2 Kings 6:4

KJV

So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he went {H3212} with them. And when they came {H935} to Jordan {H3383}, they cut down {H1504} wood {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so he went with them. When they arrived at the Yarden, they cut down trees;

Berean Standard Bible

So Elisha went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they began to cut down some trees.

American Standard Version

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, seemingly simple, acts as a crucial setup for the miracle of the floating axe head, highlighting Elisha's pastoral care for the prophetic community and God's active involvement in the practical, mundane aspects of His servants' lives as they diligently work to expand their ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the opening narrative of [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles"), immediately following the "sons of the prophets'" request to Elisha in [2 Kings 6:1-3](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1-3 - The Sons of the Prophets Request"). They recognize their dwelling is too small due to their growing numbers and propose moving to the Jordan to cut timber for a larger residence. Their insistence on Elisha's presence, culminating in his agreement "So he went with them," underscores their reliance on his spiritual authority and his compassionate leadership. The verse then sets the scene for the subsequent miraculous recovery of the axe head in [2 Kings 6:5-7](/2_kings/6-5 "2 Kings 6:5-7 - The Miracle of the Floating Axe Head"), demonstrating God's care even in a seemingly minor, practical mishap.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" (or "companies of prophets") represent a significant movement in Israel during the monarchical period, particularly under Elijah and Elisha. These were not necessarily biological sons but disciples or members of prophetic guilds, often living in communal settings (as seen in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophetic Company at Gibeah") and [2 Kings 4:38](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38 - Elisha and the Sons of the Prophets at Gilgal")). Their growth indicates a spiritual revival or sustained prophetic activity in a time when Israel often strayed from God. The Jordan River, a central geographical feature, was a common source of timber and a significant location for many biblical events, including the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")) and later, John the Baptist's ministry ([Matthew 3](/matthew/3 "Matthew 3 - John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism")). The act of "cutting down wood" was a common, arduous task, reflecting the practical, self-sufficient nature of these communities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). It highlights **Divine Presence in Daily Life**, showing Elisha's willingness to engage in the mundane activities of his disciples, implying God's concern for every aspect of His people's existence, not just grand spiritual displays. The narrative also emphasizes **Community and Growth**, as the expanding numbers of the prophetic company necessitate a larger dwelling, signaling spiritual vitality and the impact of Elisha's ministry. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Provision and Care**, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows, demonstrating that even in their diligent labor, God is attentive to their needs and challenges, foreshadowing His care for His servants in all circumstances, as seen in passages like [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yarden'_):** This refers to the Jordan River, the primary river of the land of Israel, forming a natural boundary and a significant geographical and spiritual landmark. Its mention here grounds the narrative in a specific, well-known location, often associated with divine intervention and new beginnings in biblical history (e.g., [Joshua 3:15-17](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15-17 - The Jordan Stops for Israel")).
* **Cut down (Hebrew, _karath'_):** This verb means "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to fell." In this context, it specifically denotes the physical act of felling trees for timber. It emphasizes the manual, laborious nature of the task undertaken by the sons of the prophets, highlighting their diligence and practical effort in meeting their communal needs.
* **Wood (Hebrew, _etzim'_):** This plural noun refers to "trees" or "wood" as timber. It specifies the material they intended to use for construction, reinforcing the practical, tangible purpose of their expedition. The need for "wood" implies a building project, underscoring the growth and expansion of the prophetic community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he went with them."**: This opening clause signifies Elisha's compassionate and pastoral leadership. Despite his spiritual authority, he willingly accompanies the sons of the prophets in their manual labor, demonstrating solidarity and a personal investment in their well-being and practical endeavors. This act reinforces his role as a shepherd to his flock, similar to how a good leader walks alongside those he guides.
* **"And when they came to Jordan,"**: This phrase establishes the geographical setting for the ensuing events. The Jordan River, a place of historical and spiritual significance, becomes the stage for both the ordinary act of labor and the extraordinary display of divine power. It marks the successful completion of their journey to the chosen site for their construction project.
* **"they cut down wood."**: This final clause describes the primary activity of the prophetic community. It highlights their diligence, self-sufficiency, and practical effort in providing for their own needs. This mundane, physical labor forms the backdrop against which the subsequent miracle will occur, emphasizing that God's intervention often happens within the context of human effort and need.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression** and **Setting Description**. It moves the story forward by detailing Elisha's agreement to join the prophets and their arrival at the Jordan, establishing the scene for the subsequent miracle. The **Setting Description** of "Jordan" immediately grounds the reader in a familiar and significant biblical location, adding a layer of realism and historical context. The mundane act of "cutting down wood" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the extraordinary event that will interrupt this ordinary labor, highlighting the contrast between human effort and divine intervention. The simple, direct language also contributes to a sense of **Verisimilitude**, making the account feel authentic and relatable to the everyday experiences of the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with theological implications, primarily emphasizing God's immanence and His care for the practical needs of His people. Elisha's willingness to accompany the sons of the prophets in their physical labor underscores the principle that divine presence is not confined to grand spiritual acts but extends to the mundane, everyday efforts of believers. It illustrates a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His servants, attentive to their growth, their challenges, and even their tools. This narrative prefigures the New Testament emphasis on God's comprehensive care and the dignity of labor, reminding us that all work done in His name, no matter how ordinary, can be sanctified by His presence and purpose.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful reminder that spiritual leadership and communal life are not solely about grand pronouncements or miraculous displays, but often involve humble, practical engagement with the daily realities of life. Elisha's decision to "go with them" teaches us the value of solidarity, presence, and active participation in the lives of those we lead or serve. It challenges us to embrace diligence in our work, recognizing that God is present even in our most ordinary tasks—whether that's building a home, performing our job, or caring for our families. The subsequent miracle, prompted by a lost tool during this very work, assures us that God's care extends to our practical needs and even our mishaps, affirming His attentiveness to every detail of our lives. We are called to labor faithfully, trusting that God will meet us in our efforts and, when necessary, intervene supernaturally to provide or restore what is lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's willingness to "go with them" challenge my perception of spiritual leadership or my own engagement with others' practical needs?**
* **In what "mundane" or "ordinary" tasks of my life or community do I need to recognize God's presence and apply diligence?**
* **How does the context of this verse—human labor preceding divine intervention—shape my understanding of God's provision in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the "sons of the prophets" need to cut down wood, and why was Elisha's presence so important?**

Answer: The "sons of the prophets" were a community of disciples or members of prophetic guilds, and their numbers had grown to the point where their existing dwelling was too small, as stated in [2 Kings 6:1](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1 - The Sons of the Prophets Need More Space"). They needed to cut down wood to build a larger, more suitable dwelling for their expanding community. Elisha's presence was important for several reasons. First, it demonstrated his pastoral care and solidarity with his disciples, showing he was not aloof but actively involved in their practical concerns. Second, it provided spiritual assurance and blessing for their endeavor, as they deeply respected his prophetic authority. Third, as the narrative unfolds, his presence was crucial for the miraculous intervention that would soon take place when an axe head was lost in the Jordan ([2 Kings 6:5-7](/2_kings/6-5 "2 Kings 6:5-7 - The Floating Axe Head")). His willingness to accompany them underscored the principle that God's leaders are called to be present with their people, even in their manual labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple act of Elisha accompanying the sons of the prophets to "cut down wood" at the Jordan River finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the Incarnation and the ministry of Jesus. Just as Elisha, God's prophet, entered into the mundane labor and practical needs of his disciples, so too did God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, condescend to dwell among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, did not remain distant but actively participated in human life, even engaging in the humble trade of a carpenter ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Is Not This the Carpenter?")) before embarking on His public ministry. His miracles, like the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), directly addressed the practical, physical needs of the people, demonstrating God's comprehensive care. Furthermore, the Jordan River, where the wood was cut, later became the site of Jesus' baptism ([Matthew 3:13-17](/matthew/3-13 "Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus' Baptism")), marking the beginning of His redemptive work and His identification with humanity. The narrative of the lost axe head, prompting divine intervention amidst human labor, foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of restoration: recovering what was lost to sin through His sacrifice on the cross ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). Thus, 2 Kings 6:4, through Elisha's empathetic leadership and God's attentiveness to practical needs, points forward to the greater reality of Christ's tangible presence, compassionate service, and complete redemption for His people.

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

Deuteronomy 29:11

Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that [is] in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:

Deuteronomy 19:5

As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live: