Shunem: Two resting-places, a little village in the tribe of Issachar, to the
north of Jezreel and south of Mount Gilboa
(Joshua 19:18) where the
Philistines encamped when they came against Saul
(1 Samuel 28:4) and where
Elisha was hospitably entertained by a rich woman of the place. On
the sudden death of this woman's son she hastened to Carmel, 20
miles distant across the plain, to tell Elisha, and to bring him with
her to Shunem. There, in the "prophet's chamber," the dead child lay;
and Elisha entering it, shut the door and prayed earnestly: and the
boy was restored to life
(2 Kings 4:8-37) This woman afterwards retired
during the famine to the low land of the Philistines; and on
returning a few years afterwards, found her house and fields in the
possession of a stranger. She appealed to the king at Samaria, and
had them in a somewhat remarkable manner restored to her (comp.)
(2 Kings 8:1-6)
