‏ 2 Kings 1

* The revolt of Moab-Sickness of Ahaziah, king of Israel. (1-8)

Fire called from heaven by Elijah-Death of Ahaziah. (9-18)

1-8 When Ahaziah rebelled against the Lord, Moab revolted from

him. Sin weakens and impoverishes us. Man's revolt from God is

often punished by the rebellion of those who owe subjection to

him. Ahaziah fell through a lattice, or railing. Wherever we go,

there is but a step between us and death. A man's house is his

castle, but not to secure him against God's judgments. The whole

creation, which groans under the burden of man's sin, will, at

length, sink and break under the weight like this lattice. He is

never safe that has God for his enemy. Those that will not

inquire of the word of God for their comfort, shall hear it to

their terror, whether they will or no. 9-18 Elijah called for fire from heaven, to consume the

haughty, daring sinners; not to secure himself, but to prove his

mission, and to reveal the wrath of God from heaven, against the

ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Elijah did this by a

Divine impulse, yet our Saviour would not allow the disciples to

do the like, #Lu 9:54|. The dispensation of the Spirit and of

grace by no means allowed it. Elijah was concerned for God's

glory, those for their own reputation. The Lord judges men's

practices by their principles, and his judgment is according to

truth. The third captain humbled himself, and cast himself upon

the mercy of God and Elijah. There is nothing to be got by

contending with God; and those are wise for themselves, who

learn submission from the fatal end of obstinacy in others. The

courage of faith has often struck terror into the heart of the

proudest sinner. So thunderstruck is Ahaziah with the prophet's

words, that neither he, nor any about him, offer him violence.

Who can harm those whom God shelters? Many who think to prosper

in sin, are called hence like Ahaziah, when they do not expect

it. All warns us to seek the Lord while he may be found.