Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 1
Ahaziah had just heard from his officials about the message that God had given to Elijah. That message was that Ahaziah would die because of his evil deeds. Ahaziah’s reaction to that bad news should have been to turn to God. He should have turned from his evil deeds and he should have sincerely regretted his wrong behaviour (compare 1 Kings 21:27). He should have asked God, in his great kindness, to forgive him (Psalm 51; Isaiah 1:18-20; Ezekiel 18:21-23).
Instead, Ahaziah tried to arrest Elijah by force. Ahaziah wanted to show his power over this prophet who had dared to speak against him. However, a prophet is a holy person who speaks messages from God. So, when Ahaziah tried to arrest Elijah, he was in fact acting against God.
God considers it a very serious matter when someone acts against his holy people (Psalm 105:15). Such a person is guilty of a crime against God; and in such circumstances, God claims the right to punish that person in an extraordinary manner.
The captains and their men were supporting their king in this evil behaviour against God’s holy servant. In a bold and proud manner, they dealt with Elijah as they would deal with a common criminal. The captains called him a ‘man of God’ – but they did not respect the God whom he served. Instead, they demanded that he (Elijah) must accept the king’s authority and their orders.
Elijah answered them firmly. God would punish them with death to prove that Elijah truly was the servant of God. The fire came from heaven to show that this truly was an act of God (compare Genesis 19:24; Numbers 16:28-35 and 2 Samuel 6:7).
Next part: A captain who humbly shows respect to Elijah (2 Kings 1:13-16)
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