The answer is: A wooden stick

2 Ki 6:6

Elisha’s miracle of causing the iron axe head to float is a fascinating story that not only reveals his prophetic power but also offers deeper insight into the values of responsibility and Divine provision. The incident occurs in 2 Kings 6:6, where a worker loses his borrowed axe head in the Jordan River—a significant plight, given that tools were often precious and not easily replaceable in ancient Israel.

When Elisha tosses a wooden stick into the water, it’s not just a theatrical gesture. The floating axe head symbolizes God’s miraculous intervention in our lives, especially in moments of distress or embarrassment. Iron, being heavy, represents our burdens and worries, while the stick is a powerful reminder of simplicity in faith. This resonates with the biblical theme that God utilizes humble means to execute His profound plans.

Interestingly, the Jordan River—today representing challenges and boundaries—was frequently associated with significant biblical events, including the baptism of Jesus. Elisha's act demonstrates that everyday items can lead to extraordinary outcomes—much like the loaves and fish shared by Jesus that fed thousands.

Moreover, this miraculous story echoes a recurring motif of seemingly mundane objects resulting in profound change. In the scriptures, God transformed staffs, such as in the hands of Moses, into tools of liberation. All in all, Elisha’s story invites us to ponder the ways we too might observe the extraordinary emerging from the ordinary, encouraging faith in the midst of life's difficult - and often heavy - waters.