[The fall from height of king Ocozhyia of Israel].

An historic and literary analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of the fall from height experienced by Israeli King Ocozhyia (book of kings 2: 2-17). We conclude that the clinical course was brief, there was no brain injury and it is likely that he developed a fracture but no retroperitoneal, soft tissue or vascular injury. Most likely hypovolemia and respiratory insufficiency derived from thoraco-abdominal injury caused his death. The biblical writer apparently was close to the action.