2 Kings 6:6

KJV

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast [it] in thither; and the iron did swim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} of God {H430} said {H559}, Where {H575} fell {H5307} it? And he shewed {H7200} him the place {H4725}. And he cut down {H7094} a stick {H6086}, and cast {H7993} it in thither; and the iron {H1270} did swim {H6687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" He showed him the place. Then Elisha cut a stick, threw it in there, and the iron axe-head floated to the surface.

Berean Standard Bible

“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float.

American Standard Version

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and made the iron to swim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The narrative in [2 Kings 6:6](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6 - The Floating Axe Head") recounts a remarkable miracle performed by the prophet Elisha, wherein a borrowed iron axe head, having fallen into the Jordan River, is supernaturally made to float to the surface. This concise yet profound incident serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over the natural order, His meticulous and compassionate care for the practical needs and anxieties of His servants, and the authentic validation of Elisha's prophetic ministry as a direct instrument of divine power. It underscores the profound theological truth that no detail of human life, however seemingly insignificant, is too small for the Creator's attentive notice and miraculous intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This miracle is strategically placed within a broader series of narratives that highlight Elisha's prophetic ministry, directly following the expansion efforts of the "sons of the prophets" (2 Kings 6:1-5). The preceding verses establish the immediate setting: a burgeoning community of prophets requiring more space, their collective decision to build near the Jordan River, and the practical challenges inherent in acquiring building materials. The loss of the axe head, a valuable and borrowed tool, precipitates a moment of genuine distress for one of the young prophets, underscoring the community's reliance on such implements for their labor and their commitment to integrity regarding borrowed property. This incident is not an isolated wonder but an integral part of a continuous narrative illustrating God's active and intimate involvement in the daily lives of His covenant people through His chosen prophet, often addressing practical, mundane needs rather than solely grand political or military crises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, iron tools were highly valued and indispensable for various activities, including construction, agriculture, and daily domestic life. Iron was significantly less common and more difficult to work with than bronze, rendering an axe head a substantial and costly asset. The "sons of the prophets" likely constituted a formal community or school of prophets, a recognized and respected institution in Israel, akin to those previously associated with Elijah. Their communal living and engagement in manual labor (such as felling timber) reflect a disciplined and practical lifestyle. The Jordan River, particularly known for its swift currents and varying depths, would have made the recovery of a sunken iron object virtually impossible through natural means. Elisha, identified as the "man of God," operated within a cultural framework where prophets were perceived as direct intermediaries between God and humanity, performing signs and wonders that authenticated their divine commission and revealed God's character and power.

* **Key Themes:** The central and most prominent theme illuminated by this miracle is **Divine Sovereignty and Power over Creation**. Iron, by its inherent natural properties, is designed to sink in water; yet, God's command, mediated through Elisha, suspends this natural law, causing the heavy object to float. This serves as an undeniable testament to God's absolute authority over all physical realities, powerfully reminding the audience that His power is limitless and not constrained by human understanding or scientific principles. This echoes earlier demonstrations of divine control over nature, such as the miraculous [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea") for Israel's escape or the [stopping of the Jordan River](/joshua/3-13 "Joshua 3:13 - Crossing the Jordan River") for their entry into the Promised Land. Another significant theme is **God's Meticulous Care and Provision for His People**, even in matters that appear trivial. The loss of an axe head might seem insignificant in the grand scope of biblical history, yet God intervenes, demonstrating His profound attentiveness to the daily struggles and anxieties of His faithful servants—a truth powerfully reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to [cast all their anxieties on Him](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Anxieties on Him"). Finally, the miracle robustly reinforces **Elisha's Authenticated Prophetic Authority**. As the "man of God," Elisha functions as the divinely appointed channel through which God's power flows, his actions consistently validating his role as God's chosen representative and successor to Elijah, performing miracles that address both national crises and individual needs, thereby building faith and trust in God's active and present involvement among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **iron (Hebrew, _barzel'_):** This word (H1270) refers to a heavy, valuable metal in the ancient world, often used for cutting implements. Its inherent property of sinking in water makes its flotation a clear and undeniable demonstration of supernatural power. The emphasis on "iron" highlights the natural impossibility of the event, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention.
* **did swim (Hebrew, _tsûwph'_):** Translated as "to overflow" or "to float" (H6687), this verb describes the act of rising to the surface and remaining buoyant. The simple, declarative past tense ("did swim") emphasizes the immediate and undeniable reversal of the axe head's natural tendency. It signifies a direct, unmediated action of God, not a gradual process or a deceptive trick.
* **man of God (Hebrew, _ʼîysh ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This significant title (H376 for 'man' and H430 for 'God') applied to Elisha (and Elijah before him) denotes his divine commission and intimate relationship with Yahweh. It signifies that he is not acting on his own power or wisdom, but as an instrument and representative of God. The phrase underscores that the miracle is a divine act facilitated through God's chosen servant, lending authority and divine backing to Elisha's ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man of God said, Where fell it?":** Elisha, identified by his authoritative and divinely appointed title, immediately engages with the distressed young prophet. His question is not born of ignorance but serves a practical purpose: to pinpoint the exact location for the miraculous intervention, demonstrating a methodical approach even when a supernatural solution is imminent. It also invites the young prophet's active participation in identifying the specific need.
* **"And he shewed him the place.":** The young prophet's immediate and obedient response of showing Elisha the precise spot demonstrates his trust and faith in the prophet's ability to intercede. This act of pointing out the location is a crucial step, acknowledging the problem and setting the stage for God's intervention through Elisha. It underscores the human element of distress and the profound need for divine help.
* **"And he cut down a stick, and cast [it] in thither;":** Elisha's action is strikingly simple and, from a natural perspective, entirely unrelated to the problem. The cutting and casting of a mere stick into the water is not a magical incantation or a complex ritual. Its profound simplicity highlights that the power resides not in the object or the prophet's technique, but solely in God. The stick serves as a point of contact, a symbolic act of faith, or a visible sign preceding the invisible divine operation.
* **"and the iron did swim.":** This is the dramatic climax of the verse, a concise and powerful declaration of the miracle. The heavy iron axe head, contrary to all natural laws of physics, rises effortlessly to the surface and floats. The directness and brevity of the statement emphasize the immediate and undeniable nature of God's power. It is a clear, unambiguous demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation, responding to a seemingly small, yet deeply significant, need.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of the floating axe head is a masterful example of **Narrative Economy**, swiftly moving from the problem's presentation to its miraculous resolution with minimal descriptive embellishment, thereby highlighting the directness and efficiency of divine power. The central and most overt device is, of course, the **Miracle** itself—a supernatural intervention that defies established natural laws, serving primarily to authenticate Elisha's prophetic ministry and to reveal God's omnipotence. The **Symbolism** of the stick is particularly profound: a humble piece of wood, naturally buoyant, is cast into the water where heavy iron has sunk. While not explicitly stated as a magical conduit, it serves as a simple, humble instrument through which God chooses to act, contrasting sharply with the weight of the iron and underscoring that the power is entirely divine, not inherent in the stick or in Elisha himself. The entire episode functions as a **Theophany in Miniature**, a localized yet powerful manifestation of God's presence and power, demonstrating His direct **Divine Intervention** in the seemingly mundane affairs of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miracle of the floating axe head, though modest in scale when compared to other biblical wonders, carries immense theological weight and profound implications. It profoundly illustrates God's active, intimate, and compassionate involvement in the lives of His people, affirming His character as a God who is both omnipotent in power and meticulously caring in His providence. It teaches the vital truth that no concern, however seemingly trivial or insignificant, is beneath His notice or beyond His infinite capacity to address. This event powerfully underscores the principle of divine providence, where God orchestrates circumstances and intervenes directly to provide for and protect His servants, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to those who serve Him. It also reinforces the concept of prophetic mediation, where God chooses to work through human agents, empowering them to perform acts that reveal His glory and meet the pressing needs of His covenant community.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Directs the Steps of the Righteous")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless story of the floating axe head offers profound and enduring encouragement for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not a distant, detached, or unconcerned deity, but rather one who is intimately involved in every facet of our lives, from the grandest, most overwhelming crises to the most mundane and seemingly insignificant anxieties. Just as the young prophet was genuinely distressed over a lost tool that represented a significant burden, we too often encounter "axe head" moments in our lives—small, seemingly minor problems that nevertheless cause us genuine stress, financial strain, emotional burden, or even a sense of shame. This narrative assures us that we can confidently bring *all* our concerns, without reservation, to God, trusting implicitly in His limitless power and His boundless, compassionate care. It challenges us to cultivate a robust faith that believes God can and will intervene in the "impossible," even when the solution seems illogical or requires a simple, obedient act on our part, much like Elisha casting a mere stick into the water. Ultimately, it calls us to relinquish our anxieties to Him, knowing with certainty that His provision is not limited by natural laws or by the confines of our finite human understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "axe heads" (small but significant problems, burdens, or anxieties) are causing you distress or concern today, and how might this story encourage you to bring them before God in prayer and trust?**
* **How does the miracle of the floating axe head challenge or expand your current understanding of God's immense power and His profound willingness to intervene in the seemingly everyday, practical details of your life?**
* **In what specific ways might God be inviting or asking you to perform a "simple act" of faith or obedience, even when the potential outcome seems illogical or impossible from a purely human perspective?**
* **How does this narrative deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous, compassionate care for His people, and what practical steps can you take to live in greater, more consistent trust of His abundant provision?**

### FAQ

**Why did God care about a lost axe head?**

Answer: God cared deeply about the lost axe head because He cares profoundly for His people and their practical needs, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant they may appear to us. For the "sons of the prophets," this was not merely a tool but a valuable, borrowed implement essential for their communal work and livelihood. Its loss represented a tangible financial burden and a potential breach of trust with the lender. This miracle powerfully demonstrates God's meticulous providence, showing that His concern extends to the daily struggles, anxieties, and even the smallest inconveniences of His faithful servants. It affirms the profound truth that no detail of our lives is too insignificant for His attentive notice and compassionate intervention, underscoring His character as a caring and attentive Father who provides for His children.

**What is the significance of Elisha cutting down and casting a stick into the water?**

Answer: The stick itself held no inherent magical power; it was a simple, common object readily available. Its significance lies primarily in its role as a point of contact or a symbolic act of faith on Elisha's part, and a visible sign preceding an invisible divine act. By cutting down and casting the stick, Elisha was not performing magic or a ritualistic incantation, but rather demonstrating his obedience and unwavering faith in God's power. The profound simplicity of the act highlights that the miracle's power came solely from God, not from any elaborate human technique or Elisha's personal ability. It serves as a powerful visual contrast to the heavy iron, emphasizing the supernatural reversal of natural laws. Furthermore, it teaches us that God can use the most humble and ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary things, and often requires a simple act of obedience or faith from us to initiate His miraculous work.

**Is this miracle unique in the Bible?**

Answer: While the specific miracle of an axe head floating is unique in its precise details, the underlying principle of God supernaturally intervening to suspend or reverse natural laws is a recurring and consistent theme throughout the entire biblical narrative. From the dramatic [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea") (Exodus 14) and the miraculous provision of [manna from heaven](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven") (Exodus 16) in the Old Testament, to Jesus walking on water (e.g., [Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")) and miraculously multiplying loaves and fish (e.g., [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")) in the New Testament, the Bible consistently portrays God as absolutely sovereign over all creation. This miracle in [2 Kings 6:6](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6 - The Floating Axe Head") fits seamlessly within this broader biblical pattern, demonstrating God's consistent power and His unwavering willingness to intervene in the natural world for the benefit of His people and to display His glory to all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle of the floating axe head in [2 Kings 6:6](/2_kings/6-6 "2 Kings 6:6 - The Floating Axe Head"), while an Old Testament event, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment and rich typological significance. Elisha, as the "man of God" through whom divine power flows, prefigures Christ in His ultimate role as the Prophet who perfectly mediates divine power and flawlessly demonstrates God's intimate and compassionate care for humanity. Just as Elisha brought life and provision in seemingly impossible situations, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and the very Son of God, consistently displayed absolute and inherent authority over all creation. His dramatic calming of the storm (e.g., [Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and His miraculous walking on water (e.g., [John 6:19](/john/6-19 "John 6:19 - Jesus Walks on Water")) are far grander and more direct demonstrations of power over nature, revealing Him not merely as an agent of God, but as the Creator incarnate. Furthermore, the concern for a lost and valuable item—the axe head—powerfully foreshadows Christ's divine mission to seek and save that which was lost (e.g., [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). The axe head, once lost and sinking into the depths, is miraculously restored to usefulness, much like humanity, lost in the depths of sin and sinking under its crushing weight, is redeemed, rescued, and restored to purpose and life through the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The seemingly insignificant nature of the problem, yet God's profound and immediate intervention, powerfully illustrates that no human need, struggle, or anxiety is too small for the compassionate and attentive heart of our Savior, who lovingly invites us to [cast all our anxieties on Him](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Anxieties on Him") because He deeply cares for us. In Christ, God's meticulous care, sovereign power, and redemptive purpose find their ultimate, perfect, and glorious embodiment.

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

2 Kings 2:21

And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].

Mark 8:23

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Mark 8:25

After that he put [his] hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

2 Kings 4:41

But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast [it] into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

Mark 7:33

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

Mark 7:34

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.