The answer is: Staff

2 Ki 4:29

In the account involving Elisha and the Shunammite woman, we meet a deeply touching story demonstrating themes of faith, service, and God's gifts through prophets. When the Shunammite’s son falls ill and dies, Elisha’s initial response is noteworthy: he sends his servant Gehazi with his staff to lay on the child. This is laden with symbolism. The staff in biblical times often represented authority and God's power, much like how Moses used his staff to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16).

When Gehazi reached the boy, he discovered that merely laying the staff on him didn’t bring him back to life. This was a compelling reminder that the presence and touch of a godly figure, like Elisha himself, are essential to God’s miracles. Eventually, Elisha came, prayed, and ultimately brought the child back to life, reinforcing the narrative that faith and divine intervention always prevail over death.

An interesting tidbit? This story echoes the very life of Jesus. Like Elisha, He would later perform astounding miracles and even bring a young girl back from the dead (Mark 5:21-43)—another profound moment of faith responded design by compassion. So these accounts serve as joyous reminders that life and hope persist even in our darkest moments, whispering confidence in the power of these stories past! Every detail, every gesture reminds us of our interconnected tapestry of life, miracle, and love.