The Axe Head Floats 1Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” 3Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” 4So Elisha went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they began to cut down some trees. 5As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh, my master,” he cried out, “it was borrowed!” 6“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. 7“Lift it out,” he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it. Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans 8Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” 10So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and againa Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” 14the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. 15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” 16“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. 19And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. 20When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. 21And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” 22“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” 23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. The Siege and Famine of Samaria 24Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. 25So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver,b and a quarter cab of dove’s dungc sold for five shekels of silver.d 26As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!” 27He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?” 28Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ 29So we boiled my son and ate him, and the next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him.’ But she had hidden her son.” 30When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin. 31He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!” 32Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” 33While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” Footnotes: 10 a Literally Not once and not twice 25 b 80 shekels is approximately 2 pounds or 907.2 grams of silver. 25 c Or a quarter cab of seed pods; that is, approximately 0.28 dry quarts or 0.31 liters 25 d 5 shekels is approximately 2 ounces or 57 grams of silver. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 6 Summary The Axe Head FloatsVerses 1–7 – The Floating Axe-Head Verses 8–23 – Elisha Outwits the Arameans Verses 24–33 – The Siege of Samaria and the King’s Desperation 2 Kings 6 highlights the life of the prophet Elisha and his divine interactions in the midst of the Israelite and Aramean conflict. This chapter paints a picture of God's miraculous power, the prophet's spiritual insight, and God's unwavering protection for His people, even amidst the tumultuous times of war. Historical Setting • Mid-9th century BC, during the divided kingdom. Jehoram rules Israel; Ben-hadad II rules Aram (Syria). • Political tension is constant. Aram wants Israel’s trade corridors; Israel needs protection but is spiritually unstable. The School of the Prophets and the Floating Axe-Head (vv. 1–7) • The “sons of the prophets” were bands of learners likely founded by Samuel (1 Samuel 19:20). They lived communally, receiving practical and spiritual training. • Borrowed tools mattered: “If someone borrows from his neighbor and it is damaged… he must make restitution” (Exodus 22:14). God rescues the student from debt. • Iron was costly; most tools were bronze or stone. The miracle shows mastery over nature—iron sinks, yet God makes it rise. Miracle Snapshot—What It Reveals about God 1. He involves Himself in small frustrations, not just wars and kings. 2. He honors responsibility; the student had borrowed, intending to return. 3. He works through simple obedience—Elisha tosses a stick; faith meets action. Geography: The Jordan River • The Jordan’s clay banks are soft; dropped objects disappear quickly. • The stretch near Jericho is only 3–10 feet deep but muddy, explaining why the axe-head vanished instantly. Aram’s Military Strategy (vv. 8–23) • “Camped in such and such a place” (v. 8) describes classic guerrilla staging. • Ancient kings relied on diviners; Israel’s king relies on Yahweh’s prophet—an intelligence advantage modern analysts would envy. Prophetic Insight vs. Human Espionage • Psalm 139:2 – “You discern my thoughts from afar.” God hears Ben-hadad’s bedroom whispers (v. 12). • Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” Fiery Chariots and Angel Armies • Similar vision at Elijah’s departure (2 Kings 2:11). • Hebrews 1:14 calls angels “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” Elisha’s servant glimpses that hidden reality. • Encouragement: divine resources outweigh visible threats (cf. Romans 8:31). Blindness as Divine Judgment • The term denotes mental confusion more than physical darkness—God scrambles their perception (Genesis 19:11). • Mercy quickly follows: sight is restored and lives are spared. Table Fellowship and Mercy over Retaliation • Proverbs 25:21 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread.” • Jesus echoes this in Matthew 5:44; Elisha prefigures Christ by feeding enemies rather than slaying them. Siege Warfare and Famine (vv. 24–33) • Archaeology at Samaria (Sebastia) shows double walls perfect for siege containment. • Siege tactics starved cities into surrender. Soil samples reveal burn layers matching 9th-century conflicts. • Luxury items become worthless; refuse (dove droppings, likely seeds in pigeon manure used as fuel or food) becomes pricey. • A donkey, unclean to eat (Leviticus 11:3), is sold for eighty shekels—multiple months’ wages. Economic Snapshot of the Siege - Donkey’s head = ≈ 2 lbs of meat, 80 shekels (over USD1,000 in modern buying power) - Dove dung = ¼ cab (≈ 0.5 liters) for 5 shekels (a week’s wages) Inflation illustrates Leviticus 26:26—“When I cut off your supply of bread… They will dole out your bread by weight.” Cannibalism as Covenant Curse • Deuteronomy 28:53 warns of eating “the fruit of your womb” during sieges. • Lamentations 4:10 mourns mothers cooking children in the 586 BC siege—history repeats when covenant warnings are ignored. The King’s Sackcloth under Royal Robe • Outwardly Jehoram displays fine garments; underneath he wears sackcloth, a public-private conflict of pride and penitence. • Yet he misplaces blame—rather than repenting to God, he targets God’s prophet. Threat against the Prophet • Elisha stays seated—symbol of authority and rest (cf. Isaiah 30:15). • Elders around him suggest the prophetic community is now an unofficial cabinet, advising the nation. Archaeological Corroborations • Ben-hadad II appears in Assyrian inscriptions (Kurkh Monolith, 853 BC) as “Adad-idri,” confirming his campaigns. • The site at Dothan (Tel Dothan) yields 9th-century fortifications matching the narrative of a military detachment surrounding a city on a hill (v. 13). • Excavations at Samaria show evidence of 9th-century granary depletion and wall repairs—consistent with a siege. Connections Forward • Luke 4:27 references Elisha’s era to emphasize God’s concern beyond Israel. • Acts 12:6–10 echoes angelic deliverance in a hostile nighttime setting. • 2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds believers today that “the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world.” Practical Takeaways • Borrowed resources: treat responsibility seriously; God helps the conscientious. • Invisible armies: trust unseen divine protection when outnumbered. • Mercy over vengeance: feeding enemies can break cycles of hostility. • Crises reveal hearts: famine exposed the king’s shallow repentance; hardship today can drive us toward or away from God. • Prophetic word stands: circumstances may be dire, but God’s promise carries authority over every siege, physical or spiritual. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:19And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This verse reinforces God's provision for our needs. Ephesians 1:18 I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. This prayer for spiritual insight parallels Elisha's prayer for his servant. Romans 12:20-21 On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This passage echoes Elisha's merciful treatment of the Arameans. Teaching Points The Miracle of the Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)The sons of the prophets faced a practical problem when a borrowed axe head fell into the water. Elisha's intervention, causing the iron to float, demonstrates God's concern for our everyday needs and His power over natural laws. This miracle underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as the prophets sought Elisha's help and followed his instructions. Elisha and the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:8-23) Elisha's ability to warn the king of Israel about the Aramean king's plans reveals God's omniscience and His protection over His people. The account of the Aramean army being struck with blindness and led to Samaria illustrates God's ability to protect and deliver His people in unexpected ways. Elisha's response to the captured Arameans, feeding them instead of killing them, teaches us about mercy and the power of overcoming evil with good. The Siege of Samaria and the Famine (2 Kings 6:24-33) The severe famine in Samaria during the Aramean siege highlights the dire consequences of sin and disobedience. The king's reaction, blaming Elisha, reflects a common human tendency to misplace blame in times of crisis. Elisha's prophecy of deliverance, despite the king's skepticism, reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting His promises. Practical Applications Trust in God's ProvisionJust as God provided a solution for the lost axe head, we can trust Him to meet our needs, no matter how small or large. Spiritual Vision Pray for God to open your eyes to see His presence and protection in your life, especially when you feel surrounded by difficulties. Respond with Mercy Follow Elisha's example by showing kindness and mercy to those who oppose you, reflecting God's love and grace. Hold Fast to God's Promises In times of crisis, cling to God's promises and trust in His deliverance, even when circumstances seem impossible. People 1. ElishaElisha is the primary prophet in this chapter. He is a man of God who performs miracles, such as making an iron axe head float (2 Kings 6:6) and revealing the plans of the king of Aram to the king of Israel (2 Kings 6:12). The Hebrew root for his name, אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), means "God is salvation." 2. The Sons of the Prophets These are a group of prophets or prophetic disciples who are associated with Elisha. They express the need for a larger dwelling place and witness the miracle of the floating axe head (2 Kings 6:1-7). 3. The King of Aram The king of Aram is an adversary of Israel who plans to attack Israel but is repeatedly thwarted by Elisha's prophetic insights (2 Kings 6:8-12). The Arameans were a Semitic people, and the term "Aram" is derived from the Hebrew root אֲרָם (Aram). 4. The King of Israel The king of Israel during this time is not named in the chapter, but he is the recipient of Elisha's warnings about the Aramean plans (2 Kings 6:9-12). He also seeks Elisha's counsel during the siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:21-23). 5. The Servant of Elisha This servant is with Elisha when the Aramean army surrounds the city. Elisha prays for his eyes to be opened so he can see the heavenly army protecting them (2 Kings 6:15-17). 6. The Aramean Army This group is sent by the king of Aram to capture Elisha. They are struck with blindness at Elisha's prayer and are led to Samaria (2 Kings 6:14-20). 7. The Officer on Whose Arm the King Leaned This officer is skeptical of Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine and is trampled to death when the prophecy is fulfilled (2 Kings 6:32-33; 7:2, 17-20). Places 1. JordanThe Jordan River is mentioned in the context of the sons of the prophets suggesting to Elisha that they go to the Jordan to build a place to live (2 Kings 6:2). The Hebrew word for Jordan is "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden), which means "descender," reflecting the river's flow from the highlands to the Dead Sea. 2. Dothan Dothan is where Elisha was staying when the king of Aram sent horses and chariots to capture him (2 Kings 6:13). The Hebrew name "דֹּתָן" (Dothan) is thought to mean "two wells," indicating a place with water resources. 3. Samaria Samaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the Aramean army was led by God after being struck with blindness (2 Kings 6:19-20). The Hebrew name "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron) is derived from "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning "to watch" or "to guard," reflecting its strategic location. Events 1. The Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)The sons of the prophets express the need for a larger place to dwell. As they cut down trees by the Jordan, an axe head falls into the water. Elisha throws a stick into the water, and the iron axe head floats. This miracle demonstrates God's provision and care for His servants. 2. Elisha and the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:8-14) The king of Aram is at war with Israel and plans to ambush them. However, Elisha warns the king of Israel about the ambushes, thwarting the Aramean plans. The king of Aram sends a great army to capture Elisha in Dothan. 3. Elisha's Servant Sees the Heavenly Army (2 Kings 6:15-17) Elisha's servant is fearful when he sees the Aramean army surrounding the city. Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, symbolizing God's protection. 4. Blinding the Arameans (2 Kings 6:18-20) Elisha prays to the LORD to strike the Aramean army with blindness. He then leads them to Samaria, where their sight is restored. This event highlights God's power to protect and deliver His people. 5. Feeding the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:21-23) The king of Israel asks Elisha if he should kill the captured Arameans. Elisha instructs him to feed them instead. After being fed, the Arameans return to their master, and the Aramean raids cease, demonstrating mercy and the power of kindness. 6. The Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-29) Ben-hadad, king of Aram, besieges Samaria, causing a severe famine. The situation becomes dire, with people resorting to cannibalism. This event underscores the desperation and suffering during the siege. 7. The King's Despair and Elisha's Prophecy (2 Kings 6:30-33) The king of Israel blames Elisha for the calamity and seeks to kill him. Elisha prophesies that the LORD will provide relief the next day, promising that food will be plentiful and affordable, showcasing God's sovereignty and the hope of deliverance. Topics 1. The Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)The sons of the prophets express the need for a larger dwelling, and Elisha agrees to accompany them to the Jordan River to cut down trees. During the process, an axe head falls into the water, and Elisha miraculously makes it float by throwing a stick into the river. This event demonstrates God's concern for the everyday needs of His people and His power over nature. The Hebrew word for "axe" (קַרְדֹּם, ^qardom^) emphasizes the tool's importance in the narrative. 2. Elisha Traps the Arameans (2 Kings 6:8-23) The king of Aram plans to attack Israel, but Elisha warns the king of Israel about the Aramean's movements. When the Arameans attempt to capture Elisha, he prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, revealing the heavenly army protecting them. Elisha then prays for the Arameans to be struck with blindness, leading them into Samaria where they are captured. Instead of killing them, Elisha instructs the king of Israel to feed them and send them back, showcasing God's mercy and the power of prayer. The Hebrew root for "blindness" (סַנְוֵרִים, ^sanwerim^) highlights the divine intervention in the situation. 3. Famine in Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-31) Ben-hadad, king of Aram, besieges Samaria, leading to a severe famine. The dire situation is illustrated by the exorbitant prices for food and the desperate actions of the people. The king of Israel blames Elisha for the calamity and seeks to kill him, reflecting the tension between faith and despair. The Hebrew term for "famine" (רָעָב, ^ra'av^) underscores the severity of the crisis. 4. Elisha's Prophecy of Relief (2 Kings 6:32-33) As the king sends a messenger to Elisha, the prophet predicts that relief will come the next day, despite the skepticism of the king's officer. This prophecy sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance described in the following chapter, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word. The Hebrew word for "prophecy" (נָבִיא, ^navi^) is central to understanding Elisha's role as God's spokesperson. Themes 1. Divine Provision and MiraclesIn 2 Kings 6, we see God's miraculous provision through the account of the floating axe head. When a borrowed axe head falls into the water, Elisha throws a stick into the water, and the iron floats (2 Kings 6:6). This miracle demonstrates God's concern for the needs of His people and His power over nature. The Hebrew root for "float" (צָף, tsaf) emphasizes the supernatural intervention in this event. 2. Spiritual Insight and Protection Elisha's ability to perceive the plans of the Arameans and warn the king of Israel highlights the theme of spiritual insight (2 Kings 6:9-12). This divine revelation underscores God's protection over His people. The Hebrew word for "warned" (הִזְהִיר, hizhir) indicates a divine alertness and care. 3. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare The account of Elisha's servant seeing the heavenly army (2 Kings 6:17) reveals the unseen spiritual realm. Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. This theme emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and God's provision of protection. The Hebrew word for "opened" (פָּקַח, paqach) signifies the unveiling of spiritual truth. 4. Mercy and Forgiveness When the Aramean army is struck with blindness and led to Samaria, Elisha instructs the king of Israel to feed them and send them back to their master (2 Kings 6:21-23). This act of mercy and forgiveness reflects God's character and the call for His people to show compassion even to their enemies. The Hebrew root for "mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is central to understanding this theme. 5. Human Desperation and Divine Deliverance The siege of Samaria and the resulting famine (2 Kings 6:24-29) depict human desperation. The dire circumstances lead to extreme actions, highlighting the depth of human need for divine intervention. This sets the stage for God's deliverance, which is a recurring theme throughout the narrative. The Hebrew word for "deliverance" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) is often associated with God's saving acts. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Kings 6:5–7: How could an iron axe head float on water merely by throwing in a stick, defying basic physics? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the miracle of the floating axe head demonstrate God's care for even the small problems in our lives? 2. What does the repeated thwarting of the Aramean king's plans tell us about God's omniscience? 3. How can Elisha's response to the Aramean army serve as a model for how we should treat our enemies today? 4. In the story of the siege of Samaria, how does the king of Israel's response to crisis contrast with Elisha's faith in God? 5. How does Elisha's faith inspire you to trust God in your personal circumstances? 6. What can we learn from the heavenly vision of chariots and horses given to Elisha's servant? 7. How can Elisha's insights into the plans of the enemy be translated into spiritual warfare today? 8. How does the incident with the Aramean army illustrate the concept of "loving your enemy"? 9. How does the story of Elisha help us understand the role of prophets in the Old Testament and how does it relate to the concept of prophecy today? 10. How might we open our spiritual eyes to see God's divine protection in our lives? 11. How can we respond in faith, like Elisha, when faced with personal threats or challenges? 12. How does the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms in this chapter influence your understanding of spiritual warfare? 13. How does God's intervention in the battle strategies of Israel encourage you to seek His guidance in your decisions? 14. How can you apply Elisha's trust in God's provision to your life today, especially in times of scarcity? 15. What does the narrative of the siege of Samaria teach us about blame and responsibility in times of crisis? 16. How can we discern God's voice and guidance in the midst of conflict, as Elisha did? 17. How does Elisha’s prophecy about the end of the famine in Samaria demonstrate God’s control over circumstances? 18. How does the chapter inform your understanding of God's sovereignty in political and military matters? 19. How might we cultivate an attitude of mercy and kindness towards our adversaries, as modeled by Elisha? 20. How does Elisha’s faith and reliance on God’s power challenge your own faith journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |