Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite/1/en

Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite

Introduction

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Like much of the Elisha narrative, the story of the birth and revival of the son of the Shunamite revolves around miracle making.  In the hopes of rewarding the Shunamite for her hospitality, Elisha promises her a son, who is born as prophesied. At first glance, the story is not unique, except perhaps in the scope of the miracle.  It, like others, appears to look favorably on Elisha, highlighting the power of the prophet.  On closer inspection, however, the story raises significant questions, for it is the only case in which the prophet's miracle appears to get undone.