2 Kings 1:6

KJV

And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, [Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto him, There came {H5927} a man {H376} up {H5927} to meet {H7125} us, and said {H559} unto us, Go {H3212}, turn again {H7725} unto the king {H4428} that sent {H7971} you, and say {H1696} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Is it not because there is not a God {H430} in Israel {H3478}, that thou sendest {H7971} to enquire {H1875} of Baalzebub {H1176} the god {H430} of Ekron {H6138}? therefore thou shalt not come down {H3381} from that bed {H4296} on which thou art gone up {H5927}, but shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered him, "A man came to meet us. He told us to go and return to the king who sent us, and tell him, 'Here is what ADONAI says: "Is it because there's no God in Isra'el that you're sending to consult Ba'al-Z'vuv the god of 'Ekron? Therefore you will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will certainly die."'"

Berean Standard Bible

They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men 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 they said unto him, There came up a man to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 1:6 records the messengers' report to King Ahaziah of Israel, relaying a severe divine judgment delivered by the prophet Elijah. This pivotal moment reveals God's righteous indignation at Ahaziah's decision to consult Baalzebub, the pagan god of Ekron, instead of Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning his recovery from an injury. The message unequivocally declares that because of this profound act of idolatry and distrust, the king would not recover but would surely die, underscoring the immediate and dire consequences of forsaking the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the opening chapter of 2 Kings, immediately following King Ahaziah's injury and his subsequent decision to inquire of Baalzebub in [2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah's Inquiry"). The messengers' return and report in [2 Kings 1:5](/2_kings/1-5 "2 Kings 1:5 - Messengers Return") sets the stage for Elijah's direct divine pronouncement in verse 6. This prophetic word then triggers Ahaziah's attempt to apprehend Elijah, leading to the dramatic encounters with the captains and their companies in [2 Kings 1:9-16](/2_kings/1-9 "2 Kings 1:9-16 - Elijah and the Captains"). The chapter culminates in Ahaziah's death in [2 Kings 1:17](/2_kings/1-17 "2 Kings 1:17 - Ahaziah's Death"), directly fulfilling the prophecy delivered in this verse, thereby establishing the immediate and undeniable authority of God's word spoken through Elijah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaziah was the son of the infamous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, rulers who had aggressively promoted Baal worship throughout the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following a fall through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah, instead of seeking the Lord God of Israel, sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the pagan god of Ekron, regarding his recovery. This act was a profound spiritual offense, a direct violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") against having other gods before Yahweh. Ekron was one of the five Philistine city-states, and Baalzebub (meaning "lord of flies" or "lord of the dwelling") was a prominent deity there, often associated with healing or divination. Ahaziah's decision underscored the deep spiritual apostasy prevalent in Israel during this period, despite the continued presence and powerful ministry of prophets like Elijah, who consistently challenged the nation's idolatry, as seen in his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel").
* **Key Themes:** The core message of [2 Kings 1:6](/2_kings/1-6 "2 Kings 1:6 - Elijah's Judgment on Ahaziah") powerfully asserts God's exclusive claim over Israel and His indignation at their turning to foreign deities, emphasizing His divine sovereignty and jealousy. Ahaziah's faithlessness, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub?", highlights God's sufficiency and presence, negating any need to seek answers elsewhere. Consequently, the verse vividly illustrates the severe consequences of idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness: Ahaziah's choice results in an immediate and irreversible divine judgment – he "shalt not come down from that bed...but shalt surely die." This serves as a clear warning against syncretism and highlights the spiritual and physical ramifications of turning away from the true God. Furthermore, the episode underscores the vital role of prophetic authority, as Elijah, though unnamed here, acts as God's direct mouthpiece, delivering a message of judgment that would soon be fulfilled, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalzebub (Hebrew, _Ba'al Zevuv_):** This name literally means "lord of flies," and it is likely a derogatory alteration by the Israelites of an original Philistine deity name, possibly "Baal-zebul" (meaning "Baal the Prince" or "Baal of the High Place"). The shift to "flies" would have been a deliberate mockery, associating the idol with impurity, disease, and insignificance, contrasting sharply with the majesty and purity of Yahweh. The act of inquiring of such a deity was a profound affront to the God of Israel.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisra'el_):** More than just a geographical location, "Israel" here represents the covenant people of God, chosen and set apart to worship Yahweh alone. The rhetorical question, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel?" directly challenges Ahaziah's implicit denial of God's presence and power among His own people, highlighting the king's egregious failure to acknowledge the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the message. The messengers, having encountered Elijah, are now faithfully relaying his exact words to King Ahaziah. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic prophetic formula, unequivocally marking the subsequent words as a direct oracle from Yahweh, not merely human opinion or a curse from a pagan deity.
* **"[Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to expose the absurdity and profound sinfulness of Ahaziah's actions. It implies the obvious answer: there *is* a God in Israel, a living, powerful, and sovereign God. By seeking a foreign deity, Ahaziah effectively denies Yahweh's existence, sufficiency, or willingness to act on behalf of His people, thereby committing an act of profound apostasy and distrust.
* **"therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.":** This is the direct and irreversible divine judgment. The "therefore" links the consequence directly to the king's sin of seeking Baalzebub. The phrase "shalt not come down from that bed" is a euphemism for not recovering from his illness. Instead of healing, the king is condemned to an inevitable death, a clear and immediate consequence of his spiritual rebellion and rejection of Yahweh's authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Rhetorical Question**, most notably in "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful statement, highlighting the absurdity and spiritual offense of Ahaziah's actions. It serves to emphasize God's omnipresence and omnipotence within Israel, making the king's inquiry of a pagan deity utterly indefensible. The passage also employs powerful **Divine Judgment**, a direct pronouncement of consequence ("thou shalt not come down... but shalt surely die") that underscores God's sovereignty and His intolerance for idolatry. This direct, uncompromising declaration serves as a stark **Foreshadowing** of Ahaziah's imminent demise, which is fulfilled later in the chapter, validating the prophet's authority and the truth of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The core theological message of 2 Kings 1:6 is God's exclusive claim over His covenant people and His righteous jealousy against idolatry. Ahaziah's act of seeking Baalzebub was not merely a cultural misstep but a profound theological betrayal, a direct assault on the uniqueness and sufficiency of Yahweh. It highlights the principle that seeking other "gods"—whether literal idols, worldly systems, or self-reliance—is an implicit denial of the true God's presence, power, and care. This passage affirms God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His own honor, demonstrating that He will not share His glory with another. The swift and fatal judgment serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of spiritual apostasy and the imperative to place one's full trust in the Lord alone, recognizing Him as the sole source of life, healing, and guidance.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - I Am He, There Is No God Besides Me")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 1:6 serves as a timeless reminder of the critical importance of seeking God first in all circumstances, especially in times of crisis, fear, or uncertainty. Ahaziah's fatal error was not just seeking help, but seeking it from a source other than the living God of Israel, effectively questioning Yahweh's presence and power. For modern believers, this passage cautions against placing our ultimate trust in anything or anyone other than the Lord – whether it be worldly wisdom, financial security, human institutions, superstitious practices, or even self-reliance – when facing life's challenges. The penetrating question, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel?" challenges us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust and hope truly lie. It encourages us to cultivate a profound and exclusive reliance on God's sovereignty, provision, and wisdom, remembering that He is always present, always sufficient, and always worthy of our complete devotion. Our response to life's difficulties reveals the true object of our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "inquire of Baalzebub" – seeking answers or security outside of God's revealed will or presence?**
* **How does your immediate reaction to crisis or uncertainty reveal the true object of your trust?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more exclusive reliance on God's sovereignty and provision in your daily life?**
* **How does the swift judgment on Ahaziah underscore the seriousness of idolatry in all its forms, even subtle ones, in the eyes of God?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Ahaziah inquire of Baalzebub instead of the God of Israel?**

Answer: King Ahaziah, as the son of Ahab and Jezebel, inherited and continued the spiritual apostasy that plagued the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His parents had aggressively promoted Baal worship, leading the nation away from Yahweh. When Ahaziah suffered an injury, his default response, influenced by his upbringing and the prevalent idolatry, was to consult a foreign deity, Baalzebub of Ekron, rather than the God of his covenant people. This act was a profound spiritual offense, demonstrating a lack of faith in Yahweh's power or willingness to intervene, and implicitly denying His unique status as the only true God in Israel. It reflected the deep spiritual decline of the kingdom, where the worship of false gods had become normalized, despite the continued presence of Yahweh's prophets like Elijah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King Ahaziah's fatal idolatry in 2 Kings 1:6, where he seeks a false god for healing, powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent tendency to turn away from the true God in times of need and to seek life and healing in futile places. Ahaziah's question, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel?", exposes the very lie that humanity believes when it rejects its Creator. Yet, the New Testament reveals that there *is* a God in Israel, and He has come to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), the true Healer who not only healed physical ailments but also offered spiritual healing from the sickness of sin ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")). Unlike Baalzebub, a powerless idol, Jesus is the [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All"), the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Ahaziah's death was a consequence of his turning away from God, but in Christ, we find eternal life through turning to Him, for He is the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), the one who conquered death itself. He is the true King, unlike Ahaziah, who perfectly embodies God's presence and power, inviting all to seek Him alone for ultimate salvation and restoration.

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

Psalms 16:4

Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

1 Chronicles 10:14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

Isaiah 41:22

Let them bring [them] forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they [be], that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

Isaiah 41:23

Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

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.