Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 8:3

"And it came to pass at the seven years` end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land." — 2 Kings 8:3 (ASV)

During the Shunammite’s absence in Philistia, her dwelling and her grain fields had been appropriated by someone who refused to restore them. She therefore determined to appeal to the king. Such direct appeals were common in ancient Eastern countries. Compare 2 Kings 6:26; 2 Samuel 14:4; 1 Kings 3:16.