We will leave Proverbs again for a while and go on to 2 Kings. Originally 1 and 2 Kings formed a single book, but were split purely for the convenience of scribes. 1 Kings started with the reign of Solomon and then the division of the Israel into northern and southern kingdoms, and the descent of the nation. The descent continues in 2 Kings, with Israel being conquered by Assyria and finally Babylon conquering Judah. However, there are some high points as well, notably Hezekiah and Josiah.
2 Kings starts by telling us that Moab had rebelled against Israel. David had brought Moab under subjugation, but when a nation turns from God they find that their authority starts to seep away as well.
Ahaziah had injured himself and his moral depravity is shown by the fact that he sent messengers to consult an idol, Baal-Zerub, when he should have been consulting the Lord. So Elijah was sent to confront the king by speaking to his messengers and a sentence of death is pronounced upon him.
Ahaziah recognised that it was Elijah who had spoken to his messengers. So he sent a captain and some troops to see Elijah, but Elijah sent fire down on the soldiers. This was repeated a second time. A third captain was sent, but this time he pleaded with Elijah, knowing what had happened to the previous two.
However, the king still died, as foretold by Elijah.
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