SUMMARY
In the bizarre death narrative of King Ahaziah of Israel, divine judgment continues on the idolatrous House of AhabKing of Israel who opposed Elijah. More.
ANALYSIS
Here at the end of Elijah’s era, this final story of monarch vs. prophet conflict continues the themes that have marked the famous prophet’s career. Like many of Elijah’s other prophetic encounters, this moment involves a king who, regrettably, attempts to seek succor from a god other than YHWH, the God of Israel. The name of King Ahaziah’s deity of choice, Baal-zebub, is likely a play on the name of the Canaanite deity Baal-zebul (“Ba’al the Prince”) since it translates to “The Lord of the Flies.” Instead of hearing from Ba’al, Ahaziah receives word from the LORD, the God of Israel.
As with most other stories involving ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal. More, the prophet’s own life is on the line. A captain with 50 men was no small cohort in ancient times. It is obvious from the text that the military contingent has not come with the goal of a congenial chat. God deals with the threat swiftly and decisively, bringing down ’esh elohim (“fire of God”) to protect the ’ish elohim (“man of God”). The tale does not end happily for the reigning monarch, as was so often the case in Elijah’s ministry. The ruler dies, apparently without heeding the ’esh elohim of the ’ish elohim. Elijah’s public ministry, then, ends as it began: with unheeded warnings given to a foolish leader, who cannot seem to bring himself to believe that YHWH is the one true God.
