King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:3 Mean?

2 Kings 1:3 in the King James Version says “But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and s... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Kings 1:3 · King James Version


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

5

And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י1 of 25

But the angel

H4397

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

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְדַבֵּ֣ר3 of 25

and say

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל4 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵֽלִיָּ֣ה5 of 25

to Elijah

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

הַתִּשְׁבִּ֔י6 of 25

the Tishbite

H8664

a tishbite or inhabitant of tishbeh (in gilead)

ק֣וּם7 of 25

Arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֲלֵ֔ה8 of 25

go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לִקְרַ֖את9 of 25

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י10 of 25

But the angel

H4397

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

מֶֽלֶךְ11 of 25

of the king

H4428

a king

שֹׁמְר֑וֹן12 of 25

of Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְדַבֵּ֣ר13 of 25

and say

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם14 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲֽמִבְּלִ֤י15 of 25
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

אֵין16 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֱלֹהֵ֥י17 of 25

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל18 of 25

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַתֶּם֙19 of 25
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֹֽלְכִ֔ים20 of 25

that ye go

H1980

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

לִדְרֹ֕שׁ21 of 25

to enquire

H1875

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

בְּבַ֥עַל22 of 25
H0
זְב֖וּב23 of 25

of Baalzebub

H1176

baal-zebub, a special deity of the ekronites

אֱלֹהֵ֥י24 of 25

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

עֶקְרֽוֹן׃25 of 25

of Ekron

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine


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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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