Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 1:13

"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." — 2 Kings 1:13 (ASV)

A captain of the third fifty. — Literally, a captain of a third fifty. But 2 Kings 1:11, “another captain of fifty,” and the phrase which follows here, “the third captain of fifty,” indicate the right reading, “a third captain of fifty.” (So Septuagint and Vulgate)

Fell. — Margin. (Compare to Isaiah 46:1, Bel boweth down.)

Besought him. — Begged favour, grace, or compassion of him (Genesis 42:21; Hosea 12:5).

These fifty your servants. — Or, these your servants, fifty (men), laying stress on the number of lives.

Be precious in your sight. — Compare to Psalms 72:14; 1 Samuel 26:21.