2 Kings 6:5

KJV

But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

KJV (with Strong's)

But as one {H259} was felling {H5307} a beam {H6982}, the axe head {H1270} fell {H5307} into the water {H4325}: and he cried {H6817}, and said {H559}, Alas {H162}, master {H113}! for it was borrowed {H7592}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but as one was felling a tree trunk, the head of his axe fell in the water. "Oh, no!" he cried. "My master, it was a borrowed one!"

Berean Standard Bible

As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh, my master,” he cried out, “it was borrowed!”

American Standard Version

But as one was felling a beam, the axe-head fell into the water; and he cried, and said, Alas, my master! for it was borrowed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:5 vividly recounts a minor but distressing incident during the expansion of the prophetic community's dwelling by the Jordan River. As one of the "sons of the prophets" diligently fells a tree for timber, the head of his borrowed axe unexpectedly flies off the handle and sinks into the river. His immediate cry of distress, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed," underscores the profound concern for integrity and responsibility within the prophetic school, setting the stage for Elisha's compassionate and miraculous intervention in the subsequent verses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a concise narrative (2 Kings 6:1-7) that highlights Elisha's practical involvement in the lives of the "sons of the prophets." The preceding verses (2 Kings 6:1-3) establish the need for expansion due to the growing number of disciples, prompting their request to Elisha to move to the Jordan and cut timber. Elisha's agreement to accompany them (2 Kings 6:4) demonstrates his pastoral care and leadership. The incident of the lost axe head in [2 Kings 6:5](/2_kings/6-5 "2 Kings 6:5 - The Lost Axe Head") serves as the immediate crisis that leads directly into Elisha's miraculous retrieval of the axe head in [2 Kings 6:6-7](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6-7 - The Floating Axe Head"), showcasing God's power working through His prophet in a seemingly mundane situation. This small narrative unit is part of a larger section in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") that focuses on Elisha's ministry, characterized by numerous miracles that demonstrate Yahweh's sovereignty over nature, life, and death, often in response to the practical needs of His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, tools like axes were vital for daily life, particularly for construction, agriculture, and gathering firewood. Iron was a valuable and often expensive commodity, making an iron axe head a significant asset. Losing such a tool, especially into deep water, would have been a considerable financial burden for an individual, particularly a student or prophet who might not have had personal wealth. The concept of borrowing was deeply ingrained in the social fabric, governed by principles of integrity and responsibility outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 22:14-15](/exodus/22-14 "Exodus 22:14-15 - Laws Concerning Borrowed Animals")). Returning borrowed property was a matter of honor and a demonstration of trustworthiness. The "sons of the prophets" were communities of disciples who lived and studied under a master prophet like Elisha, often sharing resources and living a communal life. Their work of felling trees to build a larger dwelling reflects their practical engagement in supporting their community and ministry.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the lost axe head contributes to several key themes prevalent in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **God's meticulous care for His people**, even in their seemingly trivial, everyday struggles. No problem is too small for divine attention when it impacts those who serve Him, echoing the sentiment found in [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair"). Secondly, it highlights **the importance of integrity and responsibility**, as evidenced by the disciple's immediate concern for the borrowed tool, reflecting the moral standards expected within the covenant community. Thirdly, the incident powerfully demonstrates **Elisha's compassionate leadership and God's active prophetic power**. Elisha's willingness to intervene and God's miraculous provision through him validate his prophetic authority and assure the community of God's presence and intervention in their practical lives, much like the earlier miracles of Elijah and Elisha that provided sustenance or healed the sick, such as the widow's oil in [2 Kings 4:1-7](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1-7 - Elisha and the Widow's Oil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Axe head (הַבַּרְזֶל, *habbarzel*):** Literally "the iron." This term emphasizes the material composition of the lost item, highlighting its value and the difficulty of its replacement in an age where metalworking was a specialized and costly craft. The loss of "the iron" was not merely the loss of a tool but of a significant investment and a vital means of livelihood for the community engaged in manual labor.
* **Alas, master! (אָח אֲדֹנִי, *ah adoni*):** An exclamation of distress, grief, or lament. The Hebrew "אָח" (*ah*) is an interjection expressing pain or sorrow, similar to "Oh!" or "Woe!" The addition of "אֲדֹנִי" (*adoni*), meaning "my lord" or "my master," signifies the disciple's immediate appeal to Elisha for help, recognizing his authority and perhaps his miraculous capabilities. It conveys a sense of desperation and dependence.
* **Borrowed (שָׁאוּל, *sha'ul*):** This Hebrew word signifies that the item was "asked for" or "lent." This detail is crucial, as it elevates the problem from a personal loss to a matter of moral obligation and integrity. The disciple's primary concern is not merely the inconvenience or cost to himself, but the breach of trust and the inability to return what was not his own, reflecting a high standard of ethical conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as one was felling a beam":** This clause sets the scene, depicting the disciple engaged in the practical, laborious task of cutting down a tree. The phrase "felling a beam" indicates the specific purpose of their work—preparing timber for construction, underscoring the communal effort to expand their dwelling. It grounds the miraculous event in the mundane reality of daily life and labor.
* **"the axe head fell into the water":** This is the pivotal incident. The unexpected detachment of the axe head from its handle and its subsequent plunge into the water creates the immediate crisis. The Jordan River, known for its deep and sometimes swift currents, would have made retrieval seem impossible, rendering the tool irretrievable by ordinary means.
* **"and he cried, and said, Alas, master!":** This describes the disciple's immediate, vocal reaction to the loss. His "cry" (וַיִּצְעַק, *vayyits'aq*) denotes a loud, distressed outcry, indicating profound shock and dismay. The direct address to Elisha ("master") highlights his reliance on his spiritual leader and his hope for intervention, even in a seemingly hopeless situation.
* **"for it was borrowed":** This final phrase reveals the core of the disciple's distress. It is not just the personal loss, but the ethical dilemma of failing to return borrowed property. This detail elevates the incident from a mere accident to a moral and relational burden, emphasizing the disciple's integrity and the community's adherence to principles of responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 6:5](/2_kings/6-5 "2 Kings 6:5 - The Lost Axe Head") employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, as the seemingly minor incident of a lost axe head is given significant attention, drawing the reader into the disciple's immediate distress and the practical realities of the prophetic community's life. This meticulous detail serves to highlight God's care for the mundane and His willingness to intervene in everyday problems. There is an element of **Irony** in that a simple, practical task leads to a crisis that requires a supernatural solution, underscoring the limitations of human effort and the boundless power of God. The disciple's cry, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed," functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Elisha's miraculous intervention in the very next verse, building anticipation for the divine solution to a human problem. The axe head itself can be seen as a **Symbol** of provision, livelihood, and the tools necessary for ministry, making its loss a symbolic threat to the community's ability to continue their work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The incident of the lost axe head, though brief, carries profound theological weight. It powerfully illustrates God's intimate concern for the practical needs and emotional distress of His servants. Far from being a distant deity, Yahweh demonstrates His immanence and compassion by intervening in a seemingly trivial matter that causes significant anxiety for one of His prophets. This narrative reinforces the truth that no problem is too small for God's attention, especially when it impacts the integrity and well-being of His people or hinders their work for Him. It also highlights the importance of human integrity and responsibility, as the disciple's distress over the borrowed axe head reflects a deep-seated commitment to ethical conduct that pleases God. Elisha's compassionate response and the subsequent miracle serve as a testament to God's active presence and power in the world, providing for His own in extraordinary ways.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry") - Jesus teaches about God's care for birds and lilies, urging believers not to worry about material needs.
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him") - Encourages believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them.
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Need") - Assures believers that God will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The distress of the prophet's disciple over a lost, borrowed axe head resonates deeply with the anxieties we face in our own lives, whether they are seemingly minor inconveniences or significant losses. This narrative reminds us that God is not indifferent to our everyday struggles, our financial burdens, or our concerns about integrity. Just as the disciple immediately turned to Elisha, we are invited to bring *all* our concerns, big or small, to our heavenly Father, knowing that He is intimately involved in the details of our lives and possesses the power to intervene miraculously. This story challenges us to cultivate a spirit of dependence on God, trusting that His provision extends even to the "lost axe heads" of our existence. Furthermore, the disciple's concern for the borrowed item serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of honesty, responsibility, and good stewardship in all our dealings. Our integrity in seemingly small matters reflects our character and bears witness to the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "small" problems in your life are you hesitant to bring before God, perhaps thinking they are too insignificant for His attention?**
* **How does the disciple's concern for the borrowed axe head challenge your own commitment to integrity and responsibility in practical matters?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's compassionate intervention in seemingly mundane or ordinary circumstances?**
* **How can this story encourage you to trust God more fully with your daily needs and anxieties?**

### FAQ
**Why was the disciple so distressed about a lost axe head?**

Answer: The disciple's distress stemmed from two primary reasons, both significant in ancient Israel. First, an axe head, especially one made of iron, was a valuable and essential tool for livelihood and construction. Losing it represented a considerable financial burden or loss of resource for the community. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the axe head was *borrowed*. In ancient Israel, returning borrowed property was a matter of honor, integrity, and adherence to covenant law. Failing to return it would have been a breach of trust and a moral failing, causing deep shame and guilt. His cry, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed," highlights his concern for integrity over personal loss.

**Does this story suggest God cares about material possessions?**

Answer: This story, along with many others in Scripture, demonstrates that God cares deeply about the well-being and practical needs of His people, which often include material provisions. While the Bible warns against materialism and idolatry of possessions (e.g., [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), it also portrays God as a loving Father who provides for His children's daily needs (e.g., [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). The miracle of the floating axe head is not about the intrinsic value of the tool itself, but about God's compassionate response to the distress of His servant, ensuring that their work for Him is not hindered by a practical obstacle and upholding the principle of integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly minor miracle of the floating axe head in [2 Kings 6:5-7](/2_kings/6-5 "2 Kings 6:5-7 - The Lost Axe Head and its Retrieval") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elisha, as a prophet, acted as God's instrument, demonstrating divine care and power over creation to meet a practical need and alleviate distress. This foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, who consistently demonstrated unparalleled compassion for the common person and exercised absolute authority over all creation. Just as Elisha intervened for a distressed disciple over a lost tool, Jesus cared for the hungry multitude by multiplying loaves and fish ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), calmed raging storms with a word ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and healed all manner of sickness. The concern for integrity over a borrowed item also points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and bore the ultimate debt of our sin, which we could never repay. He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate solution to our greatest spiritual "loss"—our separation from God due to sin. Through His sacrifice, Jesus restores what was lost and provides abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), demonstrating God's compassionate provision not just for a lost tool, but for lost humanity. He invites us to cast all our anxieties upon Him, for He truly cares for us ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")), proving that no detail of our lives is too small for His divine attention and redemptive power.

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

Ecclesiastes 10:10

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.

2 Kings 6:15

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Psalms 37:21

¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

2 Kings 3:10

And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

2 Kings 4:7

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.