2 Kings 6:1-7

2 Kings 6:1-7

When Life Flies Off the Handle

Introduction

The Project (1-4)

“a common place of meeting” (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 234). Logos Research Systems, Inc.)

Jordan was a wooded bank area with plenty of trees!

The project was a joint effort of all the students of Elisha. (take note of how the author uses “we” & “us”)

The Crisis (5)

The ax-head was disconnected from its handle. Disconnects can cause a crisis.

The impeding of progress (ref. 2 Kings 6:1-2)

The embarrassment of not doing his part in the project.

The inability to pay for another ax-head due to the student’s financial condition.

“it was borrowed—literally, “begged.” The prophet’s distress arose from the consideration that it had been presented to him; and that, owing to his poverty, he could not procure another.” (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 234). Logos Research Systems, Inc.)

“Problem - This prophet bemoans the accident since “iron was expensive in Bible times, and the student-prophet was very poor.” (House, P. R. (1995). 1, 2 Kings (Vol. 8, p. 275). Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

The Resolution (5b-7)

Call for help.

Call for the right help

They needed a MIRACLE!

Extraordinary events that manifest divine power, that are wonders to human understanding, and therefore what human beings perceive as signs from God.

A divine act by which God reveals himself to people. The classical definition of miracle assumes that it is contrary to natural law, but this is a misnomer... many of the miracles of the Bible used nature rather than bypassed it.

(v.7) “he…took it” – The man must have been tremendously impressed with what he saw, but the ax head could be of no use to him until he actually reached out and took it.

Conclusion

This story demonstrates God's power, God's provision, and God's care for those who serve Him.

Take note of the “stick/Branch/wood”