2 Kings 1

Commentary

2 Kings 1 is a chapter that introduces us to the reign of Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel. It begins with Ahaziah's fall from a balcony, which leads to his illness and his subsequent search for healing. He sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, but God sends Elijah to confront the messengers and tell them that Ahaziah will not recover from his illness. The messengers return to Ahaziah and tell him what Elijah said, and Ahaziah sends a captain and fifty men to arrest Elijah. However, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume the captain and his men, and Ahaziah sends a second captain with fifty men, who meet the same fate. Finally, Ahaziah sends a third captain with fifty men, who are spared by Elijah. Elijah then tells the captain to go back and tell Ahaziah that he will die because he has sought out Baal-zebub instead of the Lord. Ahaziah dies as Elijah predicted, and his brother Jehoram succeeds him as king. This chapter serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking out false gods. Ahaziah's search for healing from Baal-zebub instead of the Lord results in his death, and his brother Jehoram is chosen to succeed him as king. This chapter also serves as a warning to us to always seek the Lord and to trust in Him, for He is the only one who can truly heal us and provide us with the guidance and protection we need.

Meet the heroes of 2 Kings, 1