2 Kings 6:2

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.

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.

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."

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.

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

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."

Context

This verse opens a brief but significant narrative within the ministry of the prophet Elisha. It immediately follows the observation that the dwelling place of the "sons of the prophets" was too small for their growing community. These "sons of the prophets" were not necessarily Elisha's biological children, but rather disciples or members of prophetic guilds and schools that flourished under Elisha's leadership, much like they had under Elijah. They lived together, learned, and served. Their proposal to Elisha in this verse demonstrates their initiative and respect for their spiritual leader, seeking his permission and presence for a practical building project.

Key Themes

  • Community Growth: The immediate need for expansion highlights the increasing number of prophetic students, indicating a flourishing spiritual movement under Elisha.
  • Practical Initiative: The sons of the prophets do not idly complain but propose a concrete, resourceful plan to address their need, showing diligence and a willingness to work.
  • Dependence on Leadership: Their humble request, "Let us go, we pray thee," underscores their submission to Elisha's authority and their desire for his guidance and blessing on their endeavor. This sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows.
  • Divine Provision (Implied): While not explicit in this verse, the subsequent miracle involving the lost axe head (see 2 Kings 6:6) reveals God's care for even the smallest needs of His servants, which this verse anticipates by setting the scene for their work.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sons of the prophets" (Hebrew: b'nei ha'nevi'im) refers to a collective or guild of prophets, disciples who gathered around a master prophet like Elijah or Elisha for instruction and fellowship. This term appears elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as when they met Elisha in Jericho. Their mention of going "unto Jordan" highlights the significance of the Jordan River in Israel's history, often a place of spiritual and national importance, from the crossing into the Promised Land under Joshua to Elijah's ascension.

Significance & Application

2 Kings 6:2 is a testament to the practical needs and proactive spirit within a spiritual community. It reminds us that spiritual growth often involves tangible, everyday efforts. The sons of the prophets didn't wait for a miracle to appear; they identified a problem and proposed a solution, inviting their leader into the process. This passage encourages believers today to:

  • Address Practical Needs: Just as the prophetic community needed more space, churches and ministries often have practical needs that require thoughtful planning and effort.
  • Take Initiative: Don't wait for others to solve problems; be proactive in contributing to the well-being and growth of your community.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: The request to Elisha emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from experienced spiritual leaders.
  • Trust in God's Care: Though they were focused on practical work, the subsequent events show that God is attentive to the details of our labor and provides in unexpected ways, much like He provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. This verse sets the stage for demonstrating God's care for those who are diligently serving Him.
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

  • 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.
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