Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1898-08-11
THE sHUNAMITE's soN.
sunday school Lesson in the Inter-
national Series for August1i,
ISoS-2 Kings, 4:25-37.

lnclAZES
corning Elisha's works among the people
given in this chapter. as specimens OF his
benehcent ministry.
PLACES.-Cl Shunem, now Solam, a
town in Issachar, about three and a half
miles north Of Jezreel and Sc miles north
Of Jerusalem, On the southwest flank Of
Little Eermon.
EXPLANATORY.
l. Elisha Relieves Poor Widow and
Her Family.-4:1-7. Elisha was the
prophet of helpfulness. He illustrated
what true religion does for men in
daily life. a widow OF one of the sons
of the prophets who was engaged in
the instruction of the people came TO
Elisha for aid. Her creditors demand
ed their money, and, as she could not
pay it, they threatened 10 take her two
sons for slaves, to work out the debt.
In reply to the prophets inquiry she
said she had nothing in the house save
pot of OIL" Elisha babe the woman
borrow empty vessels from her neigh
bors. and bringing them into her
house, with closed doors. TO pour out
from her own jar of oil till every dish
and jar was full. This oil she was to
sell and pay her debt. Every vessel
she had faith enough to borrow was
filed with the miraculous oil.
II. Life Restored--About three miles
north of Jerzeel, at Shunem, lived a
wealthy and religious family, who
often entertained Elijah as he passed
through the village on foot to attend
to his religious work. The wife at
length built upon her house an upper
room, with access by an outside stair
way, for Elisha's especial aceommo-
dation. The prophet wished to make
such return as he could, and, being
often at court, offered TO say a good
word for her to the king, or general
of the army, Just the sort of favor
which an oriental would be likely to
value most" She declined with
thanks Then. finding that her life
was like the city of Jericho, beautiful
for situation but wanting in ore great
blessing, in that she was childless,
Elisha promised from the Lord that
within a year she should embrace a
SON." Years afterward it was the
means of restoring TO her her home
and property, which had been unjustly
taken from her during her absence
G. Kings s:1-6). When the child had
grown TO be quite boy he went one
morning into the harvest fields with
his father and was taken suddenly
sick, probably with sunstroke. fol-
lowed by Inflammation of the brain.
The boy was sent home to his mother,
who held him till noon. when he died.
25. The man of God saw her afar
Off" From his hilltop. looking down
into the valley.
PC. Run now" Elisha knew that
only some matter of great Importance
could bring the woman there. us it
well with thae?" Hebrew: SIS it
peace to thee?" And she answered:
1T is WE'LL" She said but one word,
Peace" The cautious mother wishes
to have no words with the servant; it
is his master that she is in quest Of
%. she caught him by the feet,
etc.:" The falling down, clasping the
feet etc, are actions witnessed every
day in the east. 'Gehazi came near to
portunity excessive, or such liberties
beneath his masters dignity, Just as
the disciples tried to drive away the
mothers who brought their children to
| Jesus. The Lord hath hid it from
me-" Often the Lord had told him
what was coming; but in this case let
him learn from the suppliant herself,
as the best way for both
Is. Did / desire son ?" Did ask
! the favor? Was it not sent freely?
/ Why, then, does the same power take
| it from me?
%. Then he said to Gehazi:" His
attendant. "Gird up thy loins:" In
preparation for tourney. Take my
staff" His prophetic staff, the sym
Dol of his authority. If thou meet
any man, salute him not:" The Jew
| ish salutations. like those common in
the orient to-day, were deliberately
formal and occupied SO much time as
to be a serious hindrance when there
was reason for haste.
SO. Il will not leave thee" She
wanted his presence. his personal sym
patty and aid
81. And laid the staff but
there was neither voice nor hearing;"
/ Ills mission was a failure. The wrong
man was behind the staff.
80. He went in. therefore, ard shut
the door upon them twain:" Perhaps
himself and the mother; more prob
ably himself and only the dead boy.
And prayed unto the Lord"
81. lie returned. and walked in the
! house 10 and fro" There had been
/ signs Of life in the flesh Of the child
becoming warm. But there was a
! great struggle of faith in the prophet.
This was a new experience OF what
the Lord might do through him. and he
could not know the Lords VIII at
once. The child sneezed seven times,
and opened his eyes These
were the first acts Of restored respira-
tion, and they are described as sue
cesSiye steps.
81. "She fell at his feet" The first
impulse even before taking mp her
son. She was fun Of gratitude for the
great blessing.
PRACTICAL. SUGGESTIONS