Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite/1/en
Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite
Introduction
A Failed Miracle
Like much of the Elisha narrative, the story of the birth and revival of the son of the Shunamite revolves around miracle making. To reward 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. However, on closer inspection, the incident is puzzling, for, in contrast to the rest of Elisha's miracles, this one is nullified. Though Elisha successfully brings a boy into the world, the wonder is short-lived as the boy dies while still a child. How are we to understand the death of the boy? What, if anything, does the failure of the miracle say about Elisha? Is this a story about the greatness of the prophet, or about his limits?
Long Journey to Success
Though the story ends with the successful revival of the boy, success does not come easily. Time and again the story hints that something is amiss in Elisha's power:
- "י"י הֶעְלִים מִמֶּנִּי וְלֹא הִגִּיד לִי" – When approached by the distraught Shunamite after the death of her son, Elisha is totally oblivious to the reason for her distress, knowing nothing of the plight of the boy. Why did Hashem keep the knowledge of the boy's death from him? What message lies in this lack of prophetic insight?
- "לֹא הֵקִיץ הַנָּעַר" – Elisha sends Geichazi ahead of him, with his staff, presumably to revive the child. Yet, Geichazi fails to do so. Is this due to a flaw in the servant, the master, or just a matter of circumstance? Why is this initial attempt at resuscitation not successful?
- "וַיָּשֶׂם פִּיו עַל פִּיו" – Two full verses describe Elisha's efforts at resuscitation. He lies on the boy, matching his body parts to those of the child and warms him. He then paces around the house, only to return once again and stretch himself on the boy. What is the significance of these various actions? If the boy is being brought back to life miraculously, why does Elisha not suffice with a declaration, as he had for the birth? Moreover, why does Elisha stop his efforts mid-way to walk around the house? Does this suggest that his first attempt, too, had failed?
How are we to understand this long journey to success? Do the initial obstacles come merely to highlight the enormity of the final miracle, and thus the greatness of the prophet who brought it? Or, on the other hand, do they allude to a problem in the prophet and some flaw that kept him from success?
Additional Questions
- אֲבָל בֵּן אֵין לָהּ
- אַל תְּכַזֵּב בְּשִׁפְחָתֶךָ
- Parallels
