VI. THE HISTORY OF ELISHA'S MIGHTY WORKS CONTINUED. (1-7) The prophet causes an iron ax-head to float ?n the Jordan. (1) And the sons of the prophets said.--The form of the verb implies connection with the preceding narrative; but as the section refers to Elisha's activity among the sons of the prophets, it was probably connected originally with 2Kings 4:44. The compiler may have transferred it to its present position in order, as Thenius suggests, to indicate the lapse of some time between the events described here and there; and further, to separate the account of the renewed warfare between Syria and Israel (2Kings 6:8, seq.) from that of Elisha's good deed to Naaman the Syrian. The place where we dwell with thee.--Rather, the place where we sit before thee: scil., habitually, for instruction. The phrase occurred in 2Kings 4:38. The common hall is meant; whether that at Gilgal or at Jericho is uncertain. Jericho was close to the Jordan (2Kings 6:2), but that does not prove that it is meant here. The prophet's disciples did not live in a single building, like a community of monks. Their settlement is called "dwellings" (n?yoth) in the plural (1Samuel 19:18); and they could be married (2Kings 4:1). Too strait.--Their numbers had increased. (Comp. 2Kings 4:43.) Verse 1. - 2 Kings 7:20. - FURTHER MIRACLES WROUGHT BY ELISHA. The historian relates first a (comparatively) private miracle wrought by Elisha in the vicinity of Jericho, for the benefit of one of the "sons of the prophets" (vers. 1-8). He then tells us briVerse 1. - And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee - literally, before thee - is too strait for us. The scene of this miracle is probably the vicinity of Jericho, since both Gilgal and Bethel were remote from the Jordan. The "school of the prophets" at Jericho, whereof we heard in 2 Kings 2:5, 19, had increased so much, that the buildings which hitherto had accommodated it were no longer sufficient. A larger dwelling, or set of dwelling, was thought to be necessary; but the scholars would make no change without the sanction of their master. When he comes on one of his circuits, they make appeal to him. 6:1-7 There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them forget the pain and the weariness of labour. Even the sons of the prophets must not be unwilling to labour. Let no man think an honest employment a burden or a disgrace. And labour of the head, is as hard, and very often harder, than labour with the hands. We ought to be careful of that which is borrowed, as of our own, because we must do as we would be done by. This man was so respecting the axe-head. And to those who have an honest mind, the sorest grievance of poverty is, not so much their own want and disgrace, as being rendered unable to pay just debts. But the Lord cares for his people in their smallest concerns. And God's grace can thus raise the stony iron heart, which is sunk into the mud of this world, and raise up affections, naturally earthly.And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha,.... Or the disciples of the prophets, as the Targum:behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us: their numbers were so increased, that there was not room enough for them in the house they dwelt in with the prophet; which increase was owing, the Jews (z) say, to the departure of Gehazi last mentioned, who was a bad man, and used the disciples so ill, that they could not stay in the college; but, when he was gone, they flocked in great numbers; but rather it was owing to the very instructive ministry and wonderful miracles of Elisha: the place where the prophet and his disciples now dwelt seems to be Gilgal, 2 Kings 4:38. (z) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 107. 2. |
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