The Shunammite Woman

She had noticed him.

Elisha passed through Shunem often. She was a wealthy woman.

She insisted he eat bread whenever he passed.

One day she said to her husband: Behold, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing by.

Let us make a small room on the roof with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp.

Whenever he comes to us, he can stay there.

They built it.

Elisha stayed there and one day asked his servant what could be done for her.

The servant noted she had no son and her husband was old.

Elisha told her: At this season next year you shall embrace a son.

She said: No, my lord. O man of God, do not lie to your servant.

She conceived and bore a son.

The child grew.

One day he went out to his father who was with the reapers.

He cried: My head, my head.

The father sent him home.

The child sat on his mother's lap until noon.

Then he died.

She carried him up to the room of Elisha and laid him on the bed.

She told no one what had happened.

She saddled the donkey and set out to Elisha.

He saw her coming from a distance and sent his servant to ask if it was well.

She said: It is well.

She came to Elisha and caught his feet.

His servant tried to push her away.

Elisha said: Let her alone, for she is in bitter distress and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.

She said: Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say do not deceive me?

Elisha returned with her.

He lay on the child.

He put his mouth on the child's mouth. His eyes on his eyes. His hands on his hands.

He stretched himself upon the child twice.

The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

She came in.

She fell at his feet.

She bowed to the ground.

She took her son and went out.

She had built a room.

Because she saw a holy man walking by.

And the room she built became the place where the miracle happened.

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