2 Kings 1 14

2 Kings 1:14 kjv

Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

2 Kings 1:14 nkjv

Look, fire has come down from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifties with their fifties. But let my life now be precious in your sight."

2 Kings 1:14 niv

See, fire has fallen from heaven and consumed the first two captains and all their men. But now have respect for my life!"

2 Kings 1:14 esv

Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight."

2 Kings 1:14 nlt

See how the fire from heaven came down and destroyed the first two groups. But now please spare my life!"

2 Kings 1 verses

2 Kings 1 14 Meaning

2 Kings 1:14 describes the third captain of fifty and his men approaching the prophet Elijah. Unlike his prideful predecessors who perished by divine fire, this captain humbly prostrated himself before Elijah and pleaded for his own life and the lives of his fifty servants, asking that they be considered precious in Elijah's sight. This act of profound humility and respectful supplication led to Elijah's mercy, granted by God, sparing this third company from the same fiery judgment.

2 Kings 1 14 Context

The events of 2 Kings 1 immediately follow King Ahaziah of Israel's fall and subsequent injury. Instead of consulting the Lord, he sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, about his recovery. This idolatrous act provoked God, who then sent the prophet Elijah to intercept the messengers with a dire prophecy: because Ahaziah sought Baal-Zebub instead of the Lord, he would not leave his sickbed but would surely die (2 Kgs 1:3-4, 6, 16). King Ahaziah then dispatched two companies of fifty men, each led by a captain, to seize Elijah. The first two captains approached Elijah with an arrogant and demanding tone, stating, "Man of God, the king commands, 'Come down!'" (2 Kgs 1:9, 11). Both companies were consumed by divine fire that fell from heaven, a clear demonstration of God's authority upholding His prophet and judging human arrogance and defiance. Verse 14 depicts the approach of the third captain, contrasting sharply with his predecessors and setting the stage for Elijah's descent. This historical context reveals a continuation of the polemic against Baal worship and the reassertion of YHWH's supreme authority, directly challenging the notion that Baal-Zebub could offer any true help or possess power equal to God's.

2 Kings 1 14 Word analysis

• Then he went up and fell (וַיִּקְרַע וַיִּפֹּל, vayyēled wayyippōl): The word וַיִּקְרַע (vayyēled) in the Hebrew actually refers to going up to Elijah, suggesting Elijah was on a hill, while וַיִּפֹּל (wayyippōl) means 'and he fell'. This act of falling signifies deep humility, prostration, and complete submission. Unlike the previous captains who stood erect and delivered commands, this captain acknowledges Elijah's divine power by lowering himself to the dust. It contrasts human pride with a posture of absolute dependency on God's mercy through His prophet.
• on his knees (עַל בִּרְכָּיו, ‘al birkāw): This phrase emphasizes the posture of deep supplication. Kneeling is a universal sign of reverence, worship, and pleading for mercy. It implies a recognition of a superior authority and a willingness to humble oneself completely before it.
• implored him (וַיִּתְחַנֶּן לוֹ, vayyitḥannen lô): Derived from the root חָנַן (ḥānan), meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to have pity." In this reflexive form (hitpael), it means "to seek grace," "to plead for mercy," or "to show oneself as suppliant." This verb powerfully conveys a desperate, earnest plea for compassion rather than a demand.
• Oh man of God (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, ’ish ha’Elohim): While the previous captains also used this title, their tone was one of contempt or factual recognition devoid of respect. Here, spoken from a posture of humility and plea, it transforms into an address of genuine reverence, acknowledging Elijah's direct connection to YHWH and the divine power inherent in him. It signifies recognizing YHWH's authority present in His prophet.
• Let my life (נַפְשִׁי, nafshī): Literally "my soul" or "my being," used here as a metonymy for 'my life'. It indicates a personal, desperate plea for individual preservation.
• and the life of these fifty your servants (וְנֶפֶשׁ הַחֲמִשִּׁים עֲבָדֶיךָ אֵלֶּה, wənefeš haḥămiššīm ‘ăvādeykā ‘ēlleh): This shows the captain's concern not only for himself but also for the men under his command. It reveals a leadership quality that considers the well-being of others, contrasting with the self-serving attitude of King Ahaziah and implying a deeper level of righteousness compared to the previous captains who made no such plea for their men. This communal plea underscores the depth of his humility and sincerity.
• be precious in your sight (יֵקַר לְפָנֶיךָ, yêqar ləpāneyḵā): The verb יֵקַר (yêqar) means "to be precious," "to be esteemed," or "to be rare/valuable." The phrase literally means "be valuable/precious before your face/presence." It is a plea for mercy and for their lives to be held in high regard, recognized as having worth and therefore to be spared. It’s a direct appeal for divine favor and protection, mediated through Elijah.

2 Kings 1 14 Bonus section

The story of the third captain highlights not only individual humility but also an often-overlooked aspect of righteous leadership: a care for one's subordinates. Unlike the king's callous disregard for the 100 soldiers he sent to face certain death, this captain included his men in his plea for life, demonstrating a valuable quality often associated with godly leaders (compare Exod 32:32, where Moses intercedes for Israel). This narrative functions as a potent counter-example to King Ahaziah's defiance. It serves as a profound biblical object lesson: recognizing the authority of God’s prophet, expressed through sincere humility and an earnest plea for mercy, results in divine favor, whereas proud opposition brings swift judgment. It reveals a deep truth about the character of God: He remains open to showing mercy when truly sought, even after demonstrating His fiery justice against arrogance.

2 Kings 1 14 Commentary

2 Kings 1:14 stands as a profound testament to the power of humility before God's mighty hand. While King Ahaziah exemplified defiant pride and disregard for God's authority, sending armed companies to confront a prophet, the third captain chose an entirely different path. His dramatic act of falling on his knees and imploring Elijah, along with his compassionate plea for the lives of his men, perfectly contrasts the arrogance that led to the destruction of the first two companies. This shift in posture from demanding obedience to seeking grace unlocked God's mercy. It underscores the biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6). The captain’s appeal for his life and the lives of his servants to "be precious in your sight" acknowledges Elijah's divine agency and God's sovereign power over life and death. This instance serves as a clear illustration that sincere humility and a desperate cry for mercy can turn away divine wrath, even in the face of previous severe judgments, emphasizing that God's desire for genuine repentance transcends His need to display unyielding justice in all circumstances.