The Man Who Lost the Axe Head
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Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Reference: 2 Kings 6:1-7

Context 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

Man Hair

Man is of the Earth Earthy

Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood

Man of Sin

Man of War

Man Shall not Lay With Man

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: Approved of by God

Man: Banished from Paradise

Man: Blessed by God

Man: Born in Sin

Man: Born to Trouble

Man: Called: A Worm

Man: Called: Flesh

Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth

Man: Called: Vain Man

Man: Cannot be Just With God

Man: Cannot Cleanse Himself

Man: Cannot Direct his Ways

Man: Cannot Profit God

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: Knew What Was In

Man: Christ: Made in the Image of

Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of

Man: Clothed by God With Skins

Man: Compared to a Sleep

Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt

Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand

Man: Compared to Grass

Man: Compared to Vanity

Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves

Man: Created

Man: Created by Christ

Man: Created by God

Man: Created by the Holy Spirit

Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred)

Man: Created in the Image of God

Man: Created in Uprightness

Man: Created: A Living Soul

Man: Created: A Type of Christ

Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity

Man: Created: After the Likeness of God

Man: Created: from the Dust

Man: Created: Male and Female

Man: Created: On the Sixth Day

Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience

Man: Created: Upon the Earth

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: Dominion of

Man: Equality of

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: Enables to Speak

Man: God: Instructs

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: Preserves

Man: God: Provides For

Man: God: Turns to Destruction

Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making

Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth

Man: Has But Few Days

Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions

Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him

Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him

Man: Inferior to Angels

Man: Insignificance of

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 for God

Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty

Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures

Man: Mortal

Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures

Man: No Trust to be Placed In

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 a Body

Man: Possessed of a Soul

Man: Possessed of a Spirit

Man: Possessed of Affections

Man: Possessed of Conscience

Man: Possessed of Memory

Man: Possessed of Understanding

Man: Possessed of Will

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: Spirit

Man: The Help of, Vain

Man: The Whole Duty of

Man: Unworthy of God's Favour

Man: Walks in a Vain Show

Man: Wiser than Other Creatures

Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For

Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life

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Manage (6 Occurrences)

Niger (1 Occurrence)

Lucius (2 Occurrences)

Foster (2 Occurrences)

Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)

Assembly (371 Occurrences)

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)

Bishop (4 Occurrences)

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)

Teachers (87 Occurrences)

Simeon (48 Occurrences)

Antioch (21 Occurrences)

Brother (402 Occurrences)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Saul (371 Occurrences)

Prophets (270 Occurrences)

Herod (45 Occurrences)

The Man Who Looks Intently into the Perfect Law
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