2 Kings 6:1 English Standard Version

The Axe Head Recovered

¹ Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us.

This section of 2^nd Kings 6 is an interesting read but in it you will not see the word tribulation translated here but it is here. It is the Hebrew Word tsar which is used to describe tribulations in other passages. Here in the ESV it is translated too small, in the KJV it is too strait.

The issue is emotional. It is the same attitude revealed when one is told about the narrow gate in Matthew 7:13-14. It is an emotional response to conditions. Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah and lived a life on the straight and narrow. It was a life too restrictive for his followers.

It should also be noted that these were not prophets but the sons of prophets. The restrictive life of Elisha was too narrow for them, emotionally it was a tribulation, too restrictive. It is one of those emotional issues when we follow a leader who is totally sold out to God. We see the dangers in being funneled into a narrow gap, with no escape. We fear an ambush, an attack coming from the enemy. It is emotional and does not mean that the enemy is going to attack, nor successful if he does.

These are not the Great Tribulations of biblical prophecy where the enemy of Christ is making his last stand.

Acts 14:21-23 English Standard Version

²¹ When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. ²³ And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Tribulations are not just for the end times.

Isaiah 1:19-20 English Standard Version

¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; ²⁰ but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

This is the end of our personal responsibilities. The rest of the chapter deals with the communities we live in, in the world.

There is little to be said about a willing and obedient heart. It is all good.

Rebellion on the other hand has so many verses to offer that it can be overwhelming to the initiate in Christ. If I were to leave you here and not speak to all those passages, I would encourage you to know you belong to the Lord and nothing you do will change that.

He chastens those He loves, He does not abandon you. Do not lose heart if you are still receiving the chastening of the Lord. It says you belong to the Lord and not that other guy.

Hebrews 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This is a good thing which is meant for our good and should not be denied. Keep reading and allow the sword, the Word do its work.

Notice that word becomes sword by the addition of His S, Spirit. That is not a happy accident.

Reading the Word of God without the help of the Holy Spirit gains us nothing of substance.