2 Kings 1:3

But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, [Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?

But the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H1696} to Elijah {H452} the Tishbite {H8664}, Arise {H6965}, go up {H5927} to meet {H7125} the messengers {H4397} of the king {H4428} of Samaria {H8111}, and say {H1696} unto them, Is it not because there is not a God {H430} in Israel {H3478}, that ye go {H1980} to enquire {H1875} of Baalzebub {H1176} the god {H430} of Ekron {H6138}?

But an angel of ADONAI said to Eliyahu from Tishbe, "Get up, and intercept the messengers of the king of Shomron, and ask them, 'Is it because there's no God in Isra'el that you're on your way to consult Ba'al-Z'vuv the god of 'Ekron?

But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, β€œGo up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, β€˜Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’

But the angel of Jehovah said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?

Commentary

This verse introduces a pivotal confrontation between the prophet Elijah and King Ahaziah of Israel, highlighting a profound spiritual crisis in the Northern Kingdom.

Context

King Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, had recently suffered a fall and was gravely ill. Instead of seeking the LORD God of Israel, he sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, a Philistine city. This act of consulting a foreign deity was a direct violation of the covenant God had made with Israel, demonstrating a deep-seated idolatry within the royal house and the nation. The angel of the LORD intervenes, sending Elijah to intercept these messengers and deliver a divine rebuke.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Idolatry: The core message is a challenge to Ahaziah's choice to consult a pagan god. The rhetorical question, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel?" powerfully asserts that the LORD, the true God, is indeed present and active within Israel, making Ahaziah's actions a deliberate rejection. This echoes the first commandment: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
  • Prophetic Confrontation: Elijah, known for his zealous stand against Baal worship (as seen in his challenge on Mount Carmel), is once again God's instrument to expose and condemn the nation's apostasy.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Ahaziah's reliance on Baalzebub, rather than the true God, sets the stage for divine judgment, emphasizing that turning away from the LORD has serious ramifications.

Linguistic Insights

The name Baalzebub (Χ‘Φ·ΦΌΧ’Φ·Χœ Χ–Φ°Χ‘Χ•ΦΌΧ‘) is significant. While its precise meaning is debated, it is often translated as "Lord of the Flies" or "Lord of the Dwelling." It was likely a derogatory Israelite alteration of a Philistine deity's name, perhaps Baal-Zebul ("Baal the Prince" or "Baal of the Exalted Dwelling"). This mocking title emphasizes the contempt God's people should have for false gods. In the New Testament, the name Beelzebul is associated with the prince of demons, reflecting its negative connotation (e.g., Matthew 12:24).

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine where we turn for help and guidance in times of trouble. Do we seek solutions and comfort from worldly sources, or do we faithfully turn to the living God who is always present and powerful? The story of Ahaziah serves as a timeless reminder that neglecting God for other "gods" – whether literal idols, wealth, power, or even self-reliance – ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and judgment. We are called to put our trust fully in the LORD, who alone is the source of true healing and wisdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 17:1

    ΒΆ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

  • Jonah 2:8

    They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

  • Jeremiah 2:11

    Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

  • Jeremiah 2:13

    For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

  • Acts 12:7

    And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

  • Acts 12:11

    And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

  • Psalms 76:1

    ΒΆ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. In Judah [is] God known: his name [is] great in Israel.
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