https://esv.literalword.com/?q=2+Kings+1
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 30 September 2025:
Here is a short video overview of 1-2 Kings: https://youtu.be/bVFW3wbi9pk
2 Kings 1:1-2 — After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.”
Immediately after Ahab’s death, instability strikes Israel. Moab rebels, and Ahab’s son Ahaziah suffers an accident leaving him bedridden. In his crisis, instead of seeking Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, Ahaziah sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, a Philistine god whose name means “lord of the flies.” Note: Israelite scribes may have altered the name from Baal Zebul (“Baal the Prince” or “Lord of the High House”) into Baal Zebub to mock him as “Lord of the Flies.” Later in Scripture, this title is associated with Satan himself (Matthew 12:24). Ahaziah’s instinct under pressure reveals his heart — he had no relationship with God and no desire to seek Him. In moments of desperation, where we turn reveals who or what we trust. Idolatry, at its core, is placing hope, security, or answers in anything or anyone other than the living God (Isaiah 44:9–20; Jeremiah 2:13). Be very careful – even Christians who seek to follow Jesus might be tempted to seek answers from somewhere else when they don’t seem to be getting the answers from God they are seeking. Trust God to answer all your prayers in His perfect way and His perfect timing – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
2 Kings 1:3-4 — But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the LORD, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’”
God interrupts Ahaziah’s attempt at idolatrous counsel by sending His prophet Elijah. The rhetorical question, “Is it because there is no God in Israel?”, cuts to the heart of unbelief. The true God was present and had revealed Himself, yet Ahaziah chose the false god of another nation. The consequence was certain: “You shall surely die.” Rejecting God and seeking guidance elsewhere leads to death, both physically and spiritually (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 6:23). The greater reality, of course, is that physical death is inevitable for all, but eternal life is in Christ. Seeking his life, Ahaziah rejected the Source of Life – “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26)
2 Kings 1:5-8 — The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” … They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
Elijah’s identity was unmistakable. His rough garment of hair and leather belt later became the model for John the Baptist’s attire (Matthew 3:4), showing prophetic continuity. Both men were marked by holy distinctiveness in contrast to worldly kings. The world recognizes God’s messengers not by luxury or status but by holiness, conviction, and truth (Hebrews 11:36-38).
2 Kings 1:6-7 — And they said to him, “There came a man to meet us, and said to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the LORD, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?”
Idolatry is not just a mistake; it is an offense against the living God. To value something above God or to seek wisdom apart from Him is to deny His Lordship. This is why God repeats the question: “Is it because there is no God in Israel?” Again, where do you go for answers, really? Do you trust in experts, trends, or personal instincts above God’s word? (Psalm 1:1–3; James 1:5).
2 Kings 1:9-10 — Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty men with his fifty. He went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Instead of repenting, Ahaziah responds with arrogance and hostility, sending troops to seize God’s prophet. His command, “Come down,” reflects his attempt to assert authority over God’s messenger. But the fire of God consumes them, demonstrating that God will not be mocked. This recalls the fire from heaven at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38), a symbol of God’s power and holiness. Following ungodly leadership leads to destruction. These soldiers were destroyed because they obeyed a wicked king rather than honoring God. Scripture warns, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Bad leaders can lead people into death, both temporal and eternal.
2 Kings 1:11-12 — Again the king sent to him another captain of fifty men with his fifty…. But Elijah answered them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
Ahaziah doubles down on his defiance, sending a second group with the same arrogance. They too are consumed. Repetition here shows man’s stubbornness and God’s uncompromising holiness. As Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
2 Kings 1:13-15 — Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain … fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.”
The third captain takes a different approach. Instead of demanding, he humbles himself and pleads for mercy. God spares him and his men. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). This scene foreshadows the gospel truth: ultimately, only those who humble themselves before God’s authority find life-saving mercy.
2 Kings 1:16-17 — Elijah said to the king, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, … you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ So he died according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken.”
God’s word proves true. Ahaziah dies just as the Lord declared. He sought answers from idols, but it brought him judgment. In contrast, those who seek the Lord find life (Deuteronomy 30:19–20; John 10:10).
2 Kings 1:18 — Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
Ahaziah’s reign was short, and his legacy was one of rebellion and idolatry. His story is a warning: no matter your status or position, rejecting God leads to ruin, while humility and repentance bring mercy and life. At the end of your days on earth, the only thing that will matter will be what did you do with Jesus.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 30 September 2025: 2 Kings 1 is a stark warning about idolatry, pride, and misplaced trust, and a beautiful reminder of God’s mercy for the humble. Ahaziah, when struck down, sought answers from a false god rather than the living God of Israel. His defiance brought judgment. Two captains arrogantly demanded Elijah’s presence and were consumed by fire. But the third captain humbled himself, and God spared his life and the lives of his men. The lessons are clear: 1) Idolatry is not just bowing to statues but seeking hope, security, or answers outside of God. 2) Pride leads to destruction; humility opens the door to mercy. 3) God’s word is final — His promises of judgment and salvation are always fulfilled. When faced with a decision, pressure, or fear today, pause and ask yourself: Where am I looking for answers? Instead of leaning first on your instincts, resources, or worldly wisdom, turn immediately to God in prayer and His Word. Consciously replace self-reliance with dependence on God. If pride or impatience tempts you to take control, humble yourself before Him, asking for His guidance and grace.
Pray: “Father, forgive me for the times I have looked elsewhere for answers instead of turning first to You. Keep me from idolatry and pride, and teach me to walk in humility, like the captain who bowed before Your prophet. Help me to seek You as my first and only refuge in every situation today. Guide my decisions by Your Word and Spirit, and may my life reflect trust, obedience, and reverence for You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 