2 Kings 1:15
And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֞ר
said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֞ר
said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מַלְאַ֤ךְ
And the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֤ךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 15
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
unto Elijah
H452
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ
unto Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
5 of 15
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
וַיֵּ֥רֶד
Go down
H3381
וַיֵּ֥רֶד
Go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
6 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
אוֹת֔וֹ
H854
אוֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּירָ֖א
with him be not afraid
H3372
תִּירָ֖א
with him be not afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
9 of 15
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפָּנָ֑יו
of him
H6440
מִפָּנָ֑יו
of him
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּ֛קָם
And he arose
H6965
וַיָּ֛קָם
And he arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
11 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּ֥רֶד
Go down
H3381
וַיֵּ֥רֶד
Go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
12 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Cross References
Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Ezekiel 2:6And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.Jeremiah 1:17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.Psalms 27:1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Jeremiah 15:20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.1 Kings 18:15And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.2 Kings 1:3But 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?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.
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.