Carol's Page

In 2 Kings 1 there is another odd response from God that seems to defy what we know about His character. As soldiers approach Elijiah at the command of the king, Elijiah calls on the power of God to kill the soldiers. This seems to be something like the ancient practice of killing the messenger. Although these were men who were serving the king they may have had little choice about their military service and whether they “enlisted” as patriots or were “drafted” as a requirement of their citizenship it was not their option to choose which orders they would follow and which one they would not follow. The response to destroy them rather than to reserve this wrath for the king pushes the binderies. Elijiah could have gone with them to the king and called down His wrath on the king. Why was the harshness of this episode necessary? What was the point – how did it affect the image of God among the people?

When considering the story of Achan’s sin and the potential consequences for all Israel does it seem just and in line with the loving God to punish an entire people for the actions of one?  What are other instances in the Old Testament where one man’s actions have such broad consequences?