2 Kings 6:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Kings 6:1-7

Several things may be observed here, I. Concerning the sons of the prophets, and their condition and character. The college here spoken of seems to be that at Gilgal, for there Elisha was (2 Kgs. 4:38), and it was near Jordan; and, probably, wherever Elisha resided as many as could of the sons of the prophets flocked to him for the advantage of his instructions, counsels, and prayers. Every one would covet to dwell with him and be near him. Those that would be teachers should lay out... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 6:2

Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan ,.... Which, according to Josephus F1 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 1. sect. 4. , was fifty furlongs, or upwards of six miles, distant from Gilgal: and take thence every man a beam ; by cutting down the trees that grew there; for Mr. Maundrell says F2 Journey from Aleppo, &c.; p. 82,83. , the banks of Jordan are beset with bushes and trees, which are an harbour for wild beasts; and another traveller F3 Sandys's Travels, l. 3. p. 110. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 6:2

Every man a beam - They made a sort of log-houses with their own hands. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 6:1-7

Mutual love and help the best bond of religious communities. "Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing; like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion" ( Psalms 133:1-3 ). In religious communities it has been too often the practice to govern by fear. An autocratic authority has been committed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 6:1-7

An early theological college; its life and lessons. Our theological colleges, where young men are trained for the office of the Christian ministry, do not receive from the Christian public that attention and sympathy, which they deserve, more interest ought to be taken in education generally. The Church should show more interest in Sunday-school work. If office-bearers and parents in every Christian land would visit the Sunday school occasionally, and hear the children repeat their lessons... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 6:1-7

A Church-extension enterprise. "And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us," etc. If there were a Church in Israel at all, the schools of the prophets undoubtedly constituted a part of that Church. They were a communion of godly men. The brief narrative, therefore, may fairly be regarded as a record of a Church-extension enterprise, and as such four things are observable—things that all who contemplate such enterprises... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 6:1-7

The borrowed axe. This is another of Elisha's miracles of aid. The story belongs to the same class of acts as those related in 2 Kings 2:19-22 ; 2 Kings 4:1-7 , 2 Kings 4:38-44 . I. THE AXE - HEAD NEEDED . The first verses present us with a picture of expansion and extension. The place where " the sons of the prophets" dwelt or " sat " before Elisha, at Jericho, had become too strait for them. Elisha's influence was evidently telling on the nation. The religious... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 6:2

Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan. Jericho was situated at some little distance from the Jordan, on the banks of a small stream, which ran into it. Along the course of the Jordan trees and shrubs were abundant, chiefly willows, poplars, and tamarisks (see Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 4.8. § 3; Strabo, 16.2. § 41). It would seem that the Jordan thickets were unappropriated, and that any one might cut timber in them. And take thence every man a beam. The meaning is, "Let us all join in the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 6:2

Take every man a beam - Trees were rare in most parts of Palestine, but plentiful in the Jordan Valley. Jericho was known in early times as “the city of palms” Deuteronomy 34:3; Judges 1:16. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 6:1-2

2 Kings 6:1-2. The sons of the prophet said to Elisha Probably those that were at Gilgal, for that is the place last mentioned where the prophet was, (chap. 2 Kings 4:38,) and was also near to Jordan. Let us go unto Jordan To the woods near Jordan; and take thence every man a beam A piece of timber for the building. Hence it may be gathered, that although the sons of the prophets principally devoted themselves to religious exercises, yet they sometimes employed themselves about manual... read more

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