Question 1

What is the meaning of the floating axe head in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The floating axe head shows that God cares about everyday problems, not just big national issues. One of the young prophets lost a borrowed iron axe head in the river and was very upset because he could not afford to replace it. Elisha asked where it fell, threw in a stick, and God made the iron rise so it could be taken back. This scene shows God’s power over nature, but also His kindness in helping a poor student who wanted to work and serve. It reminds us that no concern is too small to bring to God.

Question 2

Why did Elisha tell his servant, “they that be with us are more”?

Accepted Answer

Elisha’s servant woke up, saw the city surrounded by Syrian horses and chariots, and panicked. Elisha answered, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” He then prayed that the servant’s eyes would be opened. God let the servant see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. The point is that God’s unseen help is greater than any visible threat. Faith trusts that God is at work and protecting His people even when we only see danger and feel outnumbered.

Question 3

What does the chariots of fire around Elisha teach about God’s protection?

Accepted Answer

When God opened the servant’s eyes, he saw a heavenly army—horses and chariots of fire—surrounding Elisha. This picture shows that God can place His own protection around His people, even when enemies seem to have them trapped. The Syrians thought they had Elisha, but they were the ones who were really at a disadvantage. This teaches that God’s care is real, even if hidden from ordinary sight. It encourages believers to remember that spiritual help and protection are present, even when life feels surrounded by trouble.

Question 4

Why did Elisha ask God to blind the Syrian army and then feed them?

Accepted Answer

Elisha prayed for the Syrians to be struck with blindness so their attack would fail. God answered, and Elisha led them, confused, straight into Samaria. When the king of Israel wanted to kill them, Elisha refused. He told the king to feed them and send them home, the way you would treat guests, not captives taken by sword and bow. This act of mercy turned enemies into people who left in peace. It shows that God can defeat enemies without slaughter, and that kindness and restraint can stop raids more effectively than revenge.

Question 5

What does this passage show about how to treat enemies?

Accepted Answer

In this chapter, Israel’s king is eager to strike the captured Syrians, but Elisha stops him. He reminds the king that even in war, there are limits, and that these men should not be killed. Instead, he tells him to give them food and water and send them back to their master. The king prepares a great meal, and the raiding bands stop coming. This shows that God’s people are called not only to be protected by God, but also to reflect His mercy. Showing kindness to enemies can bring real peace where violence only keeps the conflict going.

Question 6

Why was there such a terrible famine in Samaria during the siege?

Accepted Answer

Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, gathered his whole army and surrounded Samaria so nothing could go in or out. Over time, food ran out and prices became extreme. People were so desperate that they bought things normally never eaten, and one woman even told the king about a horrible case of cannibalism. This famine shows how serious a siege was in those days. It also reflects how far the nation had fallen, facing judgment and misery. The king’s torn clothes and hidden sackcloth show he knew things were wrong, yet he still lashed out at God’s prophet.

Question 7

Why did the king of Israel blame Elisha for the evil in the city?

Accepted Answer

When the king heard the woman’s story about eating her own child, he was overwhelmed with grief and anger. He tore his clothes, and people saw he had sackcloth underneath, a sign of distress. Instead of humbling himself before God, he swore to take Elisha’s head that day, as if Elisha were the cause of the suffering. Later he said, “Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?” The king knew God was involved, but his impatience and unbelief made him turn on God’s servant instead of turning to God for mercy.

Question 8

Who are the sons of the prophets, and why were they cutting wood?

Accepted Answer

The sons of the prophets were groups of young men being trained in God’s ways under leaders like Elisha. At the start of the passage, they tell Elisha that the place where they live with him is too small because their number has grown. They ask permission to go to the Jordan and cut beams to build a larger dwelling. This shows they were poor but eager to work, not afraid of manual labor. Each man would cut his own beam. Their concern for a borrowed axe head also shows they took responsibility seriously, even when they had very little.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s knowledge of hidden things?

Accepted Answer

The king of Syria is puzzled that his plans keep failing. He thinks there must be a traitor among his servants. They tell him that Elisha in Israel tells the king of Israel the very words the Syrian king speaks in his bedroom. This shows that nothing is hidden from God. Secret plans, quiet words, and private plots are all known to Him. God uses this knowledge to protect His people by warning Israel through Elisha. It reminds us that God sees what others do not, both the threats against us and our own hearts, and that His care is active, not distant.

2 Kings 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.

The Axe Head Floats

Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans

The Siege and Famine of Samaria

The Axe Head Floats

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2 Kings 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.

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The Axe Head Floats

Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans

The Siege and Famine of Samaria

The Axe Head Floats

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