The Prophet ElishaShembull

God Provided When a Prophet Needed Help

“As one [of the group of prophets] was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.” (2 Kings 6:5-6)

Today’s story tells us how a group of prophets living near the river Jordan needed a new place to meet since their current place had become too small. That was a good sign, apparently, their number was increasing despite the general spiritual downfall of the people as a whole and their kings in particular. They asked Elisha for permission to build a new home and he went with them to cut some wood at the river.

However, something went wrong when one prophet was cutting down a tree. His iron axe head fell into the river and was lost. This was especially problematic since the axe was borrowed. Apparently, this prophet could not afford his own. So how could he compensate the owner of the lost axe?!

The problem was solved by a clear sign of God’s provision and power. Elisha threw a stick into the river, making the axe head float so the prophet could take it back. Of course, sticks naturally don’t have this power. God was at work here to relieve the needs of a man whose resources were exhausted.

Have you ever been in a situation where you suddenly ran out of resources for no fault of your own? What did you do?