Single lesson
The Floating Axe Head
2 Kings 6:1–7
As Elisha went with his servants to the Jordan, a borrowed axe head fell into the water and was recovered.
Before you teach
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha that the place where they lived with him was too small. They asked to go to the Jordan, where each man could take a beam and make a larger place to live. Elisha told them to go. One of the men asked Elisha to come with them, and he agreed. So he went with them to the Jordan, and there they began cutting down wood.
Describe the central teaching of The Floating Axe Head, using two details from the reading. As Elisha went with his servants to the Jordan, a borrowed axe head fell into the water and was recovered.
Welcome: The Floating Axe Head
4 minIntroduce “The Floating Axe Head” and locate 2 Kings 6:1–7. As Elisha went with his servants to the Jordan, a borrowed axe head fell into the water and was recovered. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:4, 2 Kings 6:7
Read and explain the passage
8 minThe sons of the prophets said to Elisha that the place where they lived with him was too small. They asked to go to the Jordan, where each man could take a beam and make a larger place to live. Elisha told them to go.
As one man was cutting down a tree, the axe head fell into the water. He cried out to Elisha in alarm because the axe had been borrowed.
Then Elisha said, “Take it.” The man reached out his hand and took it from the water.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “The Floating Axe Head”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
2 Kings 6:2, 2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:6, 2 Kings 6:5, 2 Kings 6:7
Discuss the details and their meaning
6 minUse the three questions below. Begin with ““One of the men asked Elisha to come with them, and he agreed.” Which details explain how the account reaches this point?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. As Elisha went with his servants to the Jordan, a borrowed axe head fell into the water and was recovered. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
2 Kings 6:4, 2 Kings 6:5, 2 Kings 6:6, 2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:7, 2 Kings 6:2
Make and respond: Story sequence booklet
9 minWork on “The Floating Axe Head: Story sequence booklet”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “The Floating Axe Head” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:4, 2 Kings 6:7
Closing: return to The Floating Axe Head
3 minRevisit 2 Kings 6:1–7. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about The Floating Axe Head and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
2 Kings 6:1, 2 Kings 6:4, 2 Kings 6:7
Questions to explore
“One of the men asked Elisha to come with them, and he agreed.” Which details explain how the account reaches this point?
One of the men asked Elisha to come with them, and he agreed. So he went with them to the Jordan, and there they began cutting down wood.
2 Kings 6:4, 2 Kings 6:5, 2 Kings 6:6
How does this moment affect the rest of the account: “As one man was cutting down a tree, the axe head fell into the water.”?
As one man was cutting down a tree, the axe head fell into the water. He cried out to Elisha in alarm because the axe had been borrowed.
2 Kings 6:5, 2 Kings 6:6, 2 Kings 6:1
“Then Elisha said, “Take it.”” How does this ending connect with the beginning?
Then Elisha said, “Take it.” The man reached out his hand and took it from the water.
2 Kings 6:7, 2 Kings 6:5, 2 Kings 6:2
Make, think or respond
The Floating Axe Head: Story sequence booklet
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or crayons
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “Beginning”, “What changes?”, “How it ends”.
- Read 2 Kings 6:1–7. Use “The Floating Axe Head” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Talk through your notes with an adult. Add a word, drawing or short quotation that helps you remember each part.
- Retell the account using your three panels, checking the order against the passage.
The finished sheet keeps the details of The Floating Axe Head connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, read the selected verses aloud, prepare the three panels and let them respond with drawings or a few words. Use The Floating Axe Head as the retelling prompt.
- For older children, add verse references to the response sheet and explain a connection between The Floating Axe Head and the final part of the reading.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read 2 Kings 6:1–7. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
2 Kings 6
1 The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we live and meet with you is too small for us.
2 Please let us go to the Jordan, and each man take a beam from there, and let’s make us a place there, where we may live.” He answered, “Go!”
3 One said, “Please be pleased to go with your servants.” He answered, “I will go.”
4 So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood.
5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the ax head fell into the water. Then he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.”
6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” He showed him the place. He cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float.
7 He said, “Take it.” So he put out his hand and took it.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Something to make together
These activities connect with the passage. Choose one that suits your group and the time you have.
