2 Kings 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The sons of the prophets tell Elisha that their meeting place is too small. They request to go to the Jordan to gather wood to build a new place. Elisha agrees to go with them.

Key verse

“He answered, “Don’t be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 6:1–7 Elisha and the Prophets at the Jordan
2 Kings 6:8–14 Elisha Warns the King of Israel
2 Kings 6:15–23 Elisha's Servant Sees God's Protection
2 Kings 6:24–30 The Siege of Samaria and Desperation
2 Kings 6:31–33 The King's Despair and Elisha's Response

Discussion questions

In v6, what miraculous act does Elisha perform with the axe head?
In v22, what does Elisha instruct the king of Israel to do with the captured soldiers?
The king of Syria’s suspicion, vv. 11-12: why does he think there is a traitor among his servants?
Elisha’s response to the king’s threat, vv. 30-33: what does he imply about God's role in the current crisis?
When have you felt surrounded by difficulties, like Elisha’s servant in v15?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 6: Exodus 14, 2 Kings 5, 2 Kings 2.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 7.