Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite/2
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This topic has not yet undergone editorial review
Elisha and the Son of the Shunamite
Exegetical Approaches
Flaw in Elisha
Elisha was at fault for the death of the Shunamite's son. This approach divides regarding the nature of his sin:
Overstepped Prophetic Authority
Elisha overstepped his prophetic authority by declaring that he could bring life. Giving life should be in Hashem's hands alone.
Prophetic authority
The Shunamites' title: אִשָּׁה גְדוֹלָה
Geichazi's suggestion
Indirect speech
The Shunamite's reaction: אַל תְּכַזֵּב בְּשִׁפְחָתֶךָ
Son's death
וַה' הֶעְלִים מִמֶּנִּי וְלֹא הִגִּיד לִי
Geichazi's failure
Elish'a actions
Biblical parallels
Lack of Empathy
Elisha's treatment of the Shunamite and unsolicited promise of a son portrayed a lack of sensitivity to his barren hostess.
Sources:Y. Amit, R"M Lichtenstein
Flaw in the Shunamite
The Shunamite did not sufficiently appreciate the miracle bestowed upon her, and did not recognize that the supernatural birth of her son brought with it the responsibility of raising him to greatness.
Sources:R"E Samet
No Flaw
The death of the son of the Shunamite was not related to any sin, but was rather was the result of natural causes.