2 Kings 1:16

KJV

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H1696} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Forasmuch as thou hast sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to enquire {H1875} of Baalzebub {H1176} the god {H430} of Ekron {H6138}, is it not because there is no God {H430} in Israel {H3478} to enquire {H1875} of his word {H1697}? therefore thou shalt not come down {H3381} off that bed {H4296} on which thou art gone up {H5927}, but shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eliyahu said to the king, "Here is what ADONAI says: 'You sent messengers to consult Ba'al-Z'vuv the god of 'Ekron. Is it because there's no God in Isra'el you can consult? Therefore, you will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will certainly die.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse records the solemn divine pronouncement delivered by the prophet Elijah to King Ahaziah of Israel, condemning the king's egregious act of seeking counsel from the Philistine deity Baalzebub of Ekron rather than the Living God of Israel. It serves as a stark declaration of God's unyielding sovereignty and righteous jealousy, culminating in the immediate and irreversible judgment that Ahaziah would not recover from his illness but would surely die, a direct consequence of his profound spiritual apostasy and rejection of the covenant Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [2 Kings 1](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings 1 - Ahaziah's Apostasy and Elijah's Judgment") opens with King Ahaziah of Israel suffering a severe fall from his upper chamber, prompting him to send messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, concerning his recovery. This act of blatant apostasy is swiftly intercepted by the prophet Elijah, who is divinely instructed by "the angel of the LORD" to confront the messengers with a rhetorical question challenging Ahaziah's choice and pronouncing his impending death (cf. [2 Kings 1:3-4](/2_kings/1-3-4 "2 Kings 1:3-4 - Elijah Intercepts Messengers with Divine Judgment")). The messengers return to Ahaziah, recounting Elijah's prophetic word, which leads to the king's repeated, failed attempts to apprehend Elijah through military force, culminating in the miraculous consumption of two companies of fifty soldiers by fire from heaven (cf. [2 Kings 1:9-15](/2_kings/1-9-15 "2 Kings 1:9-15 - Ahaziah's Failed Attempts to Seize Elijah and Divine Fire")). [2 Kings 1:16](/2_kings/1-16 "2 Kings 1:16 - Elijah's Prophetic Judgment on Ahaziah") represents the culmination of this divine confrontation, where Elijah, having been brought before the king by a third, humble captain, directly delivers God's unvarnished judgment, reiterating the death sentence first pronounced through the messengers. This direct confrontation underscores the unwavering authority of God's word through His prophet, even in the face of royal defiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years (c. 853-852 BC) as the son of the notoriously idolatrous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, inheriting and perpetuating their spiritual rebellion against Yahweh. His decision to consult Baalzebub, the deity of Ekron, was a profound cultural and religious affront. Ekron was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, a perennial enemy of Israel, making Ahaziah's act not only a theological betrayal but also a political one, seeking guidance from the god of an adversary. Baalzebub (Hebrew: בַּעַל זְבוּב, _Baʿal Zəḇūḇ_) was likely revered as a god of healing and divination, with his name possibly meaning "Lord of the Flies" (a pejorative Jewish alteration, perhaps mocking the god's perceived power over disease, or a deliberate mispronunciation of "Baal-Zebul," meaning "Lord of the Exalted Dwelling" or "Lord Prince"). This act highlights the pervasive syncretism and polytheistic practices prevalent in the ancient Near East, which constantly tempted Israel away from their exclusive covenant with Yahweh, the only true God. For Ahaziah to turn to such a deity, especially one associated with a hostile nation, underscored his utter disregard for the covenant and the God who had delivered Israel throughout its history.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings - A History of Israel and Judah") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, showcasing Ahaziah's blatant rejection of the covenant God of Israel in favor of a pagan deity. This act directly violates the first commandment, which unequivocally states, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Second, the rhetorical question, "is it not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word?", emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Jealousy**. Yahweh is presented as the singular, all-sufficient God, a "consuming fire, a jealous God" ([Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")) who demands exclusive allegiance and will not tolerate His people seeking guidance or healing from false idols. Third, the pronouncement of death highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that rejection of God's authority and covenant brings severe, often fatal, judgment. This aligns with the universal biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Finally, the scene powerfully affirms **Prophetic Authority**, as Elijah, acting as God's uncompromising mouthpiece, delivers a divine oracle that demonstrates Yahweh's direct intervention in human affairs and His ultimate control over life and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalzebub (Hebrew, _Baʻal Zᵉbûwb'_ H1176):** From בַּעַל and זְבוּב, meaning "Baal of (the) Fly." This refers to a special deity of the Ekronites, a Philistine city. The name itself, potentially a pejorative Jewish alteration, highlights the contempt for this false god. Ahaziah's act of consulting this specific idol was a profound act of spiritual rebellion, seeking life and healing from a source associated with death and impurity, and explicitly forbidden by God's covenant with Israel.
* **enquire (Hebrew, _dârash'_ H1875):** A primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." This word emphasizes the deliberate and active nature of Ahaziah's search for information and healing. The term implies a seeking out, a diligent inquiry, which should have been directed toward Yahweh, the true God of Israel, who alone possesses the power to reveal His word and grant life.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** From דָבַר, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, it refers to the divine revelation and counsel available from the God of Israel. Ahaziah's sin was not merely seeking help from a false god, but doing so when the authoritative "word" of Yahweh was readily available through His prophets and the covenant. This highlights the king's willful neglect of God's truth and guidance.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_ H4191):** A primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This word underscores the final and irreversible consequence of Ahaziah's apostasy. The pronouncement "shalt surely die" is a divine decree, not a mere prediction, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment against those who reject His sovereignty and seek life outside of Him. It signifies the ultimate penalty for spiritual rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD":** This opening establishes the divine authority behind Elijah's message. The prophet is not speaking on his own initiative or offering personal advice, but acting as a direct emissary of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This phrase immediately frames the subsequent words as a non-negotiable, divinely sanctioned declaration, emphasizing the absolute certainty and power of God's decree.
* **"Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron":** This clause identifies the specific transgression that provoked God's wrath. Ahaziah's act of dispatching messengers to consult a foreign, pagan deity, Baalzebub, the god of the Philistine city of Ekron, is highlighted as the direct and deliberate cause of the divine judgment. This was a profound act of apostasy, rejecting Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty and sufficiency, and seeking guidance from a source explicitly forbidden by the covenant.
* **"[is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful indictment of Ahaziah's faithlessness and an emphatic affirmation of Yahweh's unique status. It challenges the king's implicit denial of Yahweh's presence, power, and willingness to provide guidance within Israel. The question implies that Yahweh is indeed present, capable, and desirous of being sought by His people, making Ahaziah's choice to consult a foreign god utterly inexcusable and deeply offensive. It underscores God's jealousy for His name and His people's exclusive devotion.
* **"therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die":** This is the direct and severe pronouncement of judgment. The consequence of Ahaziah's idolatry is immediate and certain death; he will not recover from his injury. The vivid phrase "not come down off that bed" depicts his terminal condition, emphasizing the finality and inevitability of God's decree. This serves as a stark demonstration of God's justice and the fatal consequences of rejecting His authority and seeking external, false sources of help.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Kings 1:16](/2_kings/1-16 "2 Kings 1:16 - Elijah's Prophetic Judgment on Ahaziah") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Oracle**, signaled by the formula "Thus saith the LORD," which immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message, elevating it beyond human opinion to a divinely ordained decree. The verse also utilizes a powerful **Rhetorical Question**: "[is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful point, highlighting the absurdity and egregious nature of Ahaziah's actions. It serves as a direct accusation and an implicit affirmation of Yahweh's unique presence and sufficiency in Israel. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Irony** in Ahaziah seeking healing from a foreign god while the true God, Yahweh, and His prophet Elijah, are present in Israel, ready to speak His word and provide genuine help. The pronouncement of death also functions as **Divine Judgment**, a direct and irreversible consequence of the king's sin, underscoring the theme of divine retribution prevalent throughout the Deuteronomistic history. The imagery of "not come down off that bed" acts as a vivid **Metonymy** for his impending death, making the judgment concrete and inescapable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the foundational biblical truth that God is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship and allegiance. Ahaziah's sin was not merely a lapse in judgment but a deliberate act of spiritual adultery, prioritizing a false god over the One who had established a covenant with Israel. This act directly challenges God's sovereignty and sufficiency, implying that Yahweh was either absent, unwilling, or unable to provide guidance or healing. The immediate and severe judgment underscores the seriousness of idolatry in God's eyes, revealing that spiritual rebellion has tangible and often fatal consequences. It reinforces the principle that true life and blessing come only from faithful obedience to Yahweh, while turning away leads to death and destruction. This narrative serves as a timeless warning against syncretism and the temptation to seek solutions outside of God's revealed will, emphasizing that God's covenant people are called to a singular devotion to Him alone.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") - This foundational passage, the "Shema," declares the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Yahweh, demanding exclusive love and devotion from Israel, directly contrasting Ahaziah's divided loyalty.
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5-6 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - God as the Only Savior") - The prophet Isaiah reiterates God's singular identity as the only true God, emphasizing that "there is none else," further condemning any attempt to seek counsel or salvation from other deities.
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge") - This verse highlights the destructive consequences of Israel's rejection of God's knowledge and truth, a principle vividly demonstrated in Ahaziah's fatal apostasy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [2 Kings 1:16](/2_kings/1-16 "2 Kings 1:16 - Elijah's Prophetic Judgment on Ahaziah") serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the sources of our trust and guidance in times of crisis. King Ahaziah's fatal error was not simply seeking help, but seeking it from a source that implicitly denied the sufficiency and presence of the true God. In our own lives, when faced with illness, financial hardship, relational conflict, or existential anxieties, where do we first turn? Do we prioritize God's Word, prayer, and the counsel of godly wisdom, or do we subtly, or overtly, consult "Baalzebubs" of our modern age—whether it be unchecked self-reliance, popular secular ideologies, unbiblical spiritual practices, or even the uncritical pursuit of worldly solutions that bypass divine principles? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation, reminding us that there is indeed a God in Israel, who is infinitely capable, present, and desirous of being sought. Our ultimate well-being, both temporal and eternal, is inextricably linked to our unwavering allegiance to Him alone. It compels us to ask if our actions truly reflect a belief that God is sufficient for all our needs, or if we, like Ahaziah, are prone to seek answers in places He has forbidden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing personal crises or uncertainties, what are my first instincts for seeking guidance or solutions?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be tempted to rely on "gods" or principles that implicitly deny God's sufficiency in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper habit of turning to God's Word and prayer as my primary source of wisdom and healing?**
* **What does Ahaziah's judgment teach me about the seriousness of spiritual compromise and the importance of exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I believe there *is* a God in Israel to inquire of His word?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahaziah's act of seeking Baalzebub considered such a severe offense?**

Answer: Ahaziah's act was a profound offense for several reasons, primarily because it was a direct and blatant violation of the covenant God made with Israel. The first commandment explicitly forbade the worship of other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), demanding exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. By consulting Baalzebub, Ahaziah implicitly denied Yahweh's sovereignty and sufficiency, suggesting there was "no God in Israel" to whom he could turn, thus committing an act of profound spiritual apostasy. Furthermore, seeking counsel from a Philistine deity, especially one associated with a rival nation like Ekron, was not only a theological betrayal but also a political one. It demonstrated a complete lack of trust in the God who had historically delivered Israel from its enemies and provided for its needs. This act was not merely a mistake but a deliberate and public rejection of Yahweh, deserving of severe and immediate judgment.

**What is the significance of Elijah's phrase "Thus saith the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar Yahweh_) is a crucial prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament. Its significance lies in establishing the absolute divine authority of the message being delivered. It indicates that the words are not the prophet's own opinions, interpretations, or predictions, but a direct, infallible, and unalterable oracle from God Himself. In the context of [2 Kings 1:16](/2_kings/1-16 "2 Kings 1:16 - Elijah's Prophetic Judgment on Ahaziah"), it underscores the certainty and finality of Ahaziah's judgment, making it clear that his death is a divinely ordained consequence of his sin, not merely a human prediction. It serves to authenticate Elijah as a true prophet of Yahweh and to emphasize God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people, demonstrating His ultimate control over life and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 1:16](/2_kings/1-16 "2 Kings 1:16 - Elijah's Prophetic Judgment on Ahaziah") pronounces judgment on an idolatrous king, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King and Prophet, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of the "God in Israel" whom Ahaziah rejected. Unlike Ahaziah, who sought healing and guidance from a false god of death, Jesus is the true source of life and truth, the very embodiment of God's Word (cf. [John 1:1-4](/john/1-1-4 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one to whom all people should turn for healing—not just physical, but spiritual and eternal (cf. [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus Heals Many")). The rhetorical question, "is it not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word?", finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the true "Lord of the high place," exalted above all other powers and principalities (cf. [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Exalted Above All Authority")), offering not death, but abundant life to those who trust in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus takes away the sin that leads to death, providing the ultimate and complete remedy for humanity's spiritual apostasy, demonstrating that in Him, there is indeed a God in Israel, and He is more than sufficient for all our needs, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who call upon His name (cf. [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 1:2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

2 Kings 1:4

Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

1 Kings 22:28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Exodus 4:22

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

Exodus 4:23

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.

2 Kings 5:21

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all well?

1 Kings 21:18

Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which [is] in Samaria: behold, [he is] in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.