2 Kings 1:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Thou shalt not come down {H3381} from that bed {H4296} on which thou art gone up {H5927}, but shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}. And Elijah {H452} departed {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore ADONAI says, "You will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will certainly die."'" Then Eliyahu left.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 1:4 delivers a powerful and unalterable divine pronouncement of judgment against King Ahaziah of Israel, communicated through the prophet Elijah. Following a severe injury, Ahaziah, instead of seeking the Lord, dispatched messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the pagan god of Ekron, concerning his recovery. This verse records God's immediate and unequivocal response: a decree that Ahaziah would not recover from his bed but would surely die, a direct consequence of his spiritual rebellion and idolatry. The swift departure of Elijah underscores the finality and certainty of this divine sentence, leaving Ahaziah to face the inevitable consequences of his apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment, marking the climax of King Ahaziah's brief and idolatrous reign. It immediately follows Ahaziah's accidental fall through the lattice of his upper chamber and his subsequent decision to send messengers to consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, regarding his prognosis ([2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah's Injury and Idolatry")). Elijah's interception of these messengers, as commanded by the angel of the Lord ([2 Kings 1:3](/2_kings/1-3 "2 Kings 1:3 - Elijah Intercepts Messengers")), and his delivery of God's message establish the divine confrontation that defines this chapter. The pronouncement in 2 Kings 1:4 directly sets the stage for Ahaziah's death ([2 Kings 1:17](/2_kings/1-17 "2 Kings 1:17 - Ahaziah's Death")) and the subsequent succession of his brother Jehoram, continuing the prophetic narrative that began with Elijah's ministry against the deep-seated idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel, Ahaziah's parents. This passage underscores the ongoing, fierce conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the pervasive influence of Baal worship in Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaziah ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel, inheriting the throne from his father, Ahab, and perpetuating the deeply entrenched idolatry of the Omride dynasty. His mother was the infamous Jezebel, a staunch devotee of Baal. The act of consulting Baal-zebub, a Philistine deity associated with flies and disease, was a profound act of apostasy, a direct violation of the covenant God had established with Israel, which strictly forbade the worship of other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, consulting deities or oracles was common in times of crisis, but for Israel, the true God was the sole legitimate source of counsel, healing, and divine revelation. Elijah, as God's unwavering prophet, stood as a beacon of Yahweh's exclusive claim over Israel, confronting the prevailing syncretism and idolatry that plagued the nation.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Kings 1:4 powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment for Idolatry**. Ahaziah's turning to a false god instead of the Lord sealed his fate, demonstrating that spiritual choices have dire and often irreversible consequences. Secondly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God**. Even in a seemingly personal crisis like an injury, God demonstrates His ultimate authority and comprehensive knowledge over human actions and even over the supposed power of pagan deities. He knows Ahaziah's heart and his misplaced trust before the messengers even reach Ekron. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Prophetic Authority**. Elijah acts as God's unyielding mouthpiece, delivering an unalterable decree. The phrase "thus saith the LORD" emphasizes that this is not Elijah's personal opinion but a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself, demonstrating that God's word is potent and effective, never returning void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). Finally, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly spiritual rebellion, which leads directly to death, echoing the foundational biblical principle that [the wages of sin is death](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, YHWH, often rendered "LORD" in English translations. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The prophetic formula "thus saith the LORD" (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar YHWH_) is a powerful declaration, indicating that the message is not of human origin but a direct, authoritative utterance from the Creator and Covenant Keeper. It underscores the absolute truth and binding nature of the pronouncement, leaving no room for doubt or dispute.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root means "to die" (literally or figuratively) or "to kill." In the phrase "shalt surely die" (מוֹת תָּמוּת, _mot tamut_), the Hebrew employs an emphatic construction known as the infinitive absolute followed by a finite verb of the same root. This grammatical structure does not merely predict death but declares it as an absolute certainty, an irreversible decree. It conveys the inevitability and finality of God's judgment, leaving no room for escape or reprieve. It is a declaration of divine certainty: "dying, you shall die."
* **departed (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root means "to walk" or "to go" and is used with great latitude, including "to depart." In this context, "And Elijah departed" (וַיֵּלֶךְ אֵלִיָּהוּ, _vayyelekh Eliyahu_) carries significant weight. It highlights Elijah's immediate and unquestioning obedience to God's command. There is no negotiation, no further explanation, no lingering. His swift departure signifies the finality of the message and the swift execution of his prophetic duty, leaving Ahaziah to face the certain consequences of his defiance without further intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore thus saith the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The "Now therefore" serves as a logical connector, linking the pronouncement directly to Ahaziah's preceding actions—his injury and, crucially, his decision to consult Baal-zebub instead of the true God. It signals that what follows is not a human opinion or prediction, but an absolute decree from the sovereign God of Israel, directly addressing Ahaziah's spiritual rebellion.
* **"Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up":** This clause pronounces a divine sentence of confinement and incapacitation. Ahaziah's "going up" to his bed implies his current state of severe illness, perhaps even a place of expected recovery or rest. The decree "shalt not come down" signifies that there will be no recovery, no improvement, no return to health or normal life. He is divinely trapped in his state of illness, leading inexorably to death, a direct consequence of his misplaced trust.
* **"but shalt surely die":** This is the stark, unequivocal conclusion of the divine decree. As explored in the key word analysis, the Hebrew emphatic construction here leaves no doubt about the absolute certainty and inevitability of Ahaziah's demise. It is a direct, irreversible consequence of his idolatrous choice, a divine judgment for his apostasy.
* **"And Elijah departed":** This brief, concluding statement is powerful in its simplicity and finality. It signifies the immediate and complete fulfillment of Elijah's prophetic mission. Having delivered the divine word, Elijah has nothing more to say or do. His departure underscores the finality of God's judgment and the unalterable nature of the decree, leaving Ahaziah to face the consequences alone.

#### Literary Devices
2 Kings 1:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Decree** or **Pronouncement**, powerfully initiated by the authoritative prophetic formula "thus saith the LORD," which immediately signals the gravity and unalterable nature of the message. There is clear **Irony** in Ahaziah's situation: he seeks life and healing from a false god, Baal-zebub, only to receive a sentence of certain death from the true God, Yahweh, whom he has forsaken. The phrase "Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up" uses **Synecdoche**, where the "bed" represents not just a piece of furniture, but Ahaziah's entire state of severe illness, confinement, and impending death. It also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting and sealing Ahaziah's imminent demise. The stark contrast between Ahaziah's spiritual rebellion and Elijah's immediate, unquestioning obedience ("And Elijah departed") serves as a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the differing responses to God's authority and the inevitable consequences thereof.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is sovereign over all creation and human affairs, demanding exclusive worship from His people. Ahaziah's decision to consult Baal-zebub was not merely a cultural practice but a direct affront to the covenant relationship Israel had with Yahweh, a rejection of the First Commandment. God's immediate and severe judgment underscores His holiness and His intolerance for idolatry, which is spiritual adultery. The certainty of death pronounced upon Ahaziah serves as a stark reminder that sin, particularly the sin of turning away from the true God, carries grave consequences, manifesting here as immediate physical death. God's word, delivered through His prophet, is shown to be utterly effective and true, never returning void, demonstrating His absolute authority over life and death.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Follow Other Gods")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 1:4 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the critical importance of where we place our trust, especially in moments of crisis or vulnerability. Ahaziah, facing a life-threatening injury, instinctively turned to a false god, revealing the true allegiance of his heart. This challenges us to honestly examine our own lives: when we encounter difficulties, sickness, or uncertainty, where do we first turn for help, comfort, or answers? Do we instinctively seek the Lord, the ultimate source of wisdom, healing, and life, or do we rely on worldly solutions, human wisdom, or even modern "idols" that promise relief but ultimately cannot deliver? The passage underscores that spiritual choices have profound, often irreversible, consequences. It calls believers to cultivate a consistent and unwavering reliance on God, to shun any form of spiritual compromise or idolatry, and to remember that true help, genuine peace, and eternal life come only from Him. Our response to God's sovereignty and His commands determines our destiny, both in this life and the next.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with personal crises or difficult decisions, what is my immediate inclination for seeking help or guidance?**
* **Are there "Baal-zebubs" in my life—false sources of comfort, security, or wisdom—that I might be turning to instead of God?**
* **How does Ahaziah's fate challenge my understanding of the consequences of spiritual compromise or idolatry in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally cultivate a consistent and exclusive reliance on God for all my needs, recognizing Him as my sole deliverer?**

### FAQ

**What was Baal-zebub, and why was consulting him such a serious offense?**

Answer: Baal-zebub (literally "Lord of the Flies" or "Lord of the Prince") was a Philistine deity worshipped in Ekron, a major Philistine city. He was likely associated with disease and healing, as people would consult him for medical prognoses or to ward off plagues. For King Ahaziah, an Israelite king, consulting Baal-zebub was a grave offense because it was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). By turning to a pagan deity instead of the Lord, the God of Israel who had delivered his people and established a covenant with them, Ahaziah demonstrated a profound rejection of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, placing his trust in a false god. This act was seen as spiritual rebellion and idolatry, deserving of divine judgment.

**What is the significance of the phrase "shalt surely die" in the original Hebrew?**

Answer: The phrase "shalt surely die" in the KJV (Hebrew: מוֹת תָּמוּת, _mot tamut_) is a powerful and emphatic construction known as the infinitive absolute. This grammatical form, where the infinitive of a verb precedes its finite form, is used in Hebrew to convey absolute certainty, inevitability, or intensity. It's not merely a prediction but a divinely ordained, unalterable decree. It means "dying, you shall die" or "you shall certainly die." This linguistic nuance underscores the finality of God's judgment on Ahaziah, leaving no room for escape or mitigation. It signifies that the sentence is not conditional but an absolute, irreversible consequence of his actions, demonstrating God's unwavering justice.

**What does Elijah's immediate departure signify at the end of the verse?**

Answer: Elijah's immediate departure ("And Elijah departed") after delivering the divine message is highly significant. It signifies several things: firstly, his unwavering **obedience** to God's command; he has fulfilled his prophetic duty precisely as instructed, without adding or subtracting from God's word. Secondly, it conveys the **finality** of the pronouncement. There is no room for negotiation, repentance, or further discussion with Ahaziah or his messengers. The word has been spoken, and it is absolute. Elijah's leaving underscores that the divine decree is complete and irreversible, leaving Ahaziah to face the certain consequences of his idolatry. It also highlights the stark contrast between Elijah, who faithfully serves the true God, and Ahaziah, who defiantly turns away from Him, sealing his own fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 1:4, with its stark pronouncement of death for idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in Jesus Christ. Ahaziah's inability to "come down from that bed" symbolizes humanity's desperate state, trapped by sin and facing certain death, unable to save itself or find true healing from false gods or human efforts. In contrast, Jesus, the true Son of God, willingly "came down" from heaven (cf. [John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - Jesus, the Son of Man Came Down from Heaven")) not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Ahaziah's idolatry led to death, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross provide the only true remedy for sin, offering not just physical healing but eternal life to all who believe (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, whose "thus saith the LORD" is not merely a spoken word but the very embodiment of God's saving will, bringing life where sin brought death. He is the one who conquered death and the grave, offering a way for humanity to "come down" from the bed of spiritual sickness and walk in newness of life (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")), fulfilling the promise of resurrection and eternal victory over sin and death.

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

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Genesis 2:17

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:4

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

2 Kings 1:16

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.

Proverbs 11:19

¶ As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.

1 Samuel 28:19

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

1 Kings 14:12

Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.