2 Kings 6:1-23
The Axhead floats (6:1-7)
Things were going well enough for the prophets to necessitate a move into a bigger facility, but in the process of building it, one man had his axhead fly off and into the Jordan river. While this story may simply be told to provide another example of Elisha's ability to perform a miracle, some take a spiritual message away from the story. The lost axhead could represent 'losing one's cutting edge' so to speak. The story, then, is about a man who, amidst God's work, has become ineffective in his spiritual walk. What steps does he take to regain his cutting edge?
1. He admits his problem (5)
2. He seeks help from godly men (5)
3. He points out where things went wrong (6)
4. He was willing to give up something of lesser value when necessary (6)
5. He was obedient to godly direction (7)
The Blind Arameans
* There seems to be a chronological gap of some degree b/w chapters 5 & 6 since it is unlikely the Arameans would go to war with Israel directly after the events of chapter 5. In this section, we learn some principles regarding battle:
1. True homeland security comes from godly men
Elisha was much more effective than having secret agents. God revealed to him the plans of the Arameans and Elisha would warn the king of potential dangers. In the 1st 3 centuries of church history, Christians didn't join the military, but prayed for political leaders. This same time was nearly unmatched in terms of peace. Godly people are a nations best defense and homeland security.
2. Peace comes through Strength
Elisha didn't tell his servant to 'not be afraid' for no reason. He told him to be at peace because the more qualified and numerous army was actually on the side of Israel. It was Elisha's servant, first, that was blinded to reality. Peace came through knowing the strength of God's army. Peace came through the ability to blind the enemy by God's power. Peace wasn't naive. War was avoided because of the power of God, not the peace of God.
3. Love your enemies
Perhaps moreso than any other Old Testament character or passage, Elisha in this chapter demonstrates a Christlike attitude in terms of loving one's enemies. Though he could have easily commanded the death of his enemies, Elisha, instead, commanded that they be well fed and sent home. And by his love, the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory.
Things were going well enough for the prophets to necessitate a move into a bigger facility, but in the process of building it, one man had his axhead fly off and into the Jordan river. While this story may simply be told to provide another example of Elisha's ability to perform a miracle, some take a spiritual message away from the story. The lost axhead could represent 'losing one's cutting edge' so to speak. The story, then, is about a man who, amidst God's work, has become ineffective in his spiritual walk. What steps does he take to regain his cutting edge?
1. He admits his problem (5)
2. He seeks help from godly men (5)
3. He points out where things went wrong (6)
4. He was willing to give up something of lesser value when necessary (6)
5. He was obedient to godly direction (7)
The Blind Arameans
* There seems to be a chronological gap of some degree b/w chapters 5 & 6 since it is unlikely the Arameans would go to war with Israel directly after the events of chapter 5. In this section, we learn some principles regarding battle:
1. True homeland security comes from godly men
Elisha was much more effective than having secret agents. God revealed to him the plans of the Arameans and Elisha would warn the king of potential dangers. In the 1st 3 centuries of church history, Christians didn't join the military, but prayed for political leaders. This same time was nearly unmatched in terms of peace. Godly people are a nations best defense and homeland security.
2. Peace comes through Strength
Elisha didn't tell his servant to 'not be afraid' for no reason. He told him to be at peace because the more qualified and numerous army was actually on the side of Israel. It was Elisha's servant, first, that was blinded to reality. Peace came through knowing the strength of God's army. Peace came through the ability to blind the enemy by God's power. Peace wasn't naive. War was avoided because of the power of God, not the peace of God.
3. Love your enemies
Perhaps moreso than any other Old Testament character or passage, Elisha in this chapter demonstrates a Christlike attitude in terms of loving one's enemies. Though he could have easily commanded the death of his enemies, Elisha, instead, commanded that they be well fed and sent home. And by his love, the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory.
posted by matthew at 1:49 PM
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