The history of the second Book of Kings is a continuation of that contained in the first Book. There everything ended with the dark days immediately following the death of Ahab and the passing into comparative obscurity of Elijah. This book centers first around Elisha.
The condition of things is evident from the opening statement of this chapter. Israel was at war with Moab. Ahaziah, the son of Alah, was on the throne; he was an evil man, and unable to govern because of sickness. He sought counsel from Baal-zebub, the god of Ehon. Elijah, who had been in seclusion, suddenly appeared, protesting against this action of the king. Twice Ahaziah attempted to capture him, and in each case the answer of God on behalf of His servant was a swift judgment of fire. At last Elijah went to the king and pronounced a sentence on him that was immediately carried out.
Thus, while we see the terrible degradation of the nation, we also observe how the testimony of truth was kept alive, and how over the ruin of His people through apostasy God was still governing and moving carrying out His own purpose.
To all such as are in any way called into fellowship with God in service how great a vision this is. There is nothing more calculated to keep the heart firm and steady than this truth perpetually taught through Old Testament history, that God abides, and retains in His own hand the reins of government.