Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 6

THE HISTORY OF ELISHA’S MIGHTY WORKS CONTINUED.

The prophet causes an iron ax-head to float in the Jordan.

And the sons of the prophets said. — The form of the verb implies connection with the preceding narrative; but as the section refers to Elisha’s activity among the sons of the prophets, it was probably connected originally with 2 Kings 4:44. The compiler may have transferred it to its present position in order, as Thenius suggests, to indicate the lapse of some time between the events described here and there; and further, to separate the account of the renewed warfare between Syria and Israel (2 Kings 6:8 and following) from that of Elisha’s good deed to Naaman the Syrian.

The place where we dwell with thee. — Rather, the place where we sit before thee: namely, habitually, for instruction. The phrase occurred in 2 Kings 4:38.

The common hall is meant; whether that at Gilgal or at Jericho is uncertain. Jericho was close to the Jordan (2 Kings 6:2), but that does not prove that it is meant here.

The prophet’s disciples did not live in a single building, like a community of monks. Their settlement is called “dwellings” (nâyôth) in the plural (1 Samuel 19:18), and they could be married (2 Kings 4:1).

Too strait. — Their numbers had increased. (Compare 2 Kings 4:43.)

Take thence every man a beam. —The Jordan valley was well wooded. Its present bed is still “overarched by oleanders, acacias, thorns, and similar shrubbery.” If all were to take part in felling the trees, the work would soon be done.

Where we may dwell. —Literally, to sit (or, dwell) there. The reference seems still to be to sitting in the hall of instruction.

1. One. — Hebrew, the one, whoever it was.

2. Be content. — Consent, or, be willing.

3. Go with your servants. — To superintend their work, and help them in case of unforeseen difficulty.

Wood. —Hebrew, the timber: namely, which they required.

But. —In Hebrew, and it came to pass, the one was felling the beam. Not necessarily “the one” of 2 Kings 6:3, but the one (whoever it was) to whom the mishap occurred, as will be related.

The ax head fell. —In Hebrew, and as for the iron, it fell. The subject of the verb is made prominent by being put first in the accusative. It is thus implied that something happened to the iron. Perhaps, however, it is better to consider that the particle, which usually marks the object of the verb, in cases like the present has its etymological meaning of “something” (’eth being regarded as equivalent to yath, and so to yçsh). (See Winer, Chaldäische Grammatik, ed. Fischer.)

Master! —My lord, Elisha. He instinctively appeals to Elisha for help.

For it was borrowed. —In Hebrew, and that one was borrowed. Vulgate, et hoc ipsum mutuo acceperam.