Elijah Concludes His Ministry

This record of Israel's history would have originally had the Jews living in Babylon during their seventy year captivity, as its readers. It gave them the reasons why there was no kingdom in the Land of Israel and why they were in captivity. The explanation is clear that the reason Israel & Judah were suffering in exile was God's judgment for their having failed to repent of their idolatry.

Another theme through this record of history testifies to the faithfulness of God to His Word. What He had said, through the prophets, came true exactly as He said.

Another thread through this section reveals God remaining faithful to His servant David and the promises He made to him.

The seamless transition from 1 Kings to 2 Kings picks up with the ministry of Elijah during the reign of Ahaziah, the godless son of Ahab & Jezebel.

God was greatly offended by Ahaziah's inquiry of the god of Ekron concerning his recovery from an injury. Elijah is sent with a message from God about what the outcome will be, and in effect, pronouncing His judgment. In the series of events that transpired Elijah called down fire from heaven twice, killing the first two contingents sent by Ahaziah to inquire of Baal-zebub. The third is spared when they plead for mercy. But nothing moved Ahaziah to repent so he died, just as God said he would.