Read: 2
Kings 1
Israel’s king, Ahab has just died. He is widely
known as the most evil king in Israel’s history (1 Kings 16-22). Now his son,
Ahaziah, is king of the Northern Kingdom. The writer uses the Moabite rebellion
as a timestamp for this story of Ahaziah. We will read more about the rebellion
itself in 2 Kings 3. King Ahaziah has
fallen and injured himself. Wanting to
determine the outcome of his injury, Ahaziah sends messengers to inquire of the
Philistine god, Baal-Zebub. While this is happening, the angel of the Lord
meets the prophet Elijah with a message: “Is it because there is no God in
Israel, that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? … You
shall surely die” (v 3-4, NASB). Interestingly, Jesus using the name of this
particular false god to refer to Satan, “the prince of demons” (Matthew
12:22-28, Beelzebub is the Greek form
of Baal-Zebub). Through Elijah, God is rebuking Ahaziah for seeking prophecy
through demonic powers rather than the True God, Yahweh.
Upon hearing this message, Ahaziah sends a
delegation to meet Elijah. The text does not explicitly say that this is an
unfriendly delegation. However, Elijah’s response indicates that the group was
likely sent to punish the prophet, not commend him. Further, the king would not
have sent a captain with fifty of his men with a positive message. This was an
arrest warrant which was likely to prove difficult. The captain mocks Elijah,
calling him, “man of God,” and commands Elijah to come down from the mountain.
Elijah replies: If I am truly a representative of God, you must face the
consequences for your actions. Elijah then calls down fire from heaven to
consume the captain and his men. It is not a minor offense to mistreat the
words of the Living God. This scene is then replayed as Ahaziah sends out a
second delegation.
Finally, Ahaziah sends a third delegation to meet
Elijah. This time, the captain takes a different approach. Instead of mocking
Elijah, the captain begs for mercy. The captain heard what happened to his
peers and fears the same fate awaits his own men. At this time, the angel of
the Lord appears to Elijah. He promises Elijah safety and commands the prophet
to go to the king. Elijah obeys and shares his prophetic message face-to-face
with King Ahaziah. As God’s word in unfailing, the king dies of his ailments.
Ahaziah’s brother, Joram then takes the throne of Israel.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. It is important that we revere the words of the
Lord. When God speaks to you (promises, direction, correction, etc.), do you
believe Him? Do you trust that God’s words will come into being?
2. Elijah had faith that God would answer his
prayers and bring down fire from heaven. What are you praying for in your life
right now? Do you believe that God will respond to your prayers?
3. Spend time praying for the area(s) you mentioned
in the previous question. Ask God for direction in how to pray for this area
and then pray what He shows you. Ask Him to grow your faith by giving you a
greater trust in the things He speaks to you.
