Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: 2 Kings 6:1-7Context and Setting: The account of the man who lost the axe head is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings. This narrative occurs during the ministry of the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as the leading prophet in Israel. Elisha's ministry was marked by numerous miracles and acts of divine intervention, demonstrating God's power and presence among His people. Narrative Summary: The account unfolds as the sons of the prophets, a group of prophetic disciples, express to Elisha that the place where they are dwelling has become too small for them. They propose to go to the Jordan River to cut down trees and build a larger place to live. Elisha consents to their plan and even agrees to accompany them. As they are cutting down trees by the Jordan, one of the men loses the iron axe head he was using, which falls into the water. In distress, he cries out to Elisha, "Oh, my master, it was borrowed!" (2 Kings 6:5). The loss of the axe head is significant not only because it was borrowed, but also because iron tools were valuable and not easily replaced during that time. Elisha responds to the man's plea by asking where the axe head fell. Upon being shown the place, Elisha cuts a stick and throws it into the water at that spot. Miraculously, the iron axe head floats to the surface. Elisha instructs the man to "Lift it out," and the man retrieves the axe head from the water (2 Kings 6:7). Theological Significance: This miracle, though seemingly minor compared to other biblical events, underscores several key theological themes. First, it highlights God's concern for the everyday needs and problems of His people. The recovery of the axe head demonstrates that no issue is too small for God's attention and intervention. Second, the narrative illustrates the importance of stewardship and responsibility. The man's distress over losing a borrowed item reflects a conscientious attitude towards the property of others, aligning with biblical principles of honesty and integrity. Third, the miracle serves as a testament to Elisha's role as a prophet through whom God works wonders. It reinforces the authority and divine backing of Elisha's ministry, encouraging faith and trust in God's chosen servants. Symbolism and Interpretation: The floating axe head can be seen as a symbol of restoration and redemption. Just as the axe head was retrieved from the depths of the water, God is able to restore and redeem what is lost or broken in the lives of His people. This miracle foreshadows the greater acts of redemption found throughout Scripture, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Practical Application: Believers are reminded through this account to bring their concerns, no matter how small, to God in prayer. It encourages faith in God's ability to provide solutions and meet needs in unexpected ways. Additionally, it calls Christians to be mindful stewards of what is entrusted to them, reflecting God's character in their dealings with others. Historical and Cultural Insights: In ancient Israel, iron was a valuable commodity, and tools made from iron were not as common as those made from other materials. The loss of an iron axe head would have been a significant setback, especially for a community of prophets who likely had limited resources. This context adds depth to the man's distress and the relief brought by the miracle. Cross-References: · Exodus 22:14 (regarding the responsibility for borrowed items) · Matthew 17:24-27 (another example of God's provision for a seemingly small need) The account of the man who lost the axe head is a testament to God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, His power to perform miracles, and His call for His followers to live with integrity and faith. Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |