What does 2 Kings 4:17 mean?
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life." - 2 Kings 4:17
2 Kings 4:17 (KJV) states:
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life."
This verse is a part of the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. The Shunammite woman and her husband had shown kindness to Elisha, and as a result, Elisha had prophesied that she would have a son. This verse marks the fulfillment of that prophecy when the woman conceives and gives birth to a son.
The story of the Shunammite woman and Elisha contains several important themes, including faith, kindness, and God's faithfulness. The woman and her husband had shown great hospitality and kindness to Elisha, providing him with a place to stay and meals to eat. In return, Elisha blesses them with a promise of a son, despite their old age. This demonstrates the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as the couple's kindness leads to the fulfillment of their long-held desire for a child.
The theme of faith is also prominent in this story. The Shunammite woman's response to Elisha's prophecy is one of disbelief, as she does not want to get her hopes up for something that seems impossible. However, her doubt does not prevent God from fulfilling his promise, and the birth of the son becomes a testament to the faithfulness of God.
Additionally, the birth of the son in this verse also serves as a reminder of God's perfect timing. The prophecy of the son's birth comes at a specific time, and the fulfillment of that prophecy also occurs "at that season." This highlights the importance of patience and waiting on God's perfect timing, as he brings his plans to fruition in the fullness of time.
In terms of context, this story takes place during the time of the prophet Elisha, who was the successor of Elijah. Elisha performed many miracles during his ministry, and the story of the Shunammite woman is just one example of his prophetic power and God's faithfulness. This story serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring life and restoration in seemingly impossible situations.
The symbolism in this verse can be seen in the birth of the son. In biblical times, the birth of a child was often seen as a blessing from God and a sign of his favor. The birth of the son to the Shunammite woman and her husband signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and his faithfulness to those who trust in him. It also serves as a foreshadowing of future events in the story, as the son later falls ill and is ultimately brought back to life by Elisha in a miraculous display of God's power.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 4:17 is a significant verse within the larger story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. It highlights themes of faith, kindness, and God's faithfulness, as well as the importance of waiting on God's perfect timing. The birth of the son serves as a symbol of God's blessings and the fulfillment of his promises, reminding readers of his ability to bring life and restoration in all circumstances.
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2 Kings 4:17 - "And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life."
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life." - 2 Kings 4:17
1 Kings 4:17 - "Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:"
"Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:" - 1 Kings 4:17
2 Kings 17:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 17:4 - "And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison."
1 Kings 17:4 - "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there."
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
2 Corinthians 4:17
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
2 Kings 17:8 - "And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 17:17 - "And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." - 2 Kings 17:2
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
2 Kings 17:5 - "¶ Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years."
2 Kings 24:17 - "¶ And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
2 Kings 11:17 - "¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people."
2 Kings 17:3 - "Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents."
2 Kings 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"
2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."
2 Kings 2:17 - "And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not."