2 Kings 6:1-7 - God’s Providential Provision

2 Kings 6:1-7

The Floating Ax Head

1 And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. 2 Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.”

So he answered, “Go.”

3 Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.”

And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”

6 So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. 7 Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

Here Elisha performed a practical miracle for one of the sons of the prophets.  A group of these prophets had been living with Elisha in apparently cramped quarters and resolved to build their own house.  They all walked to the Jordan River to cut down trees to construct their house after receiving permission from Elisha and he went with them as asked.  One of the men swung his ax and the metal head flew off into the water; he was concerned because he had borrowed the tool and likely did not have the means to replace it as a poor prophet in training.  But God used His man to calmly ask where the ax went into the river and then was given wisdom to throw a stick there and it stuck in the iron head and made it float to the surface to he recovered.  That is a supernatural thing from a simple fling of a stick because it was the work of the LORD and wisdom from Him to Elisha to even consider such an act.  God provides in very mysterious and unexpected ways when we are in need and seemingly beyond our wisdom and ability to solve perplexing problems.  This is one of those times written down for us to consider His providential provision to work (Romans 8:28) all kinds of things together for our good needs to His glory, honor, and praise.