The term "axhead" refers to the iron head of an axe, a tool commonly used in ancient times for cutting wood and other materials. The axhead is notably mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a miraculous event involving the prophet Elisha.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to an axhead is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7. In this passage, the sons of the prophets express their desire to build a larger dwelling place, as their current location has become too small. They request permission from Elisha to go to the Jordan River to cut down trees for this purpose. Elisha consents and even accompanies them.

During the process of cutting down trees, one of the prophets accidentally loses the iron axhead, which falls into the water. The prophet is distressed because the axhead was borrowed, highlighting the importance and value of such a tool in that era. The text reads:

"As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. 'Oh, my master,' he cried out, 'it was borrowed!' The man of God asked, 'Where did it fall?' When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and the iron floated. 'Lift it out,' he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it." (2 Kings 6:5-7)

Significance:

The incident of the floating axhead is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the power of God working through His prophet, Elisha. The miracle of making iron float defies natural laws, underscoring the divine authority and presence in Elisha's ministry. This event serves as a testament to God's concern for the everyday needs and challenges of His people, even in seemingly small matters.

Secondly, the narrative highlights the importance of community and shared resources among the sons of the prophets. The borrowed axhead signifies the communal lifestyle and mutual dependence within this prophetic community. The loss of the axhead would have been a significant setback, both practically and relationally, emphasizing the value of stewardship and responsibility.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, iron tools like axheads were valuable and not as easily replaceable as they might be today. The process of iron smelting and tool-making was labor-intensive and required specialized skills. Therefore, losing an iron axhead would have been a considerable loss, especially for a community that relied on shared resources.

The miracle of the floating axhead also reflects the broader theme of God's provision and care for His people throughout the Scriptures. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to intervene in the natural world to provide for His followers, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence and benevolence.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of the axhead can be seen as an illustration of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It reassures believers of God's willingness to assist in times of need, regardless of the magnitude of the problem. The narrative encourages faith in God's power to overcome obstacles and His readiness to respond to the cries of His people.

In summary, the account of the axhead in 2 Kings 6:1-7 is a powerful testament to God's miraculous intervention, the value of community, and the assurance of divine care in the lives of believers.AX (AXE); AX-HEAD

aks; aks'hed: Nine different Hebrew words have been rendered "ax":

(1) garzen. This unquestionably was one of the larger chopping instruments, as the uses to which it was put would imply (Deuteronomy 19:5; Deuteronomy 20:19 1 Kings 6:7 Isaiah 10:15). The modern ax used by the woodchoppers in Syria has a shape much like the ancient stone and bronze axes, with the exception that it is fastened to the handle by passing the latter through a hole in the ax-head, whereas the Egyptian sculptures show that their ax-heads were held to the handles by means of thongs. The so-called battle-ax found at Tell el-Chesy was probably fastened in this way. Syrian peasants are frequently seen carrying in their belts small hatchets the heads of which are shaped like a battle-ax and which are bound to the handles by thongs.

(2) ma`atsar, is used in Isaiah 44:12 (King James Version renders "tongs") and in Jeremiah 10:3.

(3) qardom, is used in Judges 9:48 1 Samuel 13:20, 21; Psalm 74:5 Jeremiah 46:22. The present Arabic word, qudum, which is the name for the native adze, is from the same origin. The adze is the only chopping instrument of the Syrian carpenter. He uses it for many purposes, where a foreigner would use a saw or chisel or plane, and with a skill which the foreigner envies. Many students of Syrian life believe that the adze is a tool which has survived from the early Hebrew times.

(4) barzel (Deuteronomy 19:5 2 Kings 6:5): The interest associated with this word is that it literally means "iron," although the context indicates that it means "ax." If the word iron was not used here to mean "metal," then iron axes were used by the children of Israel. If iron axes existed, however, they have long since disappeared as the result of corrosion, since the only ones discovered have been of stone, copper or bronze. See METALS.

(5) maghzirah (2 Samuel 12:31) is literally, "a cutting instrument," and might be rendered, "a blade" or sickle.

(6) megherah (1 Chronicles 20:2), translated in this one passage as axes, but better translated "saws."

(7) cherebh (Ezekiel 26:9), rendered ax in this passage only. It is usually translated sword. It could also mean pick-axe.

(8) kashil (Psalm 74:6 the King James Version), literally, "a feller," hence, an axe.

(9) mapets (Jeremiah 51:20), literally, "a smiter," hence, a war club or battle-axe. The Greek word used in the New Testament is axine (Matthew 3:10 Luke 3:9).

James A. Patch

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... "As one was felling a beam, the axhead fell into the water: and he cried, and said,
Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? ...
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Axhead (1 Occurrence)
... Patch. Multi-Version Concordance Axhead (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 6:5 But as
one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water. ...
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Axes (10 Occurrences)

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Ax-head
Ax-head. Axhead, Ax-head. Axles . Int. ... The Greek word used in the New Testament
is axine (Matthew 3:10 Luke 3:9). James A. Patch. Axhead, Ax-head. Axles ...
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