This second book of the Kings (which the LXX., numbering from Samuel, called the fourth) is a continuation of the former book; and, some think, might better have been made to begin with the 1 Kings 22:51–53, where the reign of Ahaziah begins.

We have here Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel, under God’s rebukes both by his providence and by his prophet, by his rod and by his word. I. He is crossed in his affairs.

Here, I. The king issues out a warrant for the apprehending of Elijah. If the God of Ekron had told him he should die, it is probable he would have taken it quietly; but now that a prophet of the Lord tells him so, reproving him for his sin and reminding him of the God of Israel, he cannot bear it.