The Miracle of the Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)
The sons of the prophets faced a practical problem when a borrowed axe head fell into the water. Elisha's intervention, causing the iron to float, demonstrates God's concern for our everyday needs and His power over natural laws.
This miracle underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as the prophets sought Elisha's help and followed his instructions.

Elisha and the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:8-23)
Elisha's ability to warn the king of Israel about the Aramean king's plans reveals God's omniscience and His protection over His people.
The story of the Aramean army being struck with blindness and led to Samaria illustrates God's ability to protect and deliver His people in unexpected ways.
Elisha's response to the captured Arameans, feeding them instead of killing them, teaches us about mercy and the power of overcoming evil with good.

The Siege of Samaria and the Famine (2 Kings 6:24-33)
The severe famine in Samaria during the Aramean siege highlights the dire consequences of sin and disobedience.
The king's reaction, blaming Elisha, reflects a common human tendency to misplace blame in times of crisis.
Elisha's prophecy of deliverance, despite the king's skepticism, reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting His promises.Trust in God's Provision
Just as God provided a solution for the lost axe head, we can trust Him to meet our needs, no matter how small or large.

Spiritual Vision
Pray for God to open your eyes to see His presence and protection in your life, especially when you feel surrounded by difficulties.

Respond with Mercy
Follow Elisha's example by showing kindness and mercy to those who oppose you, reflecting God's love and grace.

Hold Fast to God's Promises
In times of crisis, cling to God's promises and trust in His deliverance, even when circumstances seem impossible.1. Elisha
Elisha is the primary prophet in this chapter. He is a man of God who performs miracles, such as making an iron axe head float (2 Kings 6:6) and revealing the plans of the king of Aram to the king of Israel (2 Kings 6:12). The Hebrew root for his name, אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), means "God is salvation."

2. The Sons of the Prophets
These are a group of prophets or prophetic disciples who are associated with Elisha. They express the need for a larger dwelling place and witness the miracle of the floating axe head (2 Kings 6:1-7).

3. The King of Aram
The king of Aram is an adversary of Israel who plans to attack Israel but is repeatedly thwarted by Elisha's prophetic insights (2 Kings 6:8-12). The Arameans were a Semitic people, and the term "Aram" is derived from the Hebrew root אֲרָם (Aram).

4. The King of Israel
The king of Israel during this time is not named in the chapter, but he is the recipient of Elisha's warnings about the Aramean plans (2 Kings 6:9-12). He also seeks Elisha's counsel during the siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:21-23).

5. The Servant of Elisha
This servant is with Elisha when the Aramean army surrounds the city. Elisha prays for his eyes to be opened so he can see the heavenly army protecting them (2 Kings 6:15-17).

6. The Aramean Army
This group is sent by the king of Aram to capture Elisha. They are struck with blindness at Elisha's prayer and are led to Samaria (2 Kings 6:14-20).

7. The Officer on Whose Arm the King Leaned
This officer is skeptical of Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine and is trampled to death when the prophecy is fulfilled (2 Kings 6:32-33; 7:2, 17-20).1. Jordan
The Jordan River is mentioned in the context of the sons of the prophets suggesting to Elisha that they go to the Jordan to build a place to live (2 Kings 6:2). The Hebrew word for Jordan is "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden), which means "descender," reflecting the river's flow from the highlands to the Dead Sea.

2. Dothan
Dothan is where Elisha was staying when the king of Aram sent horses and chariots to capture him (2 Kings 6:13). The Hebrew name "דֹּתָן" (Dothan) is thought to mean "two wells," indicating a place with water resources.

3. Samaria
Samaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the Aramean army was led by God after being struck with blindness (2 Kings 6:19-20). The Hebrew name "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron) is derived from "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning "to watch" or "to guard," reflecting its strategic location.1. The Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)
The sons of the prophets express the need for a larger place to dwell. As they cut down trees by the Jordan, an axe head falls into the water. Elisha throws a stick into the water, and the iron axe head floats. This miracle demonstrates God's provision and care for His servants.

2. Elisha and the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:8-14)
The king of Aram is at war with Israel and plans to ambush them. However, Elisha warns the king of Israel about the ambushes, thwarting the Aramean plans. The king of Aram sends a great army to capture Elisha in Dothan.

3. Elisha's Servant Sees the Heavenly Army (2 Kings 6:15-17)
Elisha's servant is fearful when he sees the Aramean army surrounding the city. Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, symbolizing God's protection.

4. Blinding the Arameans (2 Kings 6:18-20)
Elisha prays to the LORD to strike the Aramean army with blindness. He then leads them to Samaria, where their sight is restored. This event highlights God's power to protect and deliver His people.

5. Feeding the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:21-23)
The king of Israel asks Elisha if he should kill the captured Arameans. Elisha instructs him to feed them instead. After being fed, the Arameans return to their master, and the Aramean raids cease, demonstrating mercy and the power of kindness.

6. The Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-29)
Ben-hadad, king of Aram, besieges Samaria, causing a severe famine. The situation becomes dire, with people resorting to cannibalism. This event underscores the desperation and suffering during the siege.

7. The King's Despair and Elisha's Prophecy (2 Kings 6:30-33)
The king of Israel blames Elisha for the calamity and seeks to kill him. Elisha prophesies that the LORD will provide relief the next day, promising that food will be plentiful and affordable, showcasing God's sovereignty and the hope of deliverance.Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This verse reinforces God's provision for our needs.

Ephesians 1:18
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. This prayer for spiritual insight parallels Elisha's prayer for his servant.

Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This passage echoes Elisha's merciful treatment of the Arameans.Pray for faith to trust in God's provision and intervention in your daily life.
Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see His presence and protection around you.
Seek God's strength to respond with mercy and kindness to those who oppose or challenge you.
Pray for the courage to hold onto God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

1. How does the miracle of the floating axe head demonstrate God's care for even the small problems in our lives?

2. What does the repeated thwarting of the Aramean king's plans tell us about God's omniscience?

3. How can Elisha's response to the Aramean army serve as a model for how we should treat our enemies today?

4. In the story of the siege of Samaria, how does the king of Israel's response to crisis contrast with Elisha's faith in God?

5. How does Elisha's faith inspire you to trust God in your personal circumstances?

6. What can we learn from the heavenly vision of chariots and horses given to Elisha's servant?

7. How can Elisha's insights into the plans of the enemy be translated into spiritual warfare today?

8. How does the incident with the Aramean army illustrate the concept of "loving your enemy"?

9. How does the story of Elisha help us understand the role of prophets in the Old Testament and how does it relate to the concept of prophecy today?

10. How might we open our spiritual eyes to see God's divine protection in our lives?

11. How can we respond in faith, like Elisha, when faced with personal threats or challenges?

12. How does the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms in this chapter influence your understanding of spiritual warfare?

13. How does God's intervention in the battle strategies of Israel encourage you to seek His guidance in your decisions?

14. How can you apply Elisha's trust in God's provision to your life today, especially in times of scarcity?

15. What does the narrative of the siege of Samaria teach us about blame and responsibility in times of crisis?

16. How can we discern God's voice and guidance in the midst of conflict, as Elisha did?

17. How does Elisha’s prophecy about the end of the famine in Samaria demonstrate God’s control over circumstances?

18. How does the chapter inform your understanding of God's sovereignty in political and military matters?

19. How might we cultivate an attitude of mercy and kindness towards our adversaries, as modeled by Elisha?

20. How does Elisha’s faith and reliance on God’s power challenge your own faith journey?