The Floating Ax Head

And (A)the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.”

So he answered, “Go.”

Then one said, (B)“Please consent to go with your servants.”

And he answered, “I will go.” So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was (C)borrowed.”

So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So (D)he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

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And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, “Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too confining for us.

Let us go, we pray thee, unto the Jordan, and take from thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there where we may dwell.” And he answered, “Go ye.”

And one said, “Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants.” And he answered, “I will go.”

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood.

But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water; and he cried and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed!”

And the man of God said, “Where fell it?” And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick and cast it in thither, and the iron did swim.

Therefore said he, “Take it up to thee.” And he put out his hand and took it.

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