2 Kings 1:13

KJV

And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sent {H7971} again {H7725} a captain {H8269} of the third {H7992} fifty {H2572} with his fifty {H2572}. And the third {H7992} captain {H8269} of fifty {H2572} went up {H5927}, and came {H935} and fell {H3766} on his knees {H1290} before {H5048} Elijah {H452}, and besought {H2603} him, and said {H1696} unto him, O man {H376} of God {H430}, I pray thee, let my life {H5315}, and the life {H5315} of these fifty {H2572} thy servants {H5650}, be precious {H3365} in thy sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king sent a third commander of fifty, with his fifty men. The third commander of fifty climbed up, approached Eliyahu and fell on his knees before him. He pleaded with him: "Man of God, please! Have some regard for my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours!

Berean Standard Bible

So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight.

American Standard Version

And again he sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 1:13 marks a dramatic turning point in the confrontation between King Ahaziah and the prophet Elijah, showcasing the profound contrast between defiant arrogance and life-saving humility. Following two previous attempts by the king to seize Elijah, which resulted in divine judgment by fire consuming the royal captains and their men, this verse introduces a third captain who approaches the prophet not with a demand, but with a posture of profound reverence and a desperate plea for mercy, thereby securing his own life and the lives of his fifty soldiers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a narrative arc in 2 Kings 1 that begins with King Ahaziah's injury and his decision to consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, rather than the Lord God of Israel. Elijah, as God's prophet, intercepts Ahaziah's messengers and delivers a pronouncement of death due to the king's idolatry and lack of faith. In response, Ahaziah dispatches two successive captains, each with fifty soldiers, to apprehend Elijah. Both captains, adopting an arrogant and demanding tone, are consumed by fire from heaven at Elijah's word, demonstrating God's fierce protection of His prophet and His judgment against those who defy His authority ([2 Kings 1:10](/2_kings/1-10 "2 Kings 1:10 - First Captain Consumed") and [2 Kings 1:12](/2_kings/1-12 "2 Kings 1:12 - Second Captain Consumed")). The scene in verse 13, therefore, presents a critical moment of decision, where the third captain's radical shift in approach breaks the cycle of divine wrath and introduces the theme of grace in response to humility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the reign of King Ahaziah of Israel, son of the infamous Ahab and Jezebel, who continued his parents' legacy of Baal worship and apostasy. The consultation of Baal-zebub, a Philistine deity, underscores Ahaziah's rejection of Yahweh as the sole God of Israel. The military structure of a "captain of fifty" was a common unit in ancient Israelite and Near Eastern armies, highlighting the king's direct command and the hierarchical nature of power. Elijah, as a "man of God," held immense spiritual authority, often challenging royal power in the name of Yahweh. The act of falling on one's knees was a universally recognized gesture of supplication, reverence, and submission to a superior, whether human or divine, contrasting sharply with the customary standing posture of a royal messenger delivering a command. This cultural understanding amplifies the captain's desperate and humble plea.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes. Foremost is the **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** of Yahweh, who demonstrates His absolute authority over kings and armies, executing swift judgment upon those who defy Him and disrespect His anointed. This is juxtapasted with the theme of **Humility vs. Arrogance**, where the first two captains' pride and presumption lead to their destruction, while the third captain's humility and reverence pave the way for mercy. The narrative also highlights the **Authority and Protection of God's Prophet**, showing that Elijah is not merely a man but an instrument of divine power, whose words carry the weight of God's decree. Finally, the passage underscores the **Power of Supplication and Intercession**, illustrating that a genuine, humble plea for life and mercy can avert divine wrath, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _’îsh hā’ĕlōhîm'_):** This is a significant and recurring title in the Old Testament, specifically used to refer to a prophet or a divine messenger. It emphasizes that the individual's authority, power, and message do not originate from themselves but are directly derived from and commissioned by Yahweh. The third captain's use of this title, unlike his predecessors who merely commanded, signifies his profound recognition of Elijah's divine connection and the true source of his formidable power. It is an acknowledgment of Elijah's unique status as God's representative.
* **Fell on his knees (Hebrew, _wayyiḵra‘ ‘al-birkāyw'_):** This physical action is a universal gesture of profound humility, submission, reverence, and supplication. In the ancient Near East, it was a posture adopted when approaching a king, a deity, or a superior with a plea. In this context, it starkly contrasts with the arrogant stance of the previous captains and visually communicates the third captain's complete surrender and desperate appeal for mercy, recognizing Elijah's power to grant or deny life.
* **Precious in thy sight (Hebrew, _yîqār bə‘êyneyḵā'_):** The verb `yāqar` means "to be heavy, valuable, precious, costly." The phrase "precious in thy sight" is a plea for Elijah to regard their lives as valuable, worthy of preservation, and to show favor or mercy. It is an acknowledgment that Elijah, as the "man of God," holds the power of life and death in this situation, and the captain is appealing to his sense of compassion and divine authority to spare them, rather than demand their release.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty."**: This clause indicates King Ahaziah's unwavering determination to capture Elijah, despite the catastrophic failure of the previous two attempts. It highlights the king's continued defiance and refusal to acknowledge the divine power at work through Elijah, yet it also sets the stage for a different outcome due to the change in the messenger's approach.
* **"And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee,"**: This is the pivotal moment of the verse. Unlike his predecessors who issued commands, this captain actively chooses a posture of humility and reverence. "Went up" implies ascending to Elijah's location, and "came and fell on his knees" signifies a complete submission and desperate plea. Addressing Elijah as "O man of God" demonstrates a profound respect for the prophet's divine commission, acknowledging the source of his power and authority. The phrase "I pray thee" is a direct and earnest entreaty, signaling a request for mercy rather than a demand.
* **"let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight."**: This final clause articulates the captain's humble and desperate petition. He is not demanding his life or the lives of his men, but rather appealing to Elijah's compassion and divine prerogative to value and spare them. By referring to his men as "thy servants," he further emphasizes their submission and dependence, placing their fate entirely in Elijah's hands, which are ultimately God's hands.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and convey its theological message. **Contrast** is the most prominent, starkly highlighting the difference between the first two captains' arrogant demands and the third captain's humble supplication. This contrast underscores the theme of divine judgment for pride versus divine mercy for humility. **Repetition** of the phrase "captain of fifty with his fifty" emphasizes the king's persistent but futile attempts and the consistent number of men sent, making the third captain's divergent approach all the more striking. **Symbolism** is also present, with the "fire from heaven" symbolizing God's swift and consuming judgment against defiance, while the act of "falling on his knees" symbolizes profound humility, reverence, and desperate petition. The narrative structure itself builds **suspense**, leading the reader to anticipate a similar fiery fate for the third group, only to resolve it with an unexpected act of grace, thereby emphasizing the power of a changed heart and posture before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the character of God, who, while just and holy in His judgment against defiance and idolatry, is also merciful and responsive to genuine humility and repentance. It serves as a powerful reminder that human power, military might, or royal decrees are utterly insignificant when confronted with the absolute sovereignty of God. The fate of the captains demonstrates that God "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." The third captain's actions provide a model for how humanity ought to approach the divine: not with demands or defiance, but with reverent submission, acknowledging God's authority, and humbly appealing for His mercy. This principle is foundational to a right relationship with God, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a recognition of our utter dependence on His grace.

* [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Scorns Scorners, Gives Grace to Humble")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the three captains offers a timeless and potent lesson for our own lives, particularly in how we approach divine authority and respond to God's will. The first two captains represent the human tendency towards arrogance, self-reliance, and defiance when confronted with truth or correction. Their demand for Elijah to "come down" was a demand for God's power to submit to human will, a posture that inevitably leads to destruction. In contrast, the third captain's humble posture, his recognition of Elijah as a "man of God," and his earnest plea for life exemplify the path to grace and preservation. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we approach God with demands, expecting Him to conform to our desires, or do we come with a humble and contrite spirit, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His mercy? In moments of divine conviction, challenging circumstances, or when faced with God's commands, the default human response can often be resistance or pride. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility, recognizing our dependence on God, valuing His word, and understanding that true life and favor are found not in defiance, but in humble submission and earnest supplication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my typical posture (spiritual and emotional) before God reflect my understanding of His absolute sovereignty and my own dependence?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be unknowingly approaching God with a demanding or arrogant spirit, rather than one of humility and supplication?**
* **What does it mean to truly value "life" (both physical and spiritual) in a way that aligns with God's perspective, as demonstrated by the third captain?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more humble and supplicating heart in my daily prayers and interactions with God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Why did God spare the third captain and his fifty men when the first two groups were consumed by fire?**

Answer: The stark difference in outcome is directly tied to the change in the captain's attitude and approach. The first two captains approached Elijah with arrogance, issuing commands from King Ahaziah and demanding Elijah's submission. Their words and posture demonstrated a profound disrespect for God's prophet and, by extension, for God Himself. In contrast, the third captain "fell on his knees before Elijah," a posture of deep humility and reverence. He addressed Elijah as "O man of God," acknowledging his divine authority, and "besought him," pleading for mercy rather than making a demand. God responds to a humble and contrite heart, showing grace to those who acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His favor, while resisting the proud ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")). This passage illustrates God's justice against defiance and His mercy towards humility.

**What is the significance of the title "man of God" in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (`’îsh hā’ĕlōhîm` in Hebrew) is a significant designation in the Old Testament, primarily used for prophets who serve as direct messengers and representatives of Yahweh. It signifies that the individual's authority, power, and words are not their own, but are derived directly from God. When the third captain addresses Elijah as "O man of God," it is a profound acknowledgment of Elijah's divine commission and the source of his extraordinary power. Unlike the previous captains who treated Elijah as a mere rebel to be apprehended, this captain recognized Elijah's true identity as one through whom God Himself was acting. This recognition of divine authority was crucial to his humble appeal and God's subsequent mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic encounter in 2 Kings 1:13, where humility triumphs over arrogance and secures life, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Elijah, as a "man of God," wielded divine power and was an agent of God's judgment and mercy. Yet, he was but a foreshadowing of the ultimate "Man of God," Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The captain's desperate plea for his life to be "precious in thy sight" echoes humanity's universal need for salvation and spiritual life, a need that only Christ can meet. While the captain sought physical preservation from a prophet's word, Christ offers eternal life through His atoning sacrifice. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making our lives truly precious in the sight of God the Father by reconciling us to Him. Furthermore, the humility displayed by the third captain points to the supreme humility of Christ Himself, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Unlike the arrogant kings and captains who defied God, Christ perfectly embodied obedience and submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His humble sacrifice, He provides the only way for us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our lives are indeed precious in His sight, secured by the blood of the One who perfectly fulfilled the law and prophets ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Numbers 12:11

And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

Numbers 12:13

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

Psalms 102:17

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.