After the death of Ahab, King Ahaziah suffered a terrible fall and wondered whether he would live or not (2 Kings 1.1ff). He sent messengers to consult Baal-zebub ("lord of flies") to find out if he would get better. Not much is known about Baal-zebub, but it seemed that he was Philistine god of oracles. Elijah met up with the messengers and gave them a question they were to deliver to the king: "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you seek Baal-zebub?" Not only was God the true king of Israel, but his chosen prophets also were leaders over the people. Israel's kings only had the power that God granted them. Prophets had a unique role because they were God's mouth pieces to the king. Failing to honor and respect the prophets was the same as failing to honor and respect God.
King Ahaziah then sent one of his captains and his 50 men to consult Elijah. The author of this narrative uses "come down" thematically to emphasize the respect that God's prophets should receive. As Elijah was sitting on a hilltop, the captain disrespectfully demands, man of God "come down!" The only thing to "come down" was a consuming fire (1.9-10). The king sent another captain and his 50 men (2 Kgs. 1.11-12). This captain also demanded that Elijah "come down." Again, fire "came down" and consumed the captain and his men. The king sends another captain and his 50 men to bring Elijah. This captain wisely evaluated the past and carefully considered his approach. He "went up" to Elijah and "came down" on his knees to ask Elijah to come. Note how this captain recognized Elijah's role for he referred to himself and the 50 men as "your" servants, not the king's servants (1.13). What "came down" this time? Elijah!
The lesson: respect for God's leaders produces positive results. Two captains did not respect Elijah and 102 people died because of it.
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