King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:2 Mean?

2 Kings 1:2 in the King James Version says “And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 1:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.

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.

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?

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. Thou shalt: Heb. The bed whither thou art gone up, thou shalt not come down from it

Read 2 Kings 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּפֹּ֨ל1 of 22

“fell down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֲחַזְיָ֜ה2 of 22

“And Ahaziah”

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

בְּעַ֣ד3 of 22
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הַשְּׂבָכָ֗ה4 of 22

“through a lattice”

H7639

a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar

בַּֽעֲלִיָּת֛וֹ5 of 22

“in his upper chamber”

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּשֹֽׁמְר֖וֹן7 of 22

“that was in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיָּ֑חַל8 of 22

“and was sick”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח9 of 22

“and he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מַלְאָכִ֔ים10 of 22

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר11 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֙12 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְכ֣וּ13 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דִרְשׁ֗וּ14 of 22

“enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

בְּבַ֤עַל15 of 22
H0
זְבוּב֙16 of 22

“of Baalzebub”

H1176

baal-zebub, a special deity of the ekronites

אֱלֹהֵ֣י17 of 22

“the god”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עֶקְר֔וֹן18 of 22

“of Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

אִם19 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶֽחְיֶ֖ה20 of 22

“whether I shall recover”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

מֵֽחֳלִ֥י21 of 22

“of this disease”

H2483

malady, anxiety, calamity

זֶֽה׃22 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 1:16Mark 3:222 Kings 8:7-10Matthew 10:25Isaiah 37:19Luke 11:15

Places in This Verse

EkronSettlement · Modern: Tel Miqne · 31.78°N, 34.85°E20 verses across 8 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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