Shunammites שׁוּנַמִּית
People from Shunem; includes Abishag and the Shunammite woman
Who is Shunammites in the Bible?
The Shunammites were inhabitants of Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar, and the Bible mentions two notable women from this region. The first was Abishag, a beautiful young woman brought to King David in his old age to serve as his nurse and companion (1 Kings 1:3, 1:15). After David's death, his son Adonijah's request to marry Abishag (1 Kings 2:17, 2:21-22) was interpreted as a challenge to the throne and contributed to his execution, demonstrating how Abishag became entangled in royal succession politics. The second Shunammite woman was a wealthy, hospitable lady who showed kindness to the prophet Elisha by providing him lodging in her home (2 Kings 4:8-10). When her son died, Elisha miraculously restored him to life as a reward for her faithfulness (2 Kings 4:36). These Shunammites are remembered for their generosity and the significant roles they played in the lives of David and Elisha, illustrating the biblical theme of blessing that flows from hospitality and service.
Biography
Shunammites were inhabitants of the town of Shunem, located in the territory of Issachar. The Bible mentions two notable Shunammite women. The first is Abishag, a beautiful young woman who was brought to King David in his old age to serve as his nurse and companion. After David's death, his son Adonijah requested to marry Abishag, which was seen as a bid for the throne and led to his downfall. The second Shunammite woman was a wealthy lady who showed kindness to the prophet Elisha, providing him with a room in her house. When her son died, Elisha miraculously raised him back to life as a reward for her generosity. The Shunammites' appearances in the Bible highlight their hospitality and the significant roles they played in the lives of influential figures like King David and Elisha.
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 1:3
"Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king."
- 1 Kings 1:15
"So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him."
- 1 Kings 2:17
"Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”"
- 1 Kings 2:21
"So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.”"
- 1 Kings 2:22
"King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”"
2 Kings 3 verses
- 2 Kings 4:12
"And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him,"
- 2 Kings 4:25
"So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite woman."
- 2 Kings 4:36
"Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.” So he called her and she came. Then Elisha said, “Pick up your son.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | שׁוּנַמִּית |