Shunammites שׁוּנַמִּית
People from Shunem; includes Abishag and the Shunammite woman
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
"So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king."
- 1 Kings 1:15
"Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king."
- 1 Kings 2:17
"He said, “Please speak to Solomon the king (for he will not tell you ‘no’), that he give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”"
- 1 Kings 2:21
"She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”"
- 1 Kings 2:22
"King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also; for he is my elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.”"
2 Kings 3 verses
- 2 Kings 4:12
"He said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him."
- 2 Kings 4:25
"So she went, and came to the man of God to Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her afar off, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Behold, there is the Shunammite."
- 2 Kings 4:36
"He called Gehazi, and said, “Call this Shunammite!” So he called her. When she had come in to him, he said, “Take up your son.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | שׁוּנַמִּית | H7767 |