2 Kings 6:1

ยถ And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

And the sons {H1121} of the prophets {H5030} said {H559} unto {H6440} Elisha {H477}, Behold now, the place {H4725} where we dwell {H3427} with thee is too strait {H6862} for us.

The guild prophets said to Elisha, "As you can see, the place where we are living in order to be with you is too small for us.

Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, โ€œPlease take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too strait for us.

Commentary

Context

2 Kings 6:1 opens a new narrative segment in the ministry of the prophet Elisha. Following a series of powerful miracles that demonstrated God's hand through him, including the healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5) and the raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4), this verse shifts focus to the community surrounding Elisha. The "sons of the prophets" refer to a guild or group of prophetic disciples who lived and studied under the guidance of a senior prophet, in this case, Elisha. This particular group appears to have been living with Elisha, possibly at Gilgal or Jericho, and their increasing numbers presented a practical challenge.

Key Themes

  • Growth and Expansion: The most immediate theme is the evident growth of the prophetic community. The phrase "too strait for us" signifies that their current dwelling was no longer adequate for their expanding numbers, indicating a period of spiritual vitality and increasing interest in God's word and prophetic ministry.
  • Community and Discipleship: This verse highlights the importance of communal living and discipleship in the Old Testament prophetic tradition. The "sons of the prophets" were not solitary figures but part of a learning and serving community under Elisha's mentorship, much like the early church experienced communal growth (Acts 2:42-47).
  • Practical Needs in Ministry: Even in spiritual endeavors, practical considerations are vital. The need for more space is a tangible problem requiring a tangible solution, demonstrating that God's work often involves addressing physical realities.
  • Elisha's Leadership: The sons of the prophets approach Elisha with their concern, underscoring his role as their spiritual father and leader, a role he inherited from Elijah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "too strait" translates the Hebrew word tsar (ืฆืจ), which literally means "narrow," "confined," or "distressed." It vividly conveys the idea of being cramped or restricted due to lack of space. The term "sons of the prophets" (Hebrew: b'nei ha'nevi'im) does not imply biological offspring but rather designates members of a prophetic guild, students, or disciples, indicating their subordinate relationship and commitment to the prophetic calling and their leader.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Embrace Growth: Spiritual communities, whether churches or ministries, should anticipate and accommodate growth. When God blesses and expands a work, it often requires practical adjustments.
  • Value Community: The model of the "sons of the prophets" underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and shared learning in spiritual development. We grow best when we are connected to others in faith.
  • Address Practicalities: Leaders should be attentive to the practical needs of their followers and ministries. Spiritual work is often intertwined with logistical and physical requirements, and neglecting these can hinder progress.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: The sons of the prophets wisely brought their concern to Elisha, their spiritual authority. This models the importance of seeking guidance from godly leaders when faced with challenges or needs.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 2:3

    And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

  • Isaiah 54:2

    Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

  • Isaiah 54:3

    For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

  • 1 Samuel 19:20

    And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

  • Joshua 19:47

    And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

  • 1 Kings 20:35

    And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.

  • Joshua 17:14

    ยถ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?
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