מלכים ב, פרק ד׳, פסוק ל״ה

The climax of the miracle surrounding the Shunammite woman's son reveals an intense dual effort by the prophet Elisha, demanding both physical exertion and spiritual focus. After initially lying upon the child until the boy's body begins to warm, the prophet steps down from the bed to the floor and begins to pace back and forth across the room [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This movement is highly intentional; pacing helps Elisha concentrate, direct his heart toward prayer, and deepen his spiritual devotion [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, חומת אנך]. Following this period of walking and intense prayer, Elisha returns to the bed and once again leans over, lying directly upon the child's body [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. According to one perspective, this entire cycle of praying, pacing, and leaning over the boy is repeated seven times [רלב״ג].

Following these efforts, a sudden physical turning point occurs within the child. The primary approach among commentators is that the boy begins to sneeze repeatedly [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, an alternative view suggests that the reaction is instead characterized by the stretching of his limbs and bones as life begins to return to his body [חומת אנך]. Regardless of the specific physical action, this sudden bodily response continues for seven consecutive times [מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, the boy opens his eyes [מצודת ציון], marking the complete success of the miracle and his full return to life [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ].