect and reverence for the prophet and the message that he carries. It also represents the importance of showing kindness and support for those who are doing the work of God.
The chamber that the woman and her husband built for Elisha is described as containing a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. These items can be seen as symbolic of the basic necessities for a person's comfort and well-being. The bed represents rest and relaxation, the table symbolizes sustenance and nourishment, the stool signifies a place for contemplation or conversation, and the candlestick represents light and guidance.
These simple but essential items provided for Elisha reveal the woman's understanding of his needs and her desire to make him feel at home. Her thoughtfulness and generosity are an example of how we should care for those who work in service to others.
This passage also illustrates the theme of hospitality and how it is essential in the Christian faith. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of welcoming and caring for others, particularly those who are in need or who are doing the work of God. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus instructs his followers to provide for the hungry, thirsty, and strangers, as a reflection of their service to Him. The woman from Shunem's hospitality towards Elisha is an embodiment of this principle.
Furthermore, the story of the woman and Elisha's chamber also serves as a reminder of the rewards of kindness and generosity. After the woman's act of hospitality, Elisha asks what he can do for her in return. He blesses her with the promise of a son, which she had longed for but thought was impossible due to her age. This unexpected blessing highlights the idea that when we give to others, especially to those who serve God, we may receive unexpected gifts and blessings in return.
In summary, 2 Kings 4:10 presents a powerful message about the importance of hospitality, generosity, and thoughtfulness towards those who serve God. The woman from Shunem's actions serve as an example for us to follow, showing respect and care for those who are doing the work of God, and reflecting the love of Christ through our actions towards others.
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2 Kings 4:10 - "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
"Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither." - 2 Kings 4:10
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
"But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?" - 2 Kings 10:4
2 Kings 4:4-5
1 Kings 4:10 - "The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:"
2 Kings 3:10 - "And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!"
2 Kings 21:10 - "¶ And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,"
2 Kings 10:28 - "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."
1 Kings 10:4 - "And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,"
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
2 Samuel 10:4
2 Samuel 10:4
1 Kings 2:10 - "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David."
2 Kings 10:26 - "And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
Psalms 2:10 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."
2 Kings 10:36 - "And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years."
2 Kings 24:10 - "¶ At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged."
"The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:" - 1 Kings 4:10
2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
2 Kings 11:10 - "And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:2 - "Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;"
1 Kings 4:2 - "And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,"
2 Kings 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"
2 Kings 25:10 - "And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about."
2 Kings 6:4 - "So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood."
2 Kings 9:4 - "¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Kings 22:10 - "And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."