“But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.”
(2 Kings 6:5-6)
This passage relays a story about a young apprentice of the prophet Elisha that illustrates how God often displays His power and kindness in the smallest and most unlikely of circumstances. A borrowed axe head accidentally falls into the water while being used by the young boy… a small loss by worldly standards but a serious matter to the one who was responsible. Of course, iron sinks. And once under water it is beyond reach. Yet in this moment of helplessness God intervenes, causing the axe head to surface so it could be retrieved.
This miracle teaches us that nothing is too small for God’s care and nothing too difficult for His power. The concern of the servant was real, for this event involved responsibility, loss, and potential shame. Some would consider that a minor incident, but God did not overlook it. The iron rose against its nature because God commanded it.[1]
This axe head is analogous to the condition of the soul by nature—heavy with sin, prone to sink, unable to rescue itself. Left to ourselves, we can only descend further into guilt and ruin. No human strength, no effort, no wisdom can lift us from this state. But what is impossible with man is possible with God. As the stick was cast into the water and the iron rose, so Christ was sent into the depths of our misery to raise sinners with Him.
Christ entered into suffering, death, and the curse that belonged to His people. Yet, unlike fallen man, He could not be held by it. He rose again, and in His rising, He brings His people with Him. Those who are united to Him are raised to new life. What a cause for thankfulness—that God has done for sinners what we could never do for ourselves.
The miracle also teaches us to trust God in every circumstance. The axe head was recovered only through divine intervention. The servant cried out, and God answered. We are often brought into situations where our strength fails, our resources are insufficient, and our wisdom cannot resolve the matter. In such moments, God wants us to look to Him, to call out to Him for rescue.
The same God who made the iron to swim is able to provide in unexpected ways, to deliver from pressing troubles, and to accomplish what seems impossible. His people are not left to chance or to their own ability. They are under the care of a God who does wonders.
We can therefore give thanks not only for salvation, but for daily providence, for unexpected help, and for the many ways God sustains and delivers. There is no situation beyond His reach, no burden too heavy for His hand, and no need too small for His attention.
So when faced with difficulty, let us remember that God lives, that He sees, and that He is able. The same God who caused the iron to swim continues to act on behalf of His people.
Contemplations:
- God’s Care in Small and Great Matters. Lord, I am grateful that nothing is too small for Your attention. Even in this biblical account, You showed care for what seemed like an insignificant event, yet it mattered to the one in need. I often think some concerns are too small to bring before You, though You show that You care about all things that concern Your people. Help me trust You in both great and small matters, knowing that Your providence extends to every detail of my life.
- Deliverance from Spiritual Ruin. Father, thank You that You did not leave my soul to sink under the weight of sin. I was like iron in the depths, unable to rise, but You sent Christ to lift me out of that condition. Through His death and resurrection I am raised to newness of life. Let me never forget the greatness of this deliverance nor take lightly the grace that has saved me.
- God’s Power Beyond All Means. Lord, I thank You that Your power is not limited by what I can see or understand. You are able to act beyond all natural expectation. When situations seem impossible, You remain able to provide a way. Help me trust in Your power rather than in my own understanding, and to believe that You can do far above what I ask or think.
- God’s Faithfulness in Every Trial. Father, I thank You that You have proven Yourself faithful time and again. There have been moments when I did not see a way forward, yet You provided. When I lacked strength, You upheld me. When I was in need, You supplied. Help me remember these mercies and let my heart be filled with gratitude for all You have done.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Gracious and powerful God, I give You thanks for Your wonderful works and for Your faithful care over my life. You are the God who does what no one else can do, who provides when there is no provision, and who delivers when there is no escape. Nothing is too hard for You, and all things are under Your command.
Thank You for the great work of salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. I was lost and unable to help myself, sinking under the weight of my sin, yet You sent Your Son to raise me up. He entered into death and rose again, and through Him I have life. This is a mercy beyond all comparison, and I give You praise for it.
I thank You also for Your daily providence. You sustain me, provide for me, and deliver me in ways I never expect. When I do not see a way, You make one. When I lack strength, You uphold me. When I am in trouble, You bring me through. Forgive me for the times I fail to recognize Your hand and to give You thanks as I should.
Lord, You are able to do what seems impossible, and You often work in ways that I do not anticipate. Help me trust in Your power and rely upon You in every circumstance.
Let my heart be filled with continual gratitude. Teach me to remember Your mercies, to acknowledge Your goodness, and to praise You in all things. Let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness and my mouth declare Your praise.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for 2 Kings 6:5-6:
Exod. 15:25; 2 Kings 2:21; 2 Kings 4:41; Deut. 7:12
[1] Jonathan Edwards, Notes on Scripture, ed. Harry S. Stout and Stephen J. Stein, vol. 15, The Works of Jonathan Edwards (London; New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998), 99.
