FocusThe prophetic word continues
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms.
interpretation 2 Kings 6:1
KJVAnd the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
Read it in context
The Axe Head Floats
Start reading at 2 Kings 6:1 (2 Kings 6:1 to 2 Kings 6:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms.
- 6:1 And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
- 6:2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
- 6:3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
- 6:4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
- 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
- 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.
- 6:7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution to Kings. The completed work incorporates records of Israel and Judah and events during exile; its final compiler is uncertain. Biblical references: 2 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 25:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Kings 6:1–7:20): Elisha, the prophetic community, Israel's king, Syrian forces, and the besieged people of Samaria are involved in the successive conflict and deliverance scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelite and Judean community in and after the exile, reflecting on why both kingdoms fell and what remained of the Davidic line. Biblical references: 2 Kings 17:7; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Axe Head Floats. Read 2 Kings 6:1 through 2 Kings 6:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book continues the divided-kingdom histories through Assyria's conquest of Israel and Babylon's conquest of Judah, ending with a notice concerning Jehoiachin. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Israel and Judah, including Samaria and Jerusalem, and ends with exile in Babylon. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Axe Head Floats (2 Kings 6:1 to 2 Kings 6:7). Start reading at 2 Kings 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus cites the cleansing of Naaman in His discourse at Nazareth. This supplies a specific connection to the book's prophetic narratives and challenges assumptions about privilege. See 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hear warnings before repeated refusal hardens into habit. Reform, repentance, and faithfulness should be assessed from the narrated response to God's word, not merely a ruler's reputation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:7, 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Jeremiah (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It cites older court records as sources.
2 Kings 1:182 Kings 15:11
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Jeremiah.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The closing events occur during the exile.
Related passages
- the sons 2 Kgs 2:3 2 Kgs 4:1 1 Kgs 20:35
- the place 2 Kgs 4:38 1 Sam 19:20
- too strait for us Josh 17:14 Josh 19:47 Job 36:16 Isa 49:19-20 Isa 54:2-3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings 6
Second Kings continues the histories of Israel and Judah through conquest and exile. Its account connects the kingdoms' destruction with persistent covenant unfaithfulness, while ending with a limited sign of favor toward Jehoiachin. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
2 Kings 6:8–23FocusThe prophetic word continues
Connection to the wholeThe transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms.
interpretation The Siege and Famine of Samaria
2 Kings 6:24–33FocusThe prophetic word continues
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
Second Kings continues the histories of Israel and Judah through conquest and exile. Its account connects the kingdoms' destruction with persistent covenant unfaithfulness, while ending with a limited sign of favor toward Jehoiachin.
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
FocusThe prophetic word continues
Connection to the wholeThe transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms.
interpretation The kingdoms and Israel's fall
2 Kings 8:16–17:41FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Connection to the wholeThe accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster.
interpretation Judah before its fall
2 Kings 18:1–23:30FocusHezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah
Connection to the wholeThe reigns contrast trust, grave unfaithfulness, and reform while the announced judgment on Judah remains in view.
interpretation Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled
2 Kings 23:31–25:30FocusDestruction and a final note of favor
Connection to the wholeBabylon's conquest ends the kingdom's rule in Jerusalem; the closing notice concerning Jehoiachin leaves the reader beyond the destruction itself.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.