I love sharing Bible stories that might not be as well-known, but are still filled with amazing moments! Elisha and the Floating Axe Head is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7 and shows us how God cares about even the small problems in our lives.

God Hears My Prayers

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The Complete Illustrated Children's Bible (The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible Library)

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Let me take you on an adventure with the prophet Elisha and his followers. This story involves a borrowed axe, a building project, and a miracle that demonstrates God's power in unexpected ways!

Elisha and the Floating Axe Head

Chapter 1: The School of the Prophets

Elisha was a prophet of God who led a group of young prophets-in-training. These men were devoted to learning God's ways and serving Him faithfully. As their community grew, they faced a practical problem.

One day, the group came to Elisha with a concern: "Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us" (2 Kings 6:1). Their meeting place could no longer accommodate everyone who wanted to learn from Elisha, and they needed a solution.

These dedicated young prophets weren't looking for luxury – they just needed enough space to gather together and learn from their teacher. They had a practical suggestion for solving their problem.

Chapter 2: A Building Project Begins

The prophets approached Elisha with a plan: "Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet" (2 Kings 6:2).

Their idea was simple but practical. The Jordan River valley had plenty of trees they could use for building materials. Working together, they could construct a new meeting place that would accommodate their growing numbers.

Elisha agreed with their plan and gave his blessing. But the young prophets didn't want to proceed without their teacher. They respectfully asked, "Won't you please come with your servants?" (2 Kings 6:3). Elisha responded with a simple "I will" and joined them on their building project.

Chapter 3: The Borrowed Axe

The group traveled to the Jordan River and began their work. "They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees" (2 Kings 6:4). The air was filled with the sounds of axes striking wood as the prophets worked together on their new meeting place.

But suddenly, disaster struck! While one of the men was cutting down a tree, "as one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axehead fell into the water" (2 Kings 6:5). This wasn't just any axe – it was borrowed!

In those days, iron tools were valuable and not easy to replace. Losing someone else's property was a serious matter. The young prophet cried out to Elisha in distress: "Oh no, my lord! It was borrowed!" (2 Kings 6:5). He felt responsible for returning what wasn't his, but now it was lost in the murky waters of the Jordan River.

Chapter 4: The Miracle at the Jordan

Elisha responded calmly to the man's distress. He asked a simple question: "Where did it fall?" (2 Kings 6:6). The worried prophet showed him the spot where the axe head had disappeared beneath the water's surface.

What Elisha did next was extraordinary! "Then he cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float" (2 Kings 6:6). The heavy iron axe head, which should have remained at the bottom of the river, miraculously rose to the surface of the water!

Elisha then said to the young man, "Pick it up" (2 Kings 6:7). The prophet reached out and retrieved the floating axe head. The borrowed tool was recovered, and the man's worry was relieved. What seemed impossible had happened right before their eyes!

The Bible simply states, "So he picked it up" (2 Kings 6:7). The problem was solved, and we can imagine the group returning to their work with renewed faith in God's provision and care.

What Can We Learn From Elisha and the Floating Axe Head?

1. God cares about our everyday problems - Even something as seemingly small as a lost tool mattered to God. He is concerned with all aspects of our lives.
2. We should be responsible with what we borrow - The young prophet was distressed because the axe was borrowed. He understood the importance of caring for others' property.
3. God can do impossible things - Iron sinking in water is a law of nature, but God showed His power by making the axe head float.
4. God works through His servants - God used Elisha to perform this miracle, showing how He works through people to accomplish His purposes.
5. God's power is displayed in practical ways - This miracle wasn't flashy or public, but it met a real need and showed God's care for everyday situations.

Trivia Quiz About Elisha and the Floating Axe Head

Where were the prophets planning to build their new meeting place?

Near the Jordan River, where there were trees for building materials.

Why was the young prophet so upset about losing the axe head?

Because it was borrowed, and he felt responsible for returning it to its owner.

What did Elisha throw into the water to make the axe head float?

A stick (or piece of wood).

Who was Elisha's mentor before he became the main prophet?

Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.

What river were they working near when this miracle happened?

The Jordan River.

If you enjoyed the story of Elisha and the Floating Axe Head, you might also like to hear about "Elisha and Naaman's Healing"! It's another wonderful story about how God used Elisha to perform an amazing miracle for someone who needed help.