King Ahaziah, son of King Ahab suffered a tragic fall from the second story of his palace. While confined to bed, he was worried about his future and wanted to know if his health would recover. He chose to send messengers to Ekron to inquire of the god Baal-Zebub.
On the way, they were intercepted by Elijah, with a message from God, indicating that Ahaziah would not recover and would die in bed. When this message was relayed to Ahaziah, he was furious that Elijah became involved. Intent on capturing Elijah, the king sent a Captain and fifty men to seize Elijah. Fire from Heaven consumed these men and a second group of fifty men. A third group of fifty men under the command of a Captain approached Elijah and asked for mercy. God instructed Elijah to go with the men. Elijah’s message to the king remained the same and the king died. [Reflection based on the Bible Reference – 2 Kings 1:2-17]
