2 Kings 6:4

Authorized King James Version

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So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ H1980
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 1 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִתָּ֑ם H854
אִתָּ֑ם
Strong's: H854
Word #: 2 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ with them And when they came H935
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ with them And when they came
Strong's: H935
Word #: 3 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה to Jordan H3383
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה to Jordan
Strong's: H3383
Word #: 4 of 6
jarden, the principal river of palestine
וַֽיִּגְזְר֖וּ they cut down H1504
וַֽיִּגְזְר֖וּ they cut down
Strong's: H1504
Word #: 5 of 6
to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide
הָֽעֵצִֽים׃ wood H6086
הָֽעֵצִֽים׃ wood
Strong's: H6086
Word #: 6 of 6
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

Analysis & Commentary

So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 6 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Miracles and Siege) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection

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