AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

The book of I Kings begins with a pathetic story that includes peculiar details.

Ahab had been an evil king over Israel [the northern tribes].  His wife, Jezebel, was a case-study in haughtiness and hatred!  Unfortunately, they ruled for a lengthy time – twenty-two years! Then, his son – Ahaziah – became king. 

Ahaziah apparently had a bad fall in the upper chambers of his residence.

He sent messengers and told them, ‘Go ask Baal-Zebub, god of Ekron, if I will recover from my injuries.’ 

[I Kings 1:2]

[All quotes from NCV unless otherwise noted]

God intervened by sending an angel to Elijah, the prophet, telling him to intercept these messengers.  When Elijah did so, he asked them why they were going to ask questions of Baal-Zebub, god of Ekron? 

“Is it because you think there is no God in Israel?” [v.3] 

Then Elijah told them to tell the king that he will not recover from his fall.

Upon receiving this message, Ahaziah sent fifty men to bring Elijah back to him.  When they arrived, their captain said, Man of God, the king says, ‘Come down!” [v.9].

Elijah’s response was:

“If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and burn up you and your fifty men.”  [v.10] 

That’s exactly what happened!

So Ahaziah sent another group of fifty men on the same mission.  The scene simply repeated itself!

Ahaziah sent a third group of fifty men.  Their captain was terrified and fell on his knees begging Elijah for mercy. 

God’s angel told Elijah to go with the captain.  Upon arriving, he delivered his message to Ahaziah, confronting him for ignoring the fact that there was a God in Israel!  Shortly after Elijah’s visit, Ahaziah died!

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Strange story – don’t you think?

What should we take from it?

It may simply be evidence that God desires obedience and recognition!  God will not be ignored.

After reading this chapter, I researched the kings of Israel and discovered that seven of its kings reigned for two years or less and they were all described as having displeased God!

• Nadab – 2 years
• Elah – 2 years
• Zimri – 7 days
• Ahaziah – 2 years
• Zecharaiah – 6 months
• Shallum – 1 month
• Pekahiah – 2 years

Was God trying to guide Israel back into the fold?

Many are unaware that Israel [after the kingdom divided] had nineteen kings and THE Bible clearly announces that ALL OF THEM DISPLEASED GOD!

In contrast, Judah [after the kingdom divided] had twenty-one kings and the Bible declares that twelve of them displeased God!  Of these twelve evil kings, six had relatively short terms:

• Abijah – 3 years
• Ahaziah [different from the one in Israel] – 1 year
• Amon – 2 years
• Jehoahaz – 3 months
• Jehoiachin – 3 months
• Gedaliah – 2 months

Meanwhile, kings of Judah that the Bible clearly declares as having pleased God seemed to enjoy longer terms:

• Asa – ruled 41 years
• Jehohaphat – ruled 25 years
• Joash – ruled 40 years
• Amaziah – 29 years
• Uzziah – 52 years
• Hezekiah – 29 years
• Josiah – 31 years

THIS BEGS THE QUESTION:

If Ahaziah – king of Israel – had responded to Elijah’s correction, would he have lived a longer life and enabled Israel to prosper?

My answer is implied, but you get to consider the evidence and make up your own mind!

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A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY UPDATE:

God wants to be a part of your life!  He wants to be your first love!  He is trying to get your attention! He does not respond well to being ignored!

However, your response to God should not be one of fear.  We should not serve Him in hopes of living a long life. We serve Him to please Him and fulfill His purposes in our lives.  Serving God is a joyful expression of our love for Him and gratitude to Him!