Study 7 - There is a God in Israel!
The last chapter of 1 Kings (ch.22) ends with the death of Ahab following a battle to get Ramoth-Gilead from Syria. Ramoth was east of the Jordan, and Ahab and Jehosaphat king of Judah joined forces in the battle.
Ahab went out in spite of the prophecy of a little-known prophet Micaiah that he would die in the battle (v.23). It appears that the king of Syria was out to get Ahab and no one else (v.31). Ahab must have been aware of this. He insisted that Jehoshaphat wear royal garments while he went out in disguise (v.30) - an arrangement that put Jehoshaphat at considerable risk.
In spite of the disguise, Ahab was struck by a stray arrow (v.34). He died under the judgment of God (v.38) and was succeeded by his son Ahaziah.
• What is the relation between the chance events of our lives and the sovereign will of God? Was Ahab experiencing the "other side" of Romans 8.28?
• Think again about the "intermediate judgments of God". Can a person reach a point where there is nothing left for them but the final judgment of God? (Compare Mark 3.28-29).
• Think again about the "intermediate judgments of God". Can a person reach a point where there is nothing left for them but the final judgment of God? (Compare Mark 3.28-
Ahaziah
Regarding Ahaziah, special note was taken that he followed "the wicked example of his father Ahab, his mother Jezebel, and King Jeroboam..." (v.52).
It would seem that the events of Mount Carmel and the killing of the prophets of Baal had done serious damage to Baal-worship in Israel. While the focus of Elijah's words here is on the fact that Ahaziah has not come to the Lord, it is also noteworthy that the king did not consult with some local Baal either.
2 Kings 1 begins with Ahaziah falling off the balcony on the roof of his palace. Seriously injured, he sent off messengers to consult Baalzebub, god of Ekron (v.2). (We meet this name in the New Testament as Beelzebul, prince of the demons - Matthew 12.22ff.)
Ekron was the most northern of five Philistine capitals and not far from the border with Judah. The Lord sent Elijah to intercept the messengers with the challenge, "Why are you going to consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron? Is it because you think there is no god in Israel?" and a word for the king, "You will die!" (vv.3-4). This message was delivered to the king.
• What are the "gods" that today's people consult when they are in trouble?
Fire!
It took the king little enquiry to conclude that "it's Elijah!" (v.8). He immediately sent a military detachment to bring Elijah forcibly back to the king (v.9).
Elijah responded to the order - "If I am a man of God, may fire come from heaven and kill you and your men!" (v.10)
What happened (twice!) seems just so very drastic to our ears! Why, we ask, should a hundred innocent lives be taken when it is the king who has turned against the Lord? There are three things to observe here.
(i) The first two captains participated fully in the disrespectful orders of the king, the second more strongly than the first.
(ii) The third captain took a humble attitude before the prophet, opening the possibility of the mercy and initiative of God.
(iii) In Luke 9.54-55, we read of James and John wanting to follow Elijah's example and being expressly rebuked by Jesus.
(ii) The third captain took a humble attitude before the prophet, opening the possibility of the mercy and initiative of God.
(iii) In Luke 9.54-
The issue was once again the old question of Mount Carmel - "Is there a God in Israel?" The background was the gross error and evils of Baal worship, promoted by the king's example and leadership.
• Consider the life of Ahaziah. Was he merely the product of his heredity and environment? or could he have chosen to follow the Lord?
• Are there people we know today who seem to be "victims of circumstances" and headed for disaster? How can they be helped to choose God and his good news in Christ?
• Are there people we know today who seem to be "victims of circumstances" and headed for disaster? How can they be helped to choose God and his good news in Christ?
Fire from Heaven. Studies in the Life of Elijah © Peter J. Blackburn 1990. Permission is given for this study to be copied in its entirety for group use. Courtesy advice of the use of these studies would be appreciated. Any other proposed use must have the written permission of the author. Email Peter Blackburn.
Study 8: A Chariot of Fire Bible Reference: 2 Kings 2.1-18
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Study 8: A Chariot of Fire Bible Reference: 2 Kings 2.1-
Fire from HeavenStudies in the Life of Elijah from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2
by Peter J. Blackburn