Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 6
There were more than 100 men, with their families, who served God at Gilgal (4:43). It was probably this group who wanted to build a new place to live, by the Jordan river.
They told Elisha about their plan, and he agreed with it. He simply said: ‘Go’. However, that answer did not satisfy them. The place there they now lived and studied was too small for them – but they did not want to go merely for their own comfort. They wanted to do what truly pleased God in this matter. So, they needed to know whether their plan was from God, or merely from their own minds. They did not want to waste their effort on a foolish plan. God must be the real builder of their new homes (Psalm 127:1); they were only the servants who built at his direction (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
They knew that God was working powerfully in Elisha’s life. So, one of them proposed a test to see whether God truly approved of their plan. Elisha had told them to go – but that action would separate them from this very holy man who understood God’s plans. So, this man decided to ask Elisha to come with them. He knew that Elisha was very careful to follow God’s plans in his own life. Sometimes Elisha might permit other people to do something when he did not really approve of it (2:15-18). However, Elisha would only agree to come with them if God wanted him to do that.
So the man asked, and Elisha agreed to come. Therefore, it was clear that God approved of their plan.
Next part: The loss of the axe head (2 Kings 6:4-5)
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