THE END OF ELIJAH’S LIFE OF SERVICE. 2nd Kings 1 v.1. This verse is the conclusion to the last verses of the 1st Kings. These books were likely one originally. It was not uncommon for rebellion to break out in conquered areas when a ruling king died. There are words on the “Moabite Stone” that describe the rebellion of Mesha, king of Moab, against Ahab because of “oppression.”
v.2. From this verse on to [2:11], the narrative is about the final days of Elijah’s ministry. “Baal-Zebub” means “the god (Baal) of the dwelling,” and “Baal-Zebul” means the god (Baal) of the flies.” The distinction was hard to make in the original alphabet. Whichever one is meant, Ahaziah tried to mix Baal worship with the worship of God, but Elijah was having none of it. Ahaziah’s request was a challenge against the God of Israel.
v.3. “The angel of the Lord” in Genesis 22:15-16 states that the person who spoke to Abraham was the Lord. In other places, the “angel of the Lord” is mentioned [Gen.16:7; Jud.6:12] and in several other places in the book of 1st Kings, it is reasonable to assume “The angel of the Lord” is the Lord. He wants us to know that everything that goes on in our lives, He is aware of, from the motive to the action. When He chooses to interfere with our plans, we need to be sure we are doing the will of God.
Ahaziah was only king for two years and was known for his wickedness. It was then he fell through the railing of the upper floor and was seriously injured. Instead of turning to the Lord in repentance, he wanted to consult with a false god thought to see into the future. Even though wicked men rule a nation, God is merciful when repentance is genuine. In this situation, the angel of the Lord came to Elijah with a message. Ahaziah had sent his messengers to consult the false god, but of greater authority, God sent His messenger. The answer to Ahaziah's request was clear and plain. "You will surely die!"
Elijah was certainly different in his dress, so there was no way he would be confused with people in the worldly system. Ahaziah likely thought he could get Elijah to heal him because God had done miracles before through his prophet. But we cannot strike bargains with God so that He will submit to our requests. This happened to the two captains of fifty. They came to Elijah with demands from a wicked king. One hundred and two men died before realizing the Lord's power and authority. The third captain came humbly with his request, which was granted.
Far too often, we act on our own without acknowledging our Lord's will and suffer consequences before we learn. When God in sovereignty acts, there is no other recourse. "Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Wickedness brings serious consequences. A right attitude before the Lord will bring respect, humility, and a call for mercy from the heart. It did not happen with Ahaziah, who died as God had said. A prophet is a reliable witness when his prophecies happen as he predicted. False prophets make declarations, and perhaps some take place. A true prophet speaks for God, and what he prophesies happens exactly as he says every time.
The Spirit of God used "holy men of old" to record certain events in the historical books of the Bible to instruct us. This way, we can see human and national events from God's perspective. These are for our "learning and admonition." Ahaziah had only been king for two years, and he was removed. Joram, his brother, became king, and though he did evil, he wasn't as blatantly open as those before him.
Modern-day idolatry has many ways to attract people and lead them away from God and into sin. Strangely, people seem to think they need the latest innovation or advertised gimmick to avoid sinking into deep despair. They think they are not equipped to live because they don’t fit the expectations of others who already have the latest in everything. So, they set out to buy the latest gadgets and games that are advertised as “guaranteed to satisfy or your money back.” Things created by men, “the newest technology,” are supposed to satisfy, but when it goes up in smoke and doesn’t meet your expectations, your fun is gone. Also, you are now broke and waiting for the next new thing to try to find satisfaction.
The advertising says this unit is the latest. “You will get rich quickly because this is the greatest way to gain material success. So, get it now, pay later, and you’ll be like the rest who are up with the times and admired by all men. If you get it now, prepare for your great gain, but if you wait, the offer is limited and will never be offered again. After all, don’t you want everyone to look up to you? Add this now to your possessions before the opportunity is gone forever.”
You didn’t get your way? Then go out and fight for your rights! Those who don’t agree with you have no real right to expect you to live in peace with them unless they are like you. So, get your guns and armaments and tell them you’re coming through to change them so they will be conformed to you. Insist that others submit to what you think is right for them. Tell them they must be more like what the majority accepts as the norm. Then, they will be accepted by those who live by us and are here to share their idolatry. If they don’t accept your demands, they will live in fear. The pressures of modern-day idolatry never slack, nor do they ever give up.
False gods that seem to attract so many never bring contentment. They lure you into sinful ways that Satan himself sends to make people think the newest inventions will bring you peace of mind. You will find contentment if you get more “things” around you. If you don’t get your own way, start a war. But stop for a moment and consider what you want these for: God has a purpose and pattern to follow that can give you peace. His way brings grace and forgiveness – false gods can’t give you these.
The same attitude continues in men and women today as it did in the time of Ahaziah. People will turn to anything outside of God's truth to get answers to their problems. Even though man's ideas and philosophies do not provide help, power, or life, people still cling to them. The result is wasted, ineffective lives that have no lasting or eternal benefits and end in eternal death.
Only when we trust in God can we find lasting joy and a meaningful life with a real purpose. We appreciate the benefits of advances in medicine, technology, and transportation, but these do not satisfy the needs of our souls. True worship of God and commitment to Him brings satisfaction and contentment, but it is rare among the billions of people worldwide.
When people are devoted to the Lord, honor Him, and live to please Him, He can use them to accomplish His work and share His joy. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha, or kings like David and Hezekiah, brought God pleasure despite their failures. When people lack respect for God, they will perish like Ahaziah without having anything positive or any accomplishments of value to show for a lifetime of self-centered living.