Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, became king of Israel after Ahab’s death. As Ahab had ignored the Lord and worshipped Baal, so Ahaziah did not even acknowledge the Lord’s existence but embraced Baal as his god. Ahaziah fell through the roof and was dying from the injuries he suffered. With no thought towards God at all, he sends for a word from Baal. His men meet up Elijah on the way, and Elijah sends them back with a penetrating inquiry. 2 Kings 1:3 – “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?” Of course, it was a rhetorical question.
There was no doubt that there was a God in Israel! Ahaziah had more proof than he needed, he had just chosen and insisted on worshipping another god. To begin with, there was Elijah, a prophet of God who demonstrated God’s presence continually. Also, Ahaziah would have observed the conflicts between his father and Elijah, which included Elijah’s power from God, conquering the prophets of Baal, and unfailing prophecies. Finally, there was the last confrontation between Elijah and Ahaziah’s men where Elijah called down fire from heaven twice and consumed them! Again, not the first time Elijah and fire from heaven were in cooperation!
Ahaziah, though, would not be moved! Why? If he were to acknowledge God, he would have to serve God. If he were to serve God, he would have to change his wicked ways. Evidently, he would rather die than let go of his sin! So after only two years of reigning as king, Ahaziah dies a painful death in rebellion against God. It was not because there was no God in Israel, it was because Ahaziah willfully, stubbornly rejected him!
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