Vayerah (2 Kings 4:1-37) November 15, 2003

When she meets up with Elisha, this dramatic tragedy takes an unusual turn. The Shunamite falls down at his feet to plead with him for the life of her son. Elisha, the prophet, is totally unaware of her plight. Only when he sees her does he become aware of her tragedy. What is his response? He sends his servant, Gehazzi, to use the prophet’s walking staff to revive the child. Gehazzi tries to bring the child back to life but is unsuccessful. Only then does Elisha, himself, go and revive the child.

Rabbi Meir Simcha Hacohen, the 19th century Lithuanian Talmudist and interpreter best known by the title of his book - Meshek Hochmah, finds an important religious message in this series of unusual events. He questions Elisha’s behavior in this episode. Elisha should have gone immediately and carried out the mission himself. Yet, he initially felt that his obligations were adequately fulfilled by sending his servant. He felt compelled to return the kindness of the Shunamite who fed him and provided him with shelter. He thought that he could accomplish this simply by sending his servant. The mission fails because Elisha did not give sufficiently of himself. This failure teaches Elisha an important religious lesson. People are not to be treated in such a utilitarian way. He must learn his lesson from the Shunamite, who gave of herself completely and selflessly. It was her faith in God and in Elisha that provides the him the strength to carry out the miracle. Only when he realized this truth did he succeed.

The hero of this story, according to the Meshek Hochmah, is the Shunamite. She teaches the prophet a valuable lesson in morality, human sensitivity and most important of all, how to relate to God.