SUMMARY
Elisha causes an ax head to float, ministering to one suffering from an accident beyond his control.
ANALYSIS
The growth of the company of the prophets is likely due to poverty and famine more than conversion. Nevertheless, larger accommodations are required for the group. While building their new dwelling, a borrowed ax head flies into the nearby stream. Elisha rescues the situation by causing the iron to swim, as the Hebrew has it. Neither this incredible tale nor the others need be “explained.” In their culture, the story would have testified to the prophet’s ability to rectify mistakes over which we have no control. The other “miracles” in this cycle have echoes in the miracles of Jesus; might this one hint at Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21)?
