This verse (2 Kings 6:2) is a crucial part of a larger story in 2 Kings 6, dealing with the expansion of the schools of the prophets under Elisha. Let's break it down:
"Please let us go to the Jordan...": The group of prophets (or "sons of the prophets") are speaking to their leader, Elisha. They're requesting permission for a specific action.
"...and each man take a beam from there...": They need building materials, specifically timber (beams) to construct a new dwelling. The Jordan River valley, which was lush with vegetation, would have been a good source of wood.
"...and let us make us a place there, where we may live.": Their purpose is to build a larger dwelling or compound because their current living space is too small to accommodate their growing number. They need more room to live and study.
"He answered, 'Go!'": Elisha grants them permission to carry out their plan.
In essence, the verse means:
The group of prophets under Elisha are experiencing overcrowding. They ask Elisha for permission to go to the Jordan River, obtain timber, and build a larger place to live and study. Elisha agrees and grants them permission to do so.
Significance in Context:
This verse sets the stage for the next part of the story, where one of the prophets loses an ax head in the Jordan River. Elisha performs a miracle to recover it, highlighting his prophetic power and God's provision. The initial request to build a larger dwelling is a seemingly ordinary need, but it leads to a demonstration of God's supernatural intervention. It shows that even the mundane tasks and practical needs of those serving God are important to Him.
This verse (2 Kings 6:2) is a crucial part of a larger story in 2 Kings 6, dealing with the expansion of the schools of the prophets under Elisha. Let's break it down:
"Please let us go to the Jordan...": The group of prophets (or "sons of the prophets") are speaking to their leader, Elisha. They're requesting permission for a specific action.
"...and each man take a beam from there...": They need building materials, specifically timber (beams) to construct a new dwelling. The Jordan River valley, which was lush with vegetation, would have been a good source of wood.
"...and let us make us a place there, where we may live.": Their purpose is to build a larger dwelling or compound because their current living space is too small to accommodate their growing number. They need more room to live and study.
"He answered, 'Go!'": Elisha grants them permission to carry out their plan.
In essence, the verse means:
The group of prophets under Elisha are experiencing overcrowding. They ask Elisha for permission to go to the Jordan River, obtain timber, and build a larger place to live and study. Elisha agrees and grants them permission to do so.
Significance in Context:
This verse sets the stage for the next part of the story, where one of the prophets loses an ax head in the Jordan River. Elisha performs a miracle to recover it, highlighting his prophetic power and God's provision. The initial request to build a larger dwelling is a seemingly ordinary need, but it leads to a demonstration of God's supernatural intervention. It shows that even the mundane tasks and practical needs of those serving God are important to Him.