The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-13
Sunday School Lesson for August H.
The Shumamnmite'S Som,
2 Kings Nv: 25-37.
BY j. e. GILBERT, D. d., IL. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education

1NTRODT CTlON-ln our last lesson we
learred of Elijahs translation and of Fill
sha's introduction to the prophetic Office
The inspired narrative mentions very
briefly few Incidents only of what fol-
lowed,-the search of the mon who
thought Elijah might yet be living, the
healing of the unwholesome water in the
city well at Jericho, the destruction of
the mocking children, the rebellion of
Mesha, the war with the Moabites. With
greater detail is related the connection of
Elisha with a certain home in Snunem, a
town in lssachar In this itinerant min
istry he attracted the attention of a veal
thy and influential woman in that place,
whose name Is unknown, but who is mem
toned as tho Shunammite. PcrccivinS
his gody character, she, with the con-
sent of her husband, prepared him n
room, Ncritable prophets chamber"
where at his pleasure he came to lodge.
Verse s. In return for this hospitality
blessings were bestowed upon the house
hold. One blessing was priced more than
any other, for n son came to gladden. the
hearts of the chldren's parents. But the
little boy had scarcely passed out of the
tender years when he sickcned and died.
o
APPROACH.-In this hour of bereave-
mSnt the mother naturally sought Elisha.
Her confidence in bin as a holy man. her
acquaintance with him as an occasional
guest, and her knowledge of his wonder
fuI deeds were sufficient reasons for be-
lieving that he, more than any other,
might render some service either of
comfort or help. Besides, the son had
been God ; Gift promised by the prophet,
(verse 16) and she most desired to know,
as all mothers do, the significance of the
Providence Ivy which the young life was
taken. Wto could explain so well as
g1,,,p n,,iI l,iN ,,o 10
Mount Carmel. q erse 25) where at that
time the man of God was suiourninS. III
Kings ii :25D As she was approaching,
Elisha, looking down the way, recognized
her i'm the distance, and announced the
fact to his servant with evident surprise
or curiosity. The mountain was a retired
and stony place, frequcnted by seldom,
save for religious purposes. There Ahab
had established hcathen worship, and
there Elijah had builded the altar of Je-
hovah and sacrificed. Why has this Shu-
nammite come? What does he seek? It
is not the season for religious devotions?
Verse 23)
INQUIRY.-It was with becoming cour-
tesy and gratitude, the enc due to a per-
son of her station and the other a return
for past faVors, that Elisha, without
waiting for the won ans arrival, sent his
servant to meet her. (Nerse Pa This act
was characteristic of all genuine souls in
oriental lands, and in all lands. They
who have generous natures are eager TO
hestow blessings and will not wait TO De
asked. The servant was instructed to
run. as if the errand required haste. and
indeed it did. The servants questions
sought information concerning the wei
fare of all the members of her household,
her health, the health of her husband,
and of her child. From time immemorial
these inquiries have been the first when
two friends meet. Life and health are
the chief blessings to he desired far more
than riches and honor. In this instance
it was the same as to ask if there was
any sickness or misfortune in the family.
Had the woman come because she was in
any trouble? The answer rendered was
somewhat surprising and evasive. at is
we'll" founded evidently upon her faith
which she had expressed on setting Out.
(Ncrsc 23D