King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 1:5 Mean?
“And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?”
Context
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?
6
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.
7
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? What: Heb. What was the manner of the man
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Turned back unto him.**—Unto Ahaziah, as the Syriac and Vulgate actually read. Literally, *And the messengers returned unto him, and he said, &c.* Though Elijah was unknown to the envoys, such a menacing interposition would certainly be regarded as’ a Divine warning, which it was perilous to disregard.
**Why are ye now turned back?**—*Why have ye returned?* with emphasis on the “Why.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.