Bible Explorer · Event · c. 852 BC

Holy Fire Consumes Two Captains and Elijah Spares the Third

Injured after falling through his upper lattice in Samaria, King Ahaziah sends three successive captains with fifty men each to arrest the prophet Elijah on the hilltop; twice the arrogant captains command the man of God to come down, and twice fire falls from heaven to consume them; the third captain falls on his knees, begging that his life and his men’s lives be precious in Elijah’s eyes; the Angel of the LORD commands Elijah to go down fearlessly, and Elijah pronounces the king’s impending death face-to-face.

Chronology and Dating

Date: c. 852 BC · Note: Solemn confrontation marking the closing days of Ahaziah’s two-year reign before Elijah’s ascension.

Scripture References

2 Kings 1:9-15

Biblical Figures Involved

Event Locations

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