Friday, November 1 – Psalms 83, 2 Kings 1 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 16, “Fall of the House of Ahab”

1. Against whom were the nations fighting that wanted to destroy Israel? (Psalms 83:11, 12, 17, 18)

2. Whom did Ahaziah consult after his accident? (2 Kings 1:2)

3. How was the third captain of fifty, whom Ahaziah sent, wiser than the others? (2 Kings 1:13-15)

Commentary and Reflection:

In Psalm 83, the author begins by presenting an accusation against the enemies of Israel in the first eight verses. The imprecatory prayer continues from verses 9 to 18. A coalition of nations has formed, comprising about ten peoples. Notably, among these nations are those related to Israel, such as the Edomites, descendants of Esau, and Moab and Ammon, born from Lot’s incest with his daughters. The psalm reflects the imminent danger over the people.

The psalmist acknowledges that their only help comes from God Himself. It has been rightly noted that when God’s children are stripped of material resources, they learn to trust Him, just as in the days of Gideon, when Israel’s victory over the Midianites came from the Lord. Therefore, the prayer references Sisera and Jabin (v. 9).

Verse 18 serves as the central focus of this plea: that the nations recognize that God’s name is Yahweh, the God who keeps His covenant with His children, and that He is the Most High over all the earth.

In 2 Kings, the narrative continues with the events of the divided kingdom of Israel. We see a connection between the last three verses of 1 Kings 22 and 2 Kings 1, demonstrating that the division between the two books of Kings is purely arbitrary (v. 1).

Moab’s rebellion against Israel occurred because, during David’s reign, Moab was made a vassal of Israel (2 Samuel 8:2). Apparently, due to the turmoil in Israel after Solomon’s death and the division of the kingdom, the Moabites took advantage of Ahab’s death and Ahaziah’s illness to rebel. An archaeological discovery in 1868, known as the Moabite Stone, provides significant details about these incidents.

After the death of the wicked king Ahab, his son Ahaziah took the throne, carrying the same legacy of sin as his father. Ahaziah suffered an accident when he fell through a window of his palace in Samaria. His health deteriorated, and instead of consulting the God of Israel, he stubbornly sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the Canaanite god of Ekron, about whether he would recover. Baal-Zebub was the “lord of the flies.” At that time, the Canaanites worshiped flies as deities. The meaning of the name of this god was “Lord Prince of the Earth.”

In the New Testament, this god appears as Beelzebub, interpreted as “prince of demons” (Matthew 12:24). The Jewish leaders accused Jesus of performing miracles under the power of Beelzebub (another name for Satan).

Returning to Ahaziah’s story, the prophet Elijah appears in the final stage of his prophetic ministry. In response to Ahaziah’s rebellious decision to consult a pagan god regarding his health, the Angel of the Lord (Jesus Himself) sends Elijah to intercept the king’s messengers and deliver a severe rebuke. The message was clear and final: “You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die” (v. 16, NKJV).

It is important to note that Ahaziah attempted to capture Elijah three times, likely out of pride and his refusal to accept the prophet’s rebuke (vv. 9-16). Once again, we see a merciful God who offers multiple opportunities even to the most rebellious sinner. The miracles performed by Elijah with the two groups of fifty soldiers who perished were opportunities for Ahaziah to reflect and repent. Ultimately, he faced the consequences of his rebellion. As he had no sons, he was succeeded by his brother Joram.

Before a person faces the disastrous consequences of their behavior, God offers them many opportunities to change course.

Ellen G. White notes: “The history of King Ahaziah’s sin and its punishment has in it a warning which none can disregard with impunity. Men today may not pay homage to heathen gods, yet thousands are worshiping at Satan’s shrine as verily as did the king of Israel. The spirit of idolatry is rife in the world today, although, under the influence of science and education, it has assumed forms more refined and attractive than in the days when Ahaziah sought to the God of Ekron. Every day adds its sorrowful evidence that faith in the sure word of prophecy is decreasing, and that in its stead superstition and satanic witchery are captivating the minds of many.” (Prophets and Kings, 210)

May God’s blessings be with you.