2 Kings 8:3 kjv
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.
2 Kings 8:3 nkjv
It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land.
2 Kings 8:3 niv
At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land.
2 Kings 8:3 esv
And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land.
2 Kings 8:3 nlt
After the famine ended she returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to see the king about getting back her house and land.
2 Kings 8 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Kgs 8:1 | "Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine upon the land for seven years." | Elisha's prior warning and counsel for the woman to leave. |
| 2 Kgs 8:4-6 | "And the king talked with Gehazi... And as he was telling the king... behold, the woman... cried to the king..." | Divine timing of Gehazi's story aligning with her appeal. |
| 2 Kgs 4:8-37 | The full account of the Shunammite woman, her hospitality, Elisha's prophecy, her son's birth, death, and resurrection by Elisha. | Establishes her faith, relationship with Elisha, and past miracles. |
| Lev 25:23-28 | "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me...ye shall grant a redemption for the land." | Principles of land inheritance and redemption in Israel. |
| Num 27:8-11 | Law concerning inheritance and property rights, especially when no male heir is present or property is lost. | Importance of family land rights and securing inheritance. |
| Psa 105:16 | "Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread." | God's sovereignty over natural disasters like famine. |
| Psa 37:25 | "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." | God's care for the righteous, even through hardship. |
| Prov 22:11 | "He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend." | Seeking favor and justice from kings/rulers. |
| Rom 13:4 | "For he is the minister of God to thee for good." | The role of governing authorities in providing justice. |
| Psa 10:17 | "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear." | God hears the cries of the oppressed or those in need. |
| Jer 32:6-8 | Jeremiah redeems property even in exile, showing the importance of retaining family land rights. | Emphasis on preserving familial land and inheritance. |
| Matt 6:33 | "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." | God's provision for those who trust Him, even amidst worldly concerns. |
| Luke 18:7-8 | Parable of the persistent widow seeking justice from an unjust judge. | The need for perseverance in seeking justice or prayer. |
| Gen 12:1 | Abraham called to leave his land, demonstrating God's direction in relocating. | Echoes of God's guidance to sojourn in a foreign land. |
| Gen 47:4 | Jacob's family sojourning in Egypt during famine. | Sojourning in foreign lands as a response to famine. |
| Heb 11:13-16 | Believers as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" seeking a better, heavenly country. | The temporary nature of earthly dwelling, similar to her sojourning. |
| Joel 2:25 | "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten..." | Theme of divine restoration after loss or devastation. |
| Mal 3:10 | Promise of abundant blessing and rebuke of the devourer for faithfulness in tithes and offerings. | Principle of restoration and divine repayment. |
| Eph 6:8 | "Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord..." | Reaping what one sows, divine recompense for her previous hospitality. |
| Deut 28:1-14 | Blessings for obedience, including living securely in the land. | Her return reflects seeking restoration to the land of blessing. |
| Psa 126:1-3 | "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter... The LORD hath done great things for us..." | Restoration bringing joy and acknowledgment of God's work. |
| Isa 61:7 | "For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double..." | Promise of double restoration and inheritance. |
2 Kings 8 verses
2 Kings 8 3 Meaning
This verse describes the faithful Shunammite woman, previously blessed by the prophet Elisha with a son who was later resurrected, returning to Israel after a seven-year famine. During this famine, she had followed Elisha's counsel to live temporarily in the land of the Philistines. Upon her return, she immediately sought an audience with the king to appeal for the restitution of her family's house and land, which had evidently been confiscated or fallen into other hands during her absence. This moment highlights divine timing, the woman's perseverance, and the unfolding of God's providence.
2 Kings 8 3 Context
This verse follows Elisha's prophecy of a seven-year famine (2 Kgs 8:1) and his advice to the Shunammite woman to leave Israel. Her absence spans the entire famine period. The preceding chapter (2 Kgs 7) detailed the end of the famine in Samaria and Elisha's power. The immediate narrative surrounding 2 Kings 8:3 (specifically 2 Kings 8:4-6) is crucial: while the Shunammite woman comes to the king, Gehazi, Elisha's former servant, is providentially speaking with the king, recounting Elisha's miraculous deeds, including the resurrection of this very woman's son. This perfect timing allows her plight to be immediately recognized and her appeal favorably heard by the king. Historically, King Jehoram (Joram), son of Ahab, reigned during this period, marked by a mixing of devotion to the LORD and Baal worship, but also occasional instances of divine intervention and acknowledgment of God's prophets. The return of the woman after such a long absence to claim her land highlights the importance of inheritance and property rights in Israelite society.
2 Kings 8 3 Word analysis
- And it came to pass at the end of seven years:
- This phrase indicates a specific, fulfilled period, signaling the conclusion of the famine Elisha had prophesied. The number "seven" (Hebrew: sheva') often signifies completeness, divine timing, or a set period ordained by God. This indicates a definite end to the hardship.
- This duration signifies the extent of God's decreed judgment (famine) but also the precise limits of hardship.
- that the woman:
- Refers to the Shunammite woman (Hebrew: ha'ishah), who is intentionally left unnamed but clearly identifiable by context (2 Kgs 4). Her anonymity emphasizes her identity as "the woman whom Elisha restored her son to life" (2 Kgs 8:1), underscoring her spiritual significance and Elisha's powerful connection.
- Her faith and hospitality had been amply demonstrated earlier (2 Kgs 4), making her a recognized figure in Elisha's ministry narrative.
- returned out of the land of the Philistines:
- "Returned" (Hebrew: shûv): Signifies coming back to her homeland, indicating the famine had ended or was no longer an immediate threat to her. It also means resuming a former state or position.
- "Land of the Philistines": This region, adjacent to Israel, served as a place of refuge for her family during the severe famine in Israel. While often hostile, it provided temporary safety and provision through God's providence, echoing instances like Abraham in Gerar (Gen 20) or Isaac in Gerar (Gen 26). This highlights her obedience to Elisha's instruction (2 Kgs 8:1).
- and she went forth to cry unto the king:
- "Went forth" (Hebrew: yatsa'): Implies an intentional act, a public approach, and an immediate step after returning.
- "Cry" (Hebrew: za'aq): This term signifies a loud, urgent appeal for help, justice, or intervention, often from a position of distress or legal disadvantage. It's a common biblical term for a plea to a superior authority or God himself when in need. This was not a casual request but a desperate plea for justice regarding a fundamental right.
- "Unto the king": The ultimate legal and administrative authority in Israel, demonstrating her attempt to seek justice through the proper, highest human channel. The king likely being Jehoram (Joram) during this time.
- for her house and for her land:
- "House" (Hebrew: bayit): Refers to her family dwelling, indicating not just the physical structure but the family's homestead and seat.
- "Land" (Hebrew: sadeh): Refers to her inherited fields and property, which was fundamental to her family's economic sustenance and covenant identity in Israel (cf. the importance of inherited land in Lev 25, Num 27). The loss of these assets during her absence was a significant calamity requiring royal intervention.
- These two elements represent the complete loss of her material heritage and livelihood, prompting her direct appeal for restitution.
2 Kings 8 3 Bonus section
- The seven-year famine period itself mirrors the cycles of blessing and hardship often seen in the Old Testament, frequently connected to Israel's obedience or disobedience.
- The land of the Philistines, though generally antagonistic to Israel, became a safe haven due to God's guiding hand through Elisha, showing God's ability to use any means for His people's good.
- The narrative serves as a practical demonstration of God's promise that those who trust and obey Him will not be ultimately forsaken or their needs unmet, even when earthly security is lost temporarily.
- Her persistence in seeking out the king highlights the Old Testament principle of seeking justice and upholding property rights, which were divinely ordained in the Law of Moses to ensure the stability and security of families in Israel.
2 Kings 8 3 Commentary
This verse is a profound display of divine timing, faithfulness, and the intricate workings of God's providence. The Shunammite woman's proactive "cry unto the king" demonstrates both her perseverance and a legitimate claim to her property. It is highly significant that she approaches the king immediately upon her return, underscoring the urgency of her situation. What makes this moment extraordinary is the sovereign timing; her arrival perfectly coincides with Gehazi's conversation with King Jehoram, wherein Gehazi recounts Elisha's past miracles, including the resurrection of this very woman's son. This divinely orchestrated confluence of events underscores that God orchestrates even the seemingly coincidental circumstances to bring about His will and provide for His faithful servants. The restitution of her land and house reflects God's justice and provision for those who obey His guidance, even through periods of hardship. It serves as a reminder that though God allows difficult circumstances (like famine), He also providentially cares for His own and can bring restoration from loss.