The Problematic Death of Ahaziah

2 Kings 9 and 2 Chronicles 22 both give account of Ahaziah's death.  The two accounts however give, at best, different details, and at worst, conflicting details.

Here is one of those Bible 'discrepancies' that potentially gives both the Bible 'thumper' and the Bible antagonist concern.  For face value, the accounts are in conflict.  With only a little 'allowance' however, each account could simply be recording different details of the same event.  Without additional historical record, there is simply no way to prove or refute the potential discrepancy.  Unless archaeology uncovers additional historical records, there only remain the two accounts of the one event - one has no way to know if they are 'separate pieces of the same puzzle' or pieces of completely different puzzles with no way of knowing which of the puzzles portrays the correct and accurate picture.

I think the opposing views of this 'discrepancy' should both take a long hard look at their respective motivations for their views.

One side, in all likelihood, is antagonistic towards Bible subsequent to first being resentful to the message and God of the Bible.  A discrepancy such as is found in the account of Ahaziah's death presents a perfect "Aha!" moment to discredit the Bible and therefore justify dismissing God altogether.

For the other side however, there is a 'phobia' about inerrancy - more like a co-dependence upon the doctrine of inerrancy - that disallows for human error in the Divine conveyance of God's Word.  It comes across that to admit that if the men who 'told' the story made a mistake, then God must be mistaken.  This conclusion is simply a bad one.

More times than not however, the argument over particular 'problematic" scriptures is not so much about the Bible as it is about coming to terms with God (for both sides).  It is my opinion that too much attention is focused on the Bible as compared to the attention given to the God of the Bible.  It is much easier to have a relationship with, or a disdain for, a book that can be seen than with God Who cannot be seen.

Father, I know that I believe You.  I came to this faith through the telling of Your Story to me - by mouth and by the Bible - and I am eternally grateful.  Thank You that Your Word is alive and well.  I know this because the Story continues to unfold in my life.