Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, fire is often depicted as a divine instrument of judgment and power. One of the most striking instances of miraculous fire is found in the account of the prophet Elijah, where fire from heaven is used to destroy his enemies. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 1:9-14.Context and Background Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, was active during the reign of King Ahaziah of Israel. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, continued in the idolatrous practices of his parents, provoking the Lord's anger. After suffering an injury, Ahaziah sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, rather than seeking guidance from the God of Israel. In response, the angel of the Lord instructed Elijah to confront the messengers and deliver a message of judgment to Ahaziah, declaring that he would not recover from his injury. The Confrontation Upon hearing Elijah's message, Ahaziah sent a captain with fifty men to apprehend the prophet. The captain approached Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and commanded him, "Man of God, the king says, 'Come down!'" Elijah responded, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men." As recorded in 2 Kings 1:10 , "Then fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men." Undeterred, Ahaziah sent another captain with fifty men. The second captain issued the same command, and Elijah again called down fire from heaven, resulting in the same fiery destruction (2 Kings 1:11-12). The Third Captain A third captain was sent, but he approached Elijah with humility and reverence, falling on his knees and pleading for mercy. Recognizing the sincerity of the captain's plea, the angel of the Lord instructed Elijah to go down with him and not be afraid. Elijah complied and delivered the message of judgment directly to Ahaziah, who subsequently died as foretold (2 Kings 1:13-17). Theological Significance This miraculous event underscores the authority and power of God, who defends His prophets and executes judgment against those who oppose His will. The fire from heaven serves as a tangible demonstration of divine intervention, affirming Elijah's role as a true prophet of God. It also highlights the futility of opposing God's chosen messengers and the importance of approaching God with humility and reverence. The destruction of Ahaziah's men by fire from heaven is a vivid reminder of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of idolatry and rebellion against Him. It serves as a powerful testament to the reality that God is a consuming fire, as described in Hebrews 12:29, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 1:10,12And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume you and your fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs. The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution. The Martyrdom of Stephen. Book 9 Footnotes Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ... Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy The Inexhaustible Barrel Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Doctrine of the Last Things. Resources How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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