Day 183 – 2 Kings 1-4

Talking Points

• Since 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, 2 Kings continues where 1 Kings left off, with the reign of King Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, in Israel.
• In a picture of great love, care, and loyalty, Elisha refuses to leave Elijah as he makes his last journey. Three different times along the route, Elijah says, “Stay here.” Each time, Elisha responds, “I will not leave you.” Three different times, groups of prophets came out and warned, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” And, each time, Elisha says, “Yes, I know; be still” (2:2-3). I love God’s care for His spokesman, shown in the love of a loyal friend.
• Another miraculous crossing of the Jordan River takes place, a sign that God’s presence was with them.
• It’s worth slowing down and recognizing that, no matter how evil the kings became, no matter how wicked the nation grew, God always provided prophets among them. As Elijah is taken up in a chariot of fire, Elisha’s ministry begins.
• No matter how illogical God’s commands may seem to our human minds, true faith will be shown in obedience. God then blesses that faithful obedience.
• There is a beautiful account of a woman’s marvelous faith. Oh, to be so trusting as to walk in resolute obedience and, come what may, quickly declare, “It is well” (4:26).
• Elisha’s ministry is full of miraculous events, reflections of our kind, merciful, gracious God.

Thoughts

When King Ahaziah is injured, he seeks the advice of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron. Ahaziah was introduced in 1 Kings as a king who “served Baal and worshiped him” (1 Kings 22:53). Baal means “lord” and came to represent the pagan gods. Zebub marked a specific false god of the Ekronites, and literally translates “of flies.” So, Ahaziah, upon his serious condition, seeks out the “lord of the flies,” a false god thought to deliver from the serious pestering of flies.

God sends Elijah to intercept Ahaziah’s messengers, asking, “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3).

Think about how far Israel has fallen — a kingdom divided, wars on every side, warring within, a second capital, disgraced altars, false worship, grave sins, dishonor and disregard of the prophets, an idolatrous people, and a posing king is now actively seeking wisdom from a pagan god. In this move, Ahaziah was declaring his belief that God had no power, no wisdom, no authority, no presence. He was proving, as far as he was concerned, there was no God in Israel.

Yet, God never left them. He, in His infinite love, grace, and mercy, left them prophets. He moved in miraculous ways. His desire was for them to seek Him, to turn to Him, to trust Him. Today, it is the same. Why would we inquire of the world and its false gods, when our omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God has never left us? May we seek Him, turn to Him, and trust Him, alone.