2 Kings 4:12
2 Kings 4:12 in Multiple Translations
And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him,
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
And he said to Gehazi, his servant, Send for this Shunammite. So in answer to his voice she came before him.
He said to his servant Gehazi, “Ask the Shunammite woman to come here.” Gehazi called her and she came to see Elisha.
And sayd to Gehazi his seruant, Call this Shunammite: and when hee called her, she stood before him.
and he saith unto Gehazi his young man, 'Call for this Shunammite;' and he calleth for her, and she standeth before him.
He said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him.
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunamite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
And he said to Giezi his servant Call this Sunamitess. And when he had called her, and she stood before him,
He said to his servant Gehazi, “Tell the woman that I want to speak to her.” So the servant went and told her. When she came to the doorway of Elisha’s room,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
גֵּחֲזִ֣י
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
קְרָ֖א
לַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֣ית
הַ/זֹּ֑את
וַ/יִּקְרָא
לָ֔/הּ
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גֵּחֲזִ֣י
Gêychăzîy
H1522
Gehazi
N-proper
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms | Suff
קְרָ֖א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֣ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
Shunammites
Prep | Ngfsa
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
וַ/יִּקְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:12
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גֵּחֲזִ֣י
Gêychăzîy
H1522
"Gehazi"
N-proper
Gehazi was Elisha's servant, first mentioned in 2 Kings 4:12, with a name meaning 'valley of vision'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.4.12 § Gehazi = "valley of vision" the servant of Elisha
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Gehazi. See also: 2 Kings 4:12; 2 Kings 4:36; 2 Kings 8:5.
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
קְרָ֖א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֣ית
Shûwnammîyth
H7767
"Shunammites"
Prep | Ngfsa
A Shunammitess was a woman from the city of Shunem, a place in Issachar. The Shunammite is first mentioned in 1 Kings 1:3, referring to a female inhabitant of this city.
Definition: People descended from Shunam(?), first mentioned at 1Ki.1.3 § Shunammite, of Shunen "double resting place" an inhabitant of Shunem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shunamite. See also: 1 Kings 1:3; 1 Kings 2:22; 2 Kings 4:36.
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
וַ/יִּקְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:12
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:12
Context — The Shunammite Woman
10Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”
11One day Elisha came to visit and went to his upper room to lie down.
12And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him,
13and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied. 14So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 8:4–5 | Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.” And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 3:11 | But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah. ” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:29–31 | So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.” And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead of them and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So he went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 5:20–27 | Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 19:3 | And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, |
| 6 | 1 Kings 18:43 | “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” |
| 7 | Acts 13:5 | When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. |
2 Kings 4:12 Summary
In this verse, Elisha asks his servant Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman, who had been kind to him, so he can talk to her and see if there's anything he can do for her. This shows that Elisha valued her kindness and wanted to show his appreciation, just like we should be thankful for those who help us, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The Shunammite woman's story teaches us about the importance of hospitality, faith, and trusting in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By looking at her example, we can learn to be more grateful and mindful of the needs of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha ask Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman?
Elisha asked Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman because he wanted to show his appreciation for her kindness and generosity, as seen in 2 Kings 4:10, and to see if there was anything he could do for her in return, as mentioned in 2 Kings 4:13.
Who is the Shunammite woman and why is she important in this story?
The Shunammite woman is a kind and generous woman who had provided for Elisha's needs, as seen in 2 Kings 4:8-10, and her importance in the story is that she is an example of hospitality and faith, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:2.
What can we learn from Elisha's interaction with the Shunammite woman?
We can learn from Elisha's interaction with the Shunammite woman the importance of showing appreciation and gratitude towards those who have helped us, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and being mindful of the needs of others, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Kings 4?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as Elisha's conversation with the Shunammite woman leads to the revelation of her need for a child, as mentioned in 2 Kings 4:14, and ultimately to the miracle of her son's birth, as seen in 2 Kings 4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show appreciation and gratitude towards those who have helped me, just like Elisha did with the Shunammite woman?
- How can I be more mindful of the needs of others, like Elisha was with the Shunammite woman, and look for opportunities to serve them?
- What can I learn from the Shunammite woman's example of hospitality and faith, and how can I apply it to my own life?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's provision and care, just like the Shunammite woman did, as mentioned in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:12
And he said to Gehazi his servant,.... Who attended him wherever he went, and ministered to him, and lay very probably in the same chamber with him; he might be one of the sons of the prophets: call
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:12
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
i.e. Before the prophet, in the door of his chamber, as it is said, . The relation seems to be a little perplexed, but may be thus conceived. It is in this verse recorded, in the general, that the prophet sent Gehazi to call her, and that she came to him upon that call; then follows a particular description of the whole business, with all the circumstances, first, of the message with which Gehazi was sent when he went to call her, and of her answer to that message, , and of Gehazi’ s conjecture thereupon, , and then of her coming to the prophet at his call; which is there repeated to make way for the following passages.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
2 Kings 4:12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.Ver. 12. Call this Shunammite.] Gehazi it seemeth was sent to call her, but withal to acquaint her with the business, - viz., that if she had any suit to the king or his general, &c., - and to bring back her answer; whereupon consulting with Gehazi what was to be done for her, and understanding by him that she had no child, Elisha bade Gehazi call her, as 2 Kings 4:15.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
(12) Gehazi his servant.—First mentioned here. His name means “valley of vision,” and is perhaps derived from his native place, which may have got its name from being a haunt of prophets. His servant.—His young man (Genesis 22:3). She stood before him—i.e., before Gehazi. The sentence, “And when he had called her, she stood before him,” is an anticipation of the result, and might be placed within a parenthesis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:12
Verse 12. Gehazi his servant] This is the first time we hear of this very indifferent character.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:12
12. to Gehazi his servant] Gehazi is mentioned in this narrative, in ch. 2 Kings 5:20 and the following verses, and again in ch. 2 Kings 8:4. He probably stood in the same position to Elisha which the latter had held towards Elijah, though the men were utterly different in character. Gehazi appears from 2 Kings 8:4 to have been a person of consequence enough to be known to, and conversed with, by the king. See note there. she stood before him] i.e. before Elisha. It is clear that Elisha’s character inspired great reverence, and though the Shunammite was his hostess she did not come unbidden into his presence.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Needed-Men of God) 3. a Servant by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being servants of others, drawing from the example of Elisha who was introduced as a servant despite performing remarkable miracles. He emp |
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Elisha's Faithfulness by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes Elisha's faithfulness and persistence in following Elijah, illustrating how God tests His servants at various stages of spiritual development. Elisha, initial |
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Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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Where Christianity Becomes Profiteering by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Gehazi, and Naaman. It highlights the importance |
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Contentment - Ii Kings 5 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of contentment through the story of Gehazi in II Kings 5, illustrating how discontentment can lead to spiritual ruin. He highlights that tr |
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The Word of Knowledge by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on the 'word of knowledge' as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8. He emphasizes that this gift is a |
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(Elijah Legacy) 9. Do Not Tolerate Jezebel by David Davis | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his confrontation with Jezebel. He emphasizes the supernatural power that was upon Elijah as he ran across the Jezree |