2 Kings 6:2

KJV

Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us go {H3212}, we pray thee, unto Jordan {H3383}, and take {H3947} thence every man {H376} a {H259} beam {H6982}, and let us make {H6213} us a place {H4725} there, where we may dwell {H3427}. And he answered {H559}, Go {H3212} ye.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please allow us to go to the Yarden; each of us will collect a log there, and we'll build a place there for us to live." He answered, "Go ahead."

Berean Standard Bible

Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha.

American Standard Version

Let us go, we pray thee, unto the Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse opens a brief but profound narrative within the prophetic ministry of Elisha, detailing the practical initiative of the "sons of the prophets" who, recognizing their growing community's need for more space, propose to their leader a plan to build a new dwelling by the Jordan River. Their humble request for Elisha's permission and presence underscores their respect and dependence, setting the stage for the subsequent divine intervention that highlights God's attentiveness to the daily needs of His servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Kings 6:1](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1 - The Sons of the Prophets Need More Space"), which states the dwelling place of the sons of the prophets had become "too strait for us." The proposal in [2 Kings 6:2](/2_kings/6-2 "2 Kings 6:2 - The Sons of the Prophets Propose Building") is a direct response to this problem. The narrative continues seamlessly from this point into the well-known miracle of the floating axe head in [2 Kings 6:3-7](/2_kings/6-3 "2 Kings 6:3-7 - The Miracle of the Floating Axe Head"), where Elisha accompanies them and performs a sign of God's provision. This brief episode is part of the larger Elisha cycle (2 Kings 2-8), which consistently portrays Elisha as a prophet through whom God acts powerfully in both grand and mundane circumstances, demonstrating His care for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" were not Elisha's biological children but rather disciples, apprentices, or members of prophetic guilds or schools. These communities, which had flourished under Elijah's leadership (e.g., [1 Kings 20:35](/1_kings/20-35 "1 Kings 20:35 - The Prophet's Disciples")), continued and expanded under Elisha. They lived communally, received instruction, and served alongside their master. Their proposal to build reflects a common practice of self-sufficiency and communal labor in ancient Israel. The choice of the Jordan River is significant; its banks were often forested, providing readily available timber, and the river itself held immense historical and spiritual significance for Israel, from the crossing under Joshua ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")) to Elijah's ascension ([2 Kings 2:7-8](/2_kings/2-7 "2 Kings 2:7-8 - Elijah Crosses the Jordan")).

* **Key Themes:** The passage highlights several important themes. First, **Community Growth** is evident in the expanding numbers of prophetic students, indicating a vibrant spiritual movement under Elisha's leadership. Second, **Practical Initiative** is showcased as the sons of the prophets do not passively lament their cramped conditions but proactively devise a concrete plan to address their need, demonstrating diligence and a willingness to work. Third, their humble request, "Let us go, we pray thee," underscores their **Dependence on Leadership** and submission to Elisha's authority, seeking his guidance and blessing for their endeavor. This sets the stage for the **Divine Provision** that is implicitly anticipated in this verse and explicitly revealed in the subsequent miracle of the lost axe head ([2 Kings 6:6](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6 - The Axe Head Floats")), demonstrating God's attentive care for the practical needs of His faithful servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _hayarden'_):** Refers to the Jordan River, a major geographical feature of the land of Israel. Historically, it served as a significant boundary and a site of numerous biblical events, including the crossing of the Israelites into the Promised Land, Elijah's ascension, and later, John the Baptist's ministry. In this context, it is primarily a source of building materials (trees) and a location for their new dwelling.
* **beam (Hebrew, _qorah'_):** Denotes a timber log or rafter, a fundamental building material. The phrase "every man a beam" emphasizes a communal effort where each individual contributes physically to the collective construction project, highlighting their shared responsibility and diligence.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** Means to sit, remain, or inhabit. Here, it signifies their desire to establish a stable, permanent residence for their growing community, indicating a need for not just temporary shelter but a settled place for their communal life and spiritual training.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan":** This opening phrase reveals the respectful and humble approach of the sons of the prophets to Elisha. The "we pray thee" (נֵלְכָה־נָּא, _nelkah-na'_) is a polite and deferential request, indicating their submission to his authority and their desire for his approval and presence. Their destination, the Jordan, is practical, chosen for its natural resources.
* **"and take thence every man a beam":** This clause highlights their self-sufficiency and willingness to engage in hard labor. It's a communal effort, with each individual contributing equally to gather the necessary timber. This demonstrates their proactive and diligent spirit in addressing their practical need.
* **"and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell.":** This states the clear objective of their journey and labor: to construct a larger, more suitable dwelling. The need for expansion underscores the flourishing nature of the prophetic community under Elisha's leadership, requiring a permanent and adequate space for their communal life, study, and ministry.
* **"And he answered, Go ye.":** Elisha's concise response is an immediate affirmation. His simple "Go ye" (לְכוּ, _leku_) grants permission and implicitly conveys his blessing and trust in their endeavor. This direct agreement also sets the stage for his accompanying them, which proves crucial for the miracle that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 6:2](/2_kings/6-2 "2 Kings 6:2 - Building a New Dwelling") employs several literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as the direct conversation between the sons of the prophets and Elisha drives the immediate action and reveals their relationship of respect and submission. The passage uses **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the miraculous event that immediately follows; the mundane task of building sets the stage for divine intervention in an unexpected way. There is also a strong element of **Realism**, as the scene depicts a very practical, everyday problem (lack of space) and a common-sense solution (building a new structure with readily available materials), grounding the narrative in relatable human experience before the supernatural elements are introduced. The phrase "every man a beam" could also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the individual contribution of a beam represents the collective effort of the entire group.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of spiritual community, leadership, and divine provision. It illustrates that spiritual growth often necessitates practical adjustments and that God's people are called to be proactive and diligent in addressing their needs, rather than passively waiting for miraculous intervention. The sons of the prophets demonstrate a healthy balance of initiative and dependence, planning their work while humbly seeking the counsel and blessing of their spiritual leader. This narrative affirms that God is not only concerned with grand spiritual matters but also with the everyday practicalities of His servants' lives, even to the extent of providing for their housing and tools.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Look Out for the Interests of Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The proactive spirit of the sons of the prophets in [2 Kings 6:2](/2_kings/6-2 "2 Kings 6:2 - Taking Initiative") serves as a powerful model for believers and communities today. Instead of complaining about their cramped conditions, they identified a problem, proposed a practical solution, and were willing to put in the hard work to achieve it. Their humble request for Elisha's permission also highlights the vital role of seeking wise counsel and submitting to godly leadership within a community. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of initiative and collaboration, recognizing that God often works through our diligent efforts, even in seemingly mundane tasks. It reminds us that our spiritual growth and communal flourishing are often intertwined with tangible, practical endeavors, and that God cares deeply about the details of our lives and labors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What practical needs exist within my spiritual community or personal life that require proactive initiative?**
* **How can I better balance personal responsibility and seeking wise counsel from spiritual leaders in my endeavors?**
* **In what ways can I contribute my "beam" to the collective work and growth of my church or ministry?**
* **How does this narrative encourage me to trust God's provision and involvement in the seemingly small or mundane aspects of my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "sons of the prophets" mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: The "sons of the prophets" were not Elisha's biological children, but rather a collective term for disciples, students, or members of prophetic guilds or schools. These were communities of individuals who gathered around a master prophet, like Elijah or Elisha, for instruction, training, and fellowship in the prophetic ministry. They often lived communally, as indicated by their need for a larger dwelling in [2 Kings 6:1](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1 - The Sons of the Prophets Need More Space").

**Why did they specifically want to go "unto Jordan" to gather beams?**
Answer: The Jordan River valley was known for its abundant forests, particularly of poplars and other trees suitable for timber. Going to the Jordan was a practical and logical choice for gathering the necessary building materials (beams) for their new dwelling. It was a readily accessible source of raw materials for construction in that region.

**What is the significance of Elisha's simple response, "Go ye"?**
Answer: Elisha's concise "Go ye" (לְכוּ, _leku_) is more than just permission; it signifies his approval, trust, and implicit blessing on their undertaking. By granting permission and subsequently agreeing to accompany them ([2 Kings 6:3](/2_kings/6-3 "2 Kings 6:3 - Elisha Agrees to Go")), Elisha demonstrates his pastoral care and leadership. His presence is crucial, as it sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows, highlighting God's active involvement in the practical needs of His servants when they are diligently engaged in His work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 6:2](/2_kings/6-2 "2 Kings 6:2 - The Sons of the Prophets Build") describes a practical building project, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate builder and provider, Jesus Christ. The sons of the prophets, in their need for a dwelling, represent humanity's longing for a secure and abiding place. Christ is the one who ultimately provides that dwelling, not just physically but spiritually. He declares, "In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Just as Elisha accompanied his disciples and provided for their needs, even a lost axe head ([2 Kings 6:6](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6 - The Axe Head Floats")), Jesus is intimately present with His disciples, providing for their every need, both material and spiritual. He taught His followers not to worry about what they would eat or wear, reminding them that their heavenly Father knows their needs ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). The communal effort of the sons of the prophets to build a physical space also prefigures the building of Christ's spiritual temple, the Church, where believers are living stones, being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, this passage, in its depiction of practical need met through communal effort and prophetic leadership, points to Christ as the ultimate provision and the foundation of the eternal dwelling place for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 9:6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

John 21:3

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

Acts 18:3

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Acts 20:34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.