2 Kings 6:7

KJV

Therefore said he, Take [it] up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore said {H559} he, Take it up {H7311} to thee. And he put out {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and took {H3947} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Lift it out," he said. So he put out his hand and took it.

Berean Standard Bible

“Lift it out,” he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it.

American Standard Version

And he said, Take it up to thee. So he put out his hand, and took it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:7 concludes the remarkable narrative of Elisha's miraculous recovery of a lost axe head, serving as the immediate culmination of divine intervention in a seemingly minor yet significant predicament. This verse captures the simple yet profound moment when the "son of the prophets" retrieves his borrowed tool from the Jordan River, underscoring the swift and complete resolution brought about by God's supernatural power through His prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the decisive conclusion to the account initiated in [2 Kings 6:1](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles"). The narrative begins with the "sons of the prophets," a community of disciples under Elisha's mentorship, deciding to expand their living quarters by the Jordan River due to their growing numbers. In the course of this communal labor, a borrowed axe head, a vital and valuable tool, accidentally falls into the water. The owner's distressed cry, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed," highlights his integrity and the economic hardship the loss represented. Elisha, demonstrating his prophetic authority and compassionate care, asks where the axe head fell, then cuts a stick and throws it into the water at that spot. Miraculously, the iron axe head floats to the surface. Verse 7 then describes the immediate and unhesitating action of the man retrieving the axe head, bringing the short, focused miracle story to its satisfying close and affirming the efficacy of Elisha's divine commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" were not biological descendants but a community or guild of prophets, likely living a disciplined life of study and service under a senior prophet like Elisha. Their communal living and manual labor (like felling trees) were typical of such groups, emphasizing self-sufficiency and dedication. Tools, especially iron ones like an axe head, were precious and often expensive commodities in ancient Israel, making their loss a significant financial burden, particularly if borrowed. The act of borrowing underscored a relationship of trust and responsibility. The Jordan River, a prominent geographical feature, was often associated with significant spiritual events (e.g., [Joshua's crossing](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan"), [Elijah's ascension](/2_kings/2 "2 Kings 2 - Elijah's Ascension")). The miracle occurring in this setting further emphasized God's sovereignty over nature and His presence in the daily lives of His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative culminating in [2 Kings 6:7](/2_kings/6-7 "2 Kings 6:7 - The Axe Head Retrieved") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Intervention and Provision**, demonstrating God's readiness to engage with and resolve even the seemingly mundane and minor difficulties faced by His servants, proving His meticulous care, as also seen in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). Secondly, it highlights the **Prophet's Role as God's Instrument**, with Elisha acting as a conduit for divine power, embodying God's compassion and practical help for the community of prophets, echoing the broader prophetic ministry's function in Israel's history (e.g., [Moses' leadership](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - Moses' Call")). Thirdly, the man's immediate response, "he put out his hand, and took it," exemplifies **Faith and Obedience**, underscoring that receiving God's blessing often requires a simple, trusting act of compliance with His revealed will. Finally, the incident emphasizes the **Value of the Seemingly Small**, teaching that no problem, however insignificant it may appear in the grand scheme, is beneath God's notice or beyond His power to restore.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Take [it] up" (Hebrew, _qach-lakh_):** This phrase, derived from the verb לָקַח (_laqach_), means "to take," "to seize," or "to receive." The addition of the dative suffix "-lakh" (to you/for yourself) makes it a direct, personal command from Elisha to the man. It signifies not merely a suggestion but an authoritative instruction, implying that the axe head is now readily available and that the man should actively appropriate the miraculous provision. It underscores the immediate and tangible nature of the restoration.
* **"took it" (Hebrew, _vayyiqqachehu_):** This is the Qal imperfect consecutive form of the same verb לָקַח (_laqach_), meaning "and he took it." The repetition of the root verb from Elisha's command to the man's action emphasizes the direct fulfillment and successful completion of the miracle. It highlights the man's prompt, unhesitating, and effective response, confirming that the miraculous event was real and its benefit fully realized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore said he, Take [it] up to thee."**: This clause presents Elisha's direct command, a pivotal moment following the miraculous floating of the axe head. The "Therefore" links directly to the preceding miracle, indicating that the axe head's supernatural appearance on the surface of the water necessitated this instruction. Elisha's words are not a question but an authoritative directive, demonstrating his confidence in God's power and the immediate availability of the restored tool. It's an invitation to receive the blessing that God has already provided.
* **"And he put out his hand, and took it."**: This clause describes the man's immediate, obedient, and successful response. The action of "putting out his hand" signifies a deliberate and active engagement with the miracle. It's a physical act of faith, reaching for the impossible made possible. "And took it" confirms the completion of the restoration, indicating that the man successfully retrieved his borrowed axe head. This simple, direct statement underscores the undeniable reality of the miracle and the man's prompt reception of its benefit, bringing the narrative to a swift and satisfying conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 6:1-7](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1-7 - The Floating Axe Head") culminating in verse 7 is a classic **Miracle Narrative**, characterized by its concise structure: a problem is introduced, divine intervention occurs through a prophet, and a miraculous resolution follows. The brevity and directness of the language in verse 7 contribute to its impact, emphasizing the immediate and undeniable nature of the miracle. The use of **Direct Discourse** ("Therefore said he, Take [it] up to thee") gives Elisha's command an authoritative and personal tone. There is subtle **Symbolism** at play: the axe head, a tool for livelihood, represents the daily needs and struggles of God's people, while its loss and miraculous recovery symbolize God's ability to restore what is lost, even in the mundane. The "stick" used by Elisha, an ordinary and seemingly inadequate object, serves as an instrument of extraordinary power, highlighting God's capacity to work through humble means. Furthermore, the event itself presents a **Reversal of Natural Law**, where heavy iron floats and light wood (implicitly, the stick that was thrown in) is used to achieve this, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miracle of the floating axe head, concluded in [2 Kings 6:7](/2_kings/6-7 "2 Kings 6:7 - The Axe Head Retrieved"), offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to the practical, even seemingly small, concerns of His servants. His power extends beyond the grand, cosmic events to the mundane details of daily life, demonstrating His meticulous care and abundant provision. This narrative underscores the principle that God's intervention is not limited by natural laws or human limitations; He is sovereign over all creation and can suspend or alter its workings for His purposes. Moreover, it highlights the importance of faith and obedience in receiving God's blessings, as the man's immediate action of reaching out was crucial to the miracle's completion. The story serves as a powerful reminder that God delights in demonstrating His presence and power to meet the needs of those who trust in Him, often through unexpected means.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the floating axe head in [2 Kings 6:7](/2_kings/6-7 "2 Kings 6:7 - The Axe Head Retrieved") offers immense encouragement for believers today. In a world often preoccupied with grand narratives, this account reminds us that God's loving attention extends to the seemingly insignificant details of our lives. Just as He cared about a borrowed axe head for a humble prophet, He cares about our daily struggles, our financial anxieties, our lost opportunities, and our sense of inadequacy. We are invited to bring every concern, no matter how small or mundane, to God in prayer, trusting in His boundless power and unwavering commitment to provide for His children. Furthermore, the man's immediate and unhesitating act of "putting out his hand, and took it" serves as a powerful call to active faith. When God reveals His will or provides an opportunity, our role is to respond with obedience and confidence, stepping out to receive what He has already made available. This narrative reinforces the truth that God's power is not constrained by our circumstances or by natural laws, and He delights in demonstrating His care for us in ways that often defy human logic, building our trust and deepening our reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lost axe heads" (seemingly small but significant problems) am I currently facing that I need to bring before God?**
* **How does this story challenge my perception of what God cares about or what is "too small" for His intervention?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to "put out my hand and take it," responding with faith and obedience to God's provision or direction?**
* **How can this narrative deepen my trust in God's ability to provide for my daily needs, even when circumstances seem impossible?**

### FAQ
**Was the axe head really valuable, or was it just the principle of it being borrowed?**

Answer: Both factors contributed to its significance. An iron axe head was indeed a valuable tool in ancient Israel, essential for felling trees, which was a primary method of construction and resource gathering. Its loss represented a tangible economic setback for the "son of the prophets," who likely had limited resources. More importantly, the fact that it was *borrowed* added a layer of moral and relational distress. In ancient cultures, borrowing and lending were acts of trust and community support. Losing a borrowed item was not just a financial burden but also an affront to integrity and a breach of trust with the lender. The man's cry, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed," highlights his deep concern for his reputation and his responsibility to his neighbor, making the miracle of its recovery a restoration of both property and personal honor. This emphasizes God's care for the practical well-being and moral integrity of His servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle of the floating axe head, culminating in the retrieval described in [2 Kings 6:7](/2_kings/6-7 "2 Kings 6:7 - The Axe Head Retrieved"), finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elisha's miracle restored a lost tool, Jesus came to restore humanity from the far greater loss of sin and spiritual death. The axe head, a symbol of livelihood and productivity, was rendered useless when it fell into the depths; similarly, humanity, created for fellowship with God and fruitful living, became spiritually "lost" and "useless" due to the fall. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, demonstrates His power over all creation, not merely by making iron float, but by conquering sin and death itself, raising the spiritually dead to new life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Just as Elisha used an ordinary stick to effect an extraordinary miracle, God used the seemingly humble and ignominious instrument of the cross to achieve the greatest act of redemption, lifting humanity from the depths of despair and restoring our relationship with Him ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Jesus' care for the "small" concerns of His disciples, as seen in this miracle, foreshadows His meticulous attention to every detail of our lives, even counting the hairs on our heads ([Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29-31 - God's Care for Sparrows")). Ultimately, He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), restoring not just a borrowed tool, but our very souls, providing eternal life and abundant provision for all who reach out in faith to "take" His offer of salvation ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")).

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 4:36

And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

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.

Exodus 4:4

And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

Luke 7:15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Acts 9:41

And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.