2 Kings 1:3

2 Kings 1:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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 Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?

American Standard Version ASV

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?

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Go now, and, meeting the men sent by the king of Samaria, say to them, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you are going to get directions from Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?

Free Bible Version FBV

But the angel of the Lord told Elijah the Tishbite, “Go and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there's no God in Israel that you're going to ask advice from Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Angel of the Lord said to Eliiah the Tishbite, Arise, and goe vp to meete the messengers of the King of Samaria, and say vnto them, Is it not because there is no God in Israel, that ye goe to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And a messenger of Jehovah hath spoken unto Elijah the Tishbite, 'Rise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and speak unto them, Is it because there is not a God in Israel — ye are going to inquire of Baal Zebub god of Ekron?

World English Bible WEB

But the LORD’s angel said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and tell them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you go to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 to them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And an angel of the Lord spoke to Elias the Thesbite, saying: Arise, and go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them: Is there not a God in Israel, that ye go to consult Beelzebub the god of Accaron?

Translation for Translators T4T

But an angel from Yahweh said to Elijah, the prophet from Tishbe town, “The king of Samaria is sending some messengers to Ekron. Go and meet them and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to Ekron to ask Baalzebub, the god of those people, whether you will recover?

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 1:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֗ה דִּבֶּר֙ אֶל אֵלִיָּ֣ה הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֔י ק֣וּם עֲלֵ֔ה לִ/קְרַ֖את מַלְאֲכֵ֣י מֶֽלֶךְ שֹׁמְר֑וֹן וְ/דַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם הַֽ/מִ/בְּלִ֤י אֵין אֱלֹהִים֙ בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתֶּם֙ הֹֽלְכִ֔ים לִ/דְרֹ֕שׁ בְּ/בַ֥עַל זְב֖וּב אֱלֹהֵ֥י עֶקְרֽוֹן

וּ/מַלְאַ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger Conj | N-ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

דִּבֶּר֙ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֵלִיָּ֣ה ʼÊlîyâh H452 Elijah N-proper

הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֔י Tishbîy H8664 Tishbite Art | Ngmsa

ק֣וּם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal-Impv-2ms

עֲלֵ֔ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לִ/קְרַ֖את qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-mp

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

שֹׁמְר֑וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria N-proper

וְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms

אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הַֽ/מִ/בְּלִ֤י bᵉlîy H1097 without Part | Prep | Adv

אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

הֹֽלְכִ֔ים hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

לִ/דְרֹ֕שׁ dârash H1875 to seek Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/בַ֥עַל Baʻal Zᵉbûwb H1176 Baal-zebub Prep | N-proper

זְב֖וּב Baʻal Zᵉbûwb H1176 Baal-zebub N-proper

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

עֶקְרֽוֹן ʻEqrôwn H6138 Ekron N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 1:3

וּ/מַלְאַ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Conj | N-ms

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

דִּבֶּר֙ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֵלִיָּ֣ה ʼÊlîyâh H452 "Elijah" N-proper

Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.

הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֔י Tishbîy H8664 "Tishbite" Art | Ngmsa

Tishbi refers to someone from Tishbe, a region in Gilead. The prophet Elijah was a Tishbite, meaning he was from this area.

Definition: Group of tish.beh (תִּשְׁבֶּה "Tishbe" H8453B) § Tishbite = "captivity" an inhabitant of Tishbe or Tishbi or Tesheb

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Tishbite. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 9:36.

ק֣וּם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

עֲלֵ֔ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

לִ/קְרַ֖את qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-mp

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

שֹׁמְר֑וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" N-proper

Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.

Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.

וְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

הַֽ/מִ/בְּלִ֤י bᵉlîy H1097 "without" Part | Prep | Adv

This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.

Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.

אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

הֹֽלְכִ֔ים hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

לִ/דְרֹ֕שׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.

Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.

בְּ/בַ֥עַל Baʻal Zᵉbûwb H1176 "Baal-zebub" Prep | N-proper

Baal-zebub means 'lord of the fly', a deity worshipped by the Philistines in Ekron, mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2. It was a rival god to the Israelites' God. The name shows the Ekronites' unique beliefs.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.1.2 § Baal-zebub = "lord of the fly" a Philistine deity worshipped at Ekron

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Baal-zebub. See also: 2 Kings 1:2; 2 Kings 1:6; 2 Kings 1:16.

זְב֖וּב Baʻal Zᵉbûwb H1176 "Baal-zebub" N-proper

Baal-zebub means 'lord of the fly', a deity worshipped by the Philistines in Ekron, mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2. It was a rival god to the Israelites' God. The name shows the Ekronites' unique beliefs.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.1.2 § Baal-zebub = "lord of the fly" a Philistine deity worshipped at Ekron

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Baal-zebub. See also: 2 Kings 1:2; 2 Kings 1:6; 2 Kings 1:16.

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

עֶקְרֽוֹן ʻEqrôwn H6138 "Ekron" N-proper

Names the city of Ekron, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, mentioned in 1 Samuel 5:10 as a place where the Ark of the Covenant was taken. This city played a significant role in biblical history. It was later given to the tribe of Dan.

Definition: Ekron = "emigration" or "torn up by the roots" the most northerly of the 5 principal cities of the Philistines; located in the lowlands of Judah and later given to Dan Also named: eq.ro.ni (עֶקְרוֹנִי "Ekron" H6139)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ekron. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 17:52; Jeremiah 25:20.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 1:3

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Sermons on 2 Kings 1:3

Context — Elijah Denounces Ahaziah

1After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. 2Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.”

3But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’

4Therefore 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. 5When the messengers returned to the king, he asked them, “Why have you returned?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 17:1	Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”
2	Jonah 2:8	Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.
3	Acts 12:7–11	Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”
4	Psalms 76:1	God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.
5	Jeremiah 2:11–13	Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,” declares the LORD. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
6	Acts 8:26	Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
7	Mark 3:22	And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul, ” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”
8	1 Kings 18:36	At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.
9	1 Kings 19:5	Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
10	1 Samuel 17:46	This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.

2 Kings 1:3 Summary

This verse shows us that God is jealous for our attention and worship, and He will not tolerate us seeking guidance from false sources. The king of Samaria made a mistake by seeking help from a false god, Baal-zebub, instead of seeking God's help, as we see in 2 Kings 1:2-3. We can learn from this example by seeking God's guidance and wisdom in every situation, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:13. By trusting in God and seeking His will, we can avoid the temptation to seek help from false sources and instead experience His power and protection in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king of Samaria send messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub instead of seeking God?

The king of Samaria sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub because he may have been seeking a quick fix or a more 'reliable' source of guidance, not realizing that God is the one true source of wisdom and power, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:19-20 and Isaiah 45:5-6.

Who is Baal-zebub and what is his significance in the Bible?

Baal-zebub is a false god worshipped by the people of Ekron, and his name means 'lord of the flies', which is significant because it shows the people's misguided trust in a powerless deity, as opposed to the all-powerful God of Israel, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5.

What is the role of Elijah in this verse and what can we learn from his obedience?

Elijah is a prophet of God who is instructed by the angel of the Lord to confront the messengers of the king and ask them a question, demonstrating his obedience to God's will, as seen in 2 Kings 1:3, and we can learn from his example by being willing to stand up for God's truth, even in the face of opposition, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:14-17.

What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?

This verse reveals that God is a jealous God who desires to be the only God worshipped by His people, as stated in Exodus 34:14, and that He will not tolerate idolatry or the seeking of guidance from false sources, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:1-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some modern-day 'Baal-zebubs' that we may be tempted to seek guidance from instead of God, and how can we avoid this temptation?
In what ways can we, like Elijah, be obedient to God's will and stand up for His truth in our own lives and communities?
How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, like the king of Samaria's injury?
What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking guidance from God's Word, rather than relying on our own wisdom or the wisdom of the world, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives, by seeking God's guidance and wisdom in every situation, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 1:3

But the angel of the Lord said unto Elijah,.... One of the ministering spirits sent by the Lord to him: arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria: that is, the king of Israel, whose

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:3

Is it not because there is not a God in Israel? Dost thou not by this action cast contempt upon the God of Israel, as if he were either ignorant of the event of thy disease, or un able to give thee any relief, and as if Baal-zebub had more skill and power than he?

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:3

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?Ver. 3. Is it not because there is not a God in Israel,] God scorneth that it should be thought that he had "said unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain": that is enough for dumb idols. That ye go to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?] To their own Baal they sent not, belike, either because he had lately deceived his father Ahab to the loss of his life, or because men are apt to admire foreign things.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:3

(3) But the angel . . . said.—Rather, Now the angel . . . had said. “The angel” is right. (Comp. 2 Kings 19:35.) Reuss strangely renders: “Mais une révélation de l’Eternel parla;” and adds the note, “Et non pas un ange” (!). Arise, go up.—Samaria lay on a hill, and the prophet was to meet the messengers at the gates. King of Samaria.—Not Israel, a mark of Judæan feeling. And say.—Literally, speak. LXX., Vulgate, and Arabic add “saying,” but comp. 1 Kings 21:5-6. Is it not because.—Omit “not.” So 2 Kings 1:6. Ye go.—Are going. A God in Israel.—Comp. Micah 4:5 : “For all peoples will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever.”

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 1:3

3. Elijah the Tishbite] See on 1 Kings 17:1. For a similar message to the prophet cf. 1 Kings 21:17. We know from 2 Kings 4:25 that Elisha was often to be found on Mt Carmel where there was most likely a school of the prophets (see 2 Kings 2:25). It may be that Elijah also made his most settled dwelling there. At this time he went and took up a position on some height (see below, verse 9) which commanded the road by which the messengers were journeying from Samaria to Ekron. the king of Samaria] When the city of Samaria had been built and made the royal residence, the name ‘Samaria’ soon came to be used as the equivalent of ‘Israel’ for the kingdom of the ten tribes. See before 1 Kings 21:1. Is it not because there is not a God in Israel] R.V. Is it because there is no God in Israel. The Hebrew could employ a double negative, as the Greek sometimes does, but the sense intended is given in English by the single one. This rendering the A.V. employs in Exodus 14:11 where the original is in the same form as in the verse before us: ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt’; and for a similar double negative in the Hebrew of Ecc 3:11 the A.V. gives ‘so that no man can find out’. The same form of phrase is repeated below in verses 6 and 16. The LXX. takes away the first word of the Hebrew in the next sentence, εִ ?μָ ?λֵ ?ο = Now therefore, from its connexion and renders it as a separate phrase, and as if it had been εְ ?μֹ ?ΰλֵ ?ο = καὶοὐχοὔτως, putting ὄτι, which has nothing to represent it in the Hebrew, as the connecting particle of the next clause. The same misreading occurs in verses 6 and 16.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:3

3. Not a god in Israel — This inquiry of a strange god was at once a violation of the first commandment of the decalogue (Exodus 20:3) and an utter rejection of Jehovah, and deserved the judgment of death.

Sermons on 2 Kings 1:3

	Sermon	Description
	Honoring Your Prayer by Samuel Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is perfect toward God. He uses the story of Elijah and the captain of fifty to illustrate how God show
	Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker
	No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, whom he considers one of the greatest men in history. He highlights the miraculous events and accomplishments of Elijah, s
	Revival by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu
	1 Kings 16-18 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the venue and encourages the audience to attend more frequently. The sermon then focuses on the book of James, specif
	Where Is the Lord God of Elijah? by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker draws parallels between the courage and dedication of the prophet Elijah and the need for believers today to have faith and obedience. He emphasizes tha
	K-007 the End Time Man of God by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker describes a moment of crisis where a Jewish life is hanging in the balance. The speaker is given the opportunity to speak first and delivers a powerful

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