2 Kings 6:6

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.

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}.

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.

“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.

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

The account in 2 Kings 6:6 describes a simple yet profound miracle performed by the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's sovereign power over the natural order and His care for His servants.

Context

This verse is part of a narrative involving the "sons of the prophets," a group of disciples who studied under Elisha. As their community grew, they decided to expand their dwelling near the Jordan River. During this work, a borrowed axe head—a valuable tool—fell into the water. This incident, seemingly minor, caused distress to the young prophet who lost it, highlighting their reliance on such tools and their respect for borrowed property. The immediate preceding verses set the scene for this event, showing the practical needs of this prophetic community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power Over Nature: The central theme is God's ability to suspend or reverse natural laws. Iron, by its nature, sinks in water, but here it floats, illustrating that God's power is limitless and not bound by human understanding or physical properties. This miracle serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, much like other biblical accounts of divine control over creation.
  • God's Care for Small Matters: This incident might seem trivial compared to other grand miracles, but it underscores that God cares even about the seemingly insignificant troubles of His people. He is attentive to their daily needs and anxieties, providing for them in unexpected ways.
  • Elisha's Prophetic Ministry: Elisha, as "the man of God," acts as an instrument through whom divine power flows. His ministry was marked by practical miracles that addressed the immediate needs of the people, reinforcing his role as God's chosen representative.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the iron did swim" is a direct translation of the Hebrew original, vayyatsef habbarzel (וַיָּצֶף הַבַּרְזֶל). The verb yatsef means "to float" or "to surface." The simple, declarative nature of the statement emphasizes the immediate and undeniable miraculous reversal of the axe head's natural tendency to sink. There is no elaborate ritual or incantation; Elisha simply casts a stick into the water, and the iron surfaces, highlighting the direct and unmediated nature of God's power through His prophet.

Practical Application and Reflection

2 Kings 6:6 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Cares About Your "Axe Heads": Just as God intervened for the young prophet, He is concerned with our everyday challenges, even those that seem small or mundane to us. We can bring all our worries, big or small, to Him in prayer, trusting in His provision. This aligns with the New Testament teaching to cast all our anxiety on Him.
  • Limitless Power: This miracle reminds us that God's power is not constrained by natural laws or human limitations. When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we are called to remember that with God, all things are possible.
  • Faith and Action: Elisha didn't just tell the man to find it; he acted. While God's power is ultimate, often our faith is demonstrated through simple, obedient actions, even when the outcome seems illogical from a human perspective.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 2:21 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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