The term "axe-head" refers to the metal part of an axe, which is used for chopping wood or other materials. In biblical times, the axe-head was typically made of iron or bronze and was an essential tool for various tasks, including construction and agriculture. The axe-head is mentioned in several passages in the Bible, most notably in the Old Testament.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 6:1-7: The most significant biblical account involving an axe-head is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7. This passage describes a miraculous event during the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The sons of the prophets were cutting down trees near the Jordan River to build a larger dwelling place. As one of them was felling a tree, the iron axe-head fell into the water. The man cried out to Elisha, saying, "Oh, my master, it was borrowed!" Elisha asked where it had fallen, and when shown the place, he cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. Elisha instructed the man to "Lift it out," and he retrieved it. This miracle demonstrated God's concern for the everyday needs of His people and His power over the natural world.

2. Deuteronomy 19:5: The axe-head is also mentioned in the context of the laws concerning cities of refuge. Deuteronomy 19:5 provides an example of accidental manslaughter: "For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his axe to fell a tree, the iron axe-head may fly off the handle and strike his neighbor, so that he dies." This law allowed the person responsible for the accidental death to flee to a city of refuge to escape the avenger of blood, highlighting the importance of justice and mercy in the Mosaic Law.

Symbolism and Lessons:

The account of the floating axe-head in 2 Kings 6 is rich with symbolism and lessons for believers. It illustrates God's miraculous provision and His ability to restore what is lost. The incident underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as the prophet's actions, guided by divine instruction, led to the recovery of the lost tool. The narrative also emphasizes the value of community and shared resources, as the axe was borrowed, reflecting the interconnectedness of the prophetic community.

In the broader biblical context, the axe-head can symbolize the tools and resources God provides for His people to accomplish His purposes. The miraculous recovery of the axe-head serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers, even in seemingly mundane matters.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, iron was a valuable material, and tools like axes were essential for daily life. The process of making iron tools was labor-intensive, and the loss of an axe-head would have been a significant setback, especially for those who relied on borrowed tools. The mention of the axe-head in the context of the cities of refuge law also reflects the practical realities of life in ancient Israel, where accidents could have serious legal and social consequences.

Overall, the biblical references to the axe-head provide insight into the daily life and legal practices of ancient Israel, while also offering spiritual lessons about God's provision, justice, and care for His people.1270. barzel -- iron
... Word Origin from the same as Birzoth Definition iron NASB Word Usage axe (1),
axe head (1), chains (1), iron (71), irons (1). ax head, iron. ...
/hebrew/1270.htm - 6k

May one Lose the Blessing?
... The story tells us that as one of the students "was felling a beam, the axe-head
fell into the water; and he cried and said, Alas, my master! ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xviii may one lose.htm

A Short Home Mission Sermon.
... Why lose hope of the fallen and degraded? They are no lower down than the axe head
was when at the bottom of the Jordan. "The iron did swim." How? for. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/iv a short home mission.htm

Intenser Wooing.
... There is an instance similar to this in the borrowed axe-head that swam in obedience
to Elisha's touch of power to meet the need of the distressed theological ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/intenser wooing.htm

"Bought with a Price"
... When the son of the prophet was hewing wood with Elisha, you remember how
he said, when the axe head flew off into the water, "Alas! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/bought with a price.htm

Book I.
... And if, when one is cutting wood, the axe-head flies from the handle and kills a
man, the owner is [5249] commanded to go to one of the cities of refuge and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Axe-head (1 Occurrence)
Axe-head. Axe, Axe-head. Axes . Multi-Version Concordance
Axe-head (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling ...
/a/axe-head.htm - 6k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam,
the axehead fell into the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Axes (10 Occurrences)

/a/axes.htm - 9k

Felling (2 Occurrences)
... NIV). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead fell into
the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! For ...
/f/felling.htm - 7k

Borrowed (5 Occurrences)
... rule. (YLT). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead fell
into the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! ...
/b/borrowed.htm - 8k

Axhead (1 Occurrence)
... Axhead (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead
fell into the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! ...
/a/axhead.htm - 10k

Log (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead fell into the water. Then
he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." (See RSV). ...
/l/log.htm - 11k

Ax (12 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one
was felling a beam, the axehead fell into the water. Then ...
/a/ax.htm - 14k

Beam (17 Occurrences)
... NAS). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead fell into
the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! For ...
/b/beam.htm - 17k

Alas (62 Occurrences)
... RSV). 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axehead fell into
the water. Then he cried, and said, "Alas, my master! For ...
/a/alas.htm - 25k

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