When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
Elisha arrives to find the promised son lying dead in the place where he had rested and found refreshment. The husband and the rest of the household still don’t know what’s going on. She’s told no one… and the only witnesses to the current state of affairs are her and Gehazi. The household probably knew something serious was happening since Gehazi ran to the house and back to them without talking to anyone. Elisha walks into his room and shuts the door behind him. Whether the prophet explains himself is unknown.
Now, it is just Elisha, the corpse of the promised son, and the LORD. Elisha prays. The words of his prayer are left between these three. Elisha stretches himself out upon the little body. Very specifically matching the head and hands. And the corpse warms. The shunammite woman and Gehazi are waiting outside. In an awkward silence? Trying to keep the rest of the household away from the scene? Elisha gets up and walks around the house and stretches upon the body again. The child sneezes in succession and opens his eyes. Can you imagine the face of the mother who hears her dead son sneeze? Incredulous? Wonder? Relief? Hope? What does it look like when faith is answered?
Elisha calls for his servant, Gehazi. Gehazi comes in from his wait outside. Gehazi is instructed to summon the shunammite. So he goes out again to bring her in… into the room that she had set aside for the prophet. She walks in and finds her son restored to life. Elisha tells her to pick up her son. She falls at his feet again. Gratitude? Recognition of greater power? She picks up her son and leaves.
Part 1 Making room for the man of God
Part 2 A Promise to one who is content
Part 3 Recognizing the power of God and acting accordingly
part 4 Confusion & Drama for a prophet