Elijah: A Lesson in Humility

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II Kings 1:1-17

1 Now, Moab broke with Israel after the death of Ahab. 2And Ahaziah fell through the window lattice in his upper chamber, which was in Samaria, and became ill. So he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this sickness.” 3But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4Now therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’” Then Elijah departed.

5When the messengers returned to Ahaziah, he said to them, “Why have you returned?” 6They said to him, “A man came up to meet us and said to us, ‘Go, return to the king who sent you and say to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore, you will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’”’” 7Then he said to them, “What did the man look like, who came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?” 8And they said to him, “He was a hairy man with a leather belt worn around his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”

9Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty men. And he went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. And he said to him, “You man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” 10But Elijah replied to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.

11So the king again sent to him another captain of fifty with his fifty men. And he said to him, “You man of God, this is what the king says: ‘Come down quickly!’” 12But Elijah replied to them, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.

13So the king again sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty men. When the third captain of fifty went up, he came and bowed down on his knees before Elijah, and begged him and said to him, “You man of God, please let my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight. 14Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.” 15And the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he got up and went down with him to the king. 16Then he said to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Since you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of His word? Therefore you will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’”

17So Ahaziah died in accordance with the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken.

BACKGROUND

Since our primary focus is Elijah for our studies, a little background is in order. In our last study, Ahab was still king. But now his son, Ahaziah, reigns. Ahab was killed in a battle against Aram in I Kings 22, after the prophet Micaiah predicted his death in battle. Instead of calling off the battle, Ahab proceeded anyway with a plan to disguise himself while King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to war in his royal robes. This was foolish on Jehoshaphat‘s part, but the Lord protected him. Ultimately, Ahab was struck at random by an archer, taken from the battle, and died of his wounds.

As a king, Ahaziah was no different from his father. Because he compounded his father’s sin by doing the same things, he did not reign long. The scripture says, “Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel for two years. He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who misled Israel into sin. So he served Baal and worshiped him, and provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done” (I Kings 22:51-53).

Because of the defeat of Israel by Aram, Israel’s political power became weakened. Not only did Aram defeat Israel, but the vassal kingdom of Moab also broke away from serving Israel, leaving the nation in a precarious position politically. It is into this situation, in the latter half of his second year as king, that Ahaziah falls through a window and is seriously injured. Just as the kingdom was falling, so too was its king. Just as its king died for his sin, so too Israel will eventually pay the price for its own idolatry.

EXAMINATION

(V.1) Now, Moab broke with Israel after the death of Ahab.

The focus on this chapter is Ahaziah and Elijah, but it begins with this seemingly unrelated fact about Moab breaking away from Israel. Scripture is always written for a reason, so we must ask, why is Moab mentioned here, now?

The mention here is tied to a story two chapters later in II Kings 3, where it repeats that Moab had broken away from Israel after the death of Ahab. King Jehoram, who took over the kingdom from his brother Ahaziah, gathered his army to fight against Moab and restore its vassal state. What’s interesting is what II Kings 3:2 says about Jehoram. “He did evil in the sight of the LORD, though not like his father and his mother.” In fact, when preparing to go into battle, Jehoram sought out the favor of the prophet Elisha, who, although he disapproved of Jehoram, prophesied in his favor.

Even the smallest amount of seeking God, God will respond to. But how is this related to Ahaziah in chapter one? Simple. Ahaziah did not seek the Lord in his sickness, but sought a false god of his enemies, Baal-zebub of Ekron, believed to be a healing deity. The result was that he died in his sin. But his brother received God’s favor, ever so brief, for even the little that he sought him. There is a contrast here. One sought God, and the other did not.

(V.2) Ahaziah fell through the window lattice in his upper chamber, which was in Samaria, and became ill.

The lattice would have been over the window. Ahaziah probably leaned on it too strongly and then fell through the window. He probably suffered internal injuries that could not be healed in his day.

(V.2) So he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this sickness.”

Why do you think King Ahaziah chose to seek guidance from Baal-Zebub instead of the Lord?

Ahaziah did what he was taught by his parents. His parents were idol worshippers, and he carried on their tradition.

Baal-zebub was the chief deity of the Philistine city of Ekron, about 40 miles from Israel’s capital of Samaria. Baal-zebub means Lord of the Flies. It is likely a Hebrew change of the original name of the deity, Baal-zebul, which meant god of life and health. There was a temple to Baal-zebub located in Ekron, where people would go to inquire of him. The journey would have been two days there and two days back. But Ahaziah’s messengers never made it that far.

(V.3-4) The angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ Now therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’”

God sends Elijah to confront Ahaziah’s actions. What does this passage teach us about how seriously God views idolatry?

At this time in ancient history, nations and people groups had their own patron deities. They would be sought by their people for agricultural blessings, favor in times of war, and fertility rites. Seeking the god of an opposing nation was not just idolatry; it was also treason. Ahaziah committed both, just like his parents, Ahab and Jezebel. Thus, he multiplied their sin.

The reference to the angel of the Lord is not merely an angel, but is a reference to the Lord himself. This is Jesus, before the incarnation. He is the God of Israel that Elijah refers to. Because Ahaziah multiplied his father’s sin and sought a false deity, the Lord pronounces judgment on him, “You shall certainly die.”

(V.7) Then he said to them, “What did the man look like, who came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?” And they said to him, “He was a hairy man with a leather belt worn around his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”

This passage indicates to us that Ahaziah knew who Elijah was. He knew about Elijah’s dealings with his father, Ahab. So, he knew that Elijah was not a person to trifle with. He knew about the drought, about calling fire from heaven, about the killing of the prophets of Baal, and more. Yet, look how Ahaziah responds to this news. He sends soldiers to arrest Elijah.

(V.9-10) Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty men. And he went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. And he said to him, “You man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” But Elijah replied to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.

WHAT DID THE CAPTAIN DO WRONG IN HIS APPROACH TO ELIJAH?

When was the last time Elijah called down fire from heaven? When he judged the false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. The reason for the fire here is the same. The fire fell on Carmel to prove that God was God and Elijah was his prophet. Nearly the same thing is said here, “If I am a man of God…” and the fire fell.

It’s interesting that this happens with Elijah sitting on top of a hill. The last time Elijah called fire from heaven, he was on the top of the hill of Mount Carmel.

The captain of the fifty approached Elijah in a most arrogant way. Elijah was known as a miracle worker during Ahab’s reign. Ahaziah knew this, signified when he declared who Elijah was. For the captain to approach Elijah with demands was at least foolish, and he and his men died for it.

(V.11-12) So the king again sent to him another captain of fifty with his fifty men. And he said to him, “You man of God, this is what the king says: ‘Come down quickly!’” But Elijah replied to them, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.

There are two subtle differences between this captain and the first one. Both acted in arrogance toward the prophet, but notice what was said. The first captain said, “Come down.” The second captain said, “Come down quickly.” He upped the ante, making things worse. In response to the first captain, the scripture says, “Then fire came down from heaven.” But the second time it says, “Then the fire of God came down.” Greater arrogance is met with greater judgment.

There is a picture in these captains of Ahaziah and the history of his father Ahab. Ahab worshipped a false god. His son, Ahaziah, did the same, thus multiplying his father’s sin. Likewise, the first captain approached Elijah arrogantly, then the second captain did the same, but worse. He multiplied his sin. In both cases, Ahaziah and the second captain, there was certain judgment.

What does it mean when we say someone multiplied their sin? In the scripture, when a person commits the sin of those who went before them, they assume their guilt upon themselves. In Exodus 34:7 God declares his name to Moses, saying, “He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, inflicting the punishment of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” God had actually spoken of this when he gave then Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:5 he says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, inflicting the punishment of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.”

Notice what Jesus said about this in Matthew 23:35-36. “Upon you will fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”

If a person rejects the sins of their fathers, then they receive mercy from the Lord. But to continue in their sin multiplies that sin, making their situation worse. This is what Ahaziah did, and it was why his kingdom did not last long.

(V.13-14) So the king again sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty men. When the third captain of fifty went up, he came and bowed down on his knees before Elijah, and begged him and said to him, “You man of God, please let my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight. Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

Compare the attitudes of the three captains sent to Elijah. What distinguishes the third captain from the first two?

This captain is completely different. He learned the lesson of the previous captain’s failures and approached Elijah in humility. This military chief still had to carry out the orders of his king. But he didn’t do it with arrogance. He humbled himself before Elijah, knowing that Elijah had some kind of great power. He essentially says to Elijah, “Please, don’t kill me.”

(V.15-16) And the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he got up and went down with him to the king. Then he said to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Since you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of His word? Therefore you will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’”

Isn’t it interesting that God tells Elijah not to be afraid? Usually, when God says this it is because someone is afraid. Elijah is a powerful, miracle-working prophet. He just called fire from heaven on his enemies twice. Yet, he is told not to be afraid. To Elijah’s credit, when he meets the king, he delivers the same message he previously announced, that Ahaziah would certainly die.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

• Though Ahaziah knew of Elijah and his father’s interactions, he still chose to keep his sin as an idol worshipper.

• Though Ahaziah knew Israel had its own God, he sought a foreign deity anyway.

• Approaching Elijah in arrogance meant certain death.

• Approaching Elijah in humility meant favor and mercy.

INTERPRETATION

What is the author’s big idea?

God punishes sin, but rewards humility.

There is a much loved verse in Micah 6:8 which says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV).

Humility is something that God not only approves of, but cherishes. Consider these scriptures about humility.

“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

“In humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’” (I Peter 5:5).

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble” (I Peter 3:8).

The Lord loves humility. He loves it so much that the scripture says of Jesus, “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Our salvation was an act of both power and humility by God. Pride goes before a fall, but with humility comes honor. Consider that the most humble one of all, Jesus, is the person we honor the most.

APPLICATION

Don’t multiply your sin. Very often, we follow in the footsteps of those who come before us. We often imitate our parents or our mentors, even when things are wrong. We call this multiplying sin. We become guilty of what those before us have done because we take their sin and guilt upon ourselves. Don’t do this. Break with tradition and seek to serve Christ in humility.

When confronted with your sin, respond with repentance and humility. If Ahaziah had responded with repentance and humility, even a little, God would have responded favorably to him. When man repents, God relents.

Learn from the examples before you. Ahaziah and the first two captains did not learn from the lessons of the past. They knew how powerful Elijah was, they knew his reputation, and they knew Ahab’s failings. Yet, they learned nothing from it. The result was death for them all. Only the third captain learned the lessons of what came before him. Because of that, he received mercy and life for himself and his men.