2 Kings 6: The Floating Ax head

Introduction: In 2 Kings 6, we witness a series of miraculous events: the floating ax head, the blinded Arameans, and the feast in the midst of famine. These miracles not only highlight God’s power but also illustrate His care for His people in both minor and major crises. They prompt us to consider God’s lavish grace, His strategic intervention, and His power to turn adversity into favor. The biblical narrative underscores God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and His merciful sovereignty.

I. The Miracle of the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)

This passage narrates how Elisha made the iron ax head float, a miracle that parallels Moses’ staff turning into a snake (Exodus 4:2-4), and Jesus’ miracle of walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). This event signifies God’s concern for the seemingly minor predicaments in our lives (Matthew 10:30). The divine intervention also points to God’s power over the elements of nature, an attribute echoed in Colossians 1:16-17, showcasing that all things are subject to His authority.  

II. The Miracle of the Blinded Arameans (2 Kings 6:8-23)

Elisha prays for his servant’s eyes to be opened to see the heavenly host surrounding them (2 Kings 6:17). This echoes the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:18 and Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18-19. The blinding and subsequent healing of the Arameans reiterates God’s power to either harden or illuminate hearts (Romans 9:18). The way Elisha leads the blind army into Samaria reflects Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). The feast prepared for the enemies (2 Kings 6:23) reflects the abundant grace God offers even to His foes, as prophesied in Isaiah 55:1-2, and manifested in the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24).

III. The Miracle of The Feast in the Midst of Famine (2 Kings 6:24-33, 7:1-20)

The miraculous provision of food during the severe famine is a testament to God’s providence, reminiscent of the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-15), and the multiplication of loaves and fish by Jesus (Matthew 14:13-21). The skeptical officer’s fate (2 Kings 7:2, 7:19-20) illustrates the repercussions of unbelief, as warned in Hebrews 3:12 and 4:11. The lepers’ discovery and declaration of the deserted Aramean camp (2 Kings 7:3-11) prefigure the essential role of the marginalized in proclaiming God’s intervention, as seen in the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8-20).

Conclusion: The divinely orchestrated events in 2 Kings 6 unveil an array of miracles that demonstrate God’s supremacy, His intimate involvement in human affairs, and His mercy. We see a God who restores lost property, opens spiritual eyes, and feeds a starving city. These miracles reiterate God’s unfailing commitment to His people and His absolute power over natural and supernatural forces. These accounts offer enduring inspiration for believers, beckoning us to trust in a God who is not indifferent to our trials, but actively involved in delivering us from them.  

You might be interested in exploring more about the miracles depicted in 2 Kings 6. Speaking of “floating ax head,” you might be interested in the prophet Elisha who performed this extraordinary feat. Additionally, the blinding and subsequent healing of the Arameans can be further understood by reading about the apostle Paul’s teaching on God’s power to illuminate hearts.