Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of iron made to swim is a remarkable event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings. This miracle is a testament to God's power over the natural world and His concern for the needs of His people, even in seemingly small matters.Biblical Account The account of the iron made to swim is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7. The sons of the prophets, under the leadership of Elisha, were expanding their dwelling place by the Jordan River. As they were cutting down trees to build a larger place, one of the prophets accidentally dropped an iron axe head into the water. The loss of the axe head was significant because it was borrowed, and iron was a valuable commodity at the time. The distressed prophet cried out to Elisha, saying, "Oh, my master, it was borrowed!" (2 Kings 6:5). Elisha, demonstrating the power of God, asked where the axe head had fallen. Upon being shown the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Miraculously, the iron axe head floated to the surface, allowing the prophet to retrieve it. Theological Significance This miracle, though seemingly minor compared to other biblical miracles, holds profound theological significance. It illustrates God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people and His willingness to intervene in their daily struggles. The miracle also underscores the authority and prophetic power bestowed upon Elisha, the successor of Elijah, as a servant of God. The floating of the iron axe head defies natural laws, emphasizing that God is not bound by the physical limitations of the world He created. This event serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to provide solutions to problems that appear insurmountable to human understanding. Symbolism and Lessons The miracle of the iron made to swim can be seen as symbolic of God's ability to redeem and restore. Just as the axe head was brought back from the depths, God can lift individuals from the depths of despair and loss. It also teaches the importance of faith and reliance on God's power, as demonstrated by Elisha's calm and confident response to the crisis. Furthermore, the incident highlights the value of stewardship and responsibility. The prophet's concern over the borrowed axe head reflects the biblical principle of being accountable for what is entrusted to us, whether material possessions or spiritual gifts. In summary, the miracle of the iron made to swim is a powerful narrative that showcases God's miraculous intervention in the lives of His people, His control over creation, and His care for the details of human existence. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 6:5,6But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the symbolism of water baptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about holy water? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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