Ahazya (Part 8)

In this story those whose ascent was positive, merit also to come down. Those whose ascent was bound up with sin (Ahazya and the first two captains) do not merit to come down from the place of their ascent, for they die. The victory of Eliyahu, as bearer of God's word, is expressed not only in his "ascent" at the beginning of the story but also in the fact that he later "comes down." His descent is to life and safety, and he completes his mission by standing before the wicked king and fearlessly declaring God's message to him.