2 Kings 1:2
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 Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפֹּ֨ל
fell down
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֨ל
fell down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
1 of 22
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
אֲחַזְיָ֜ה
And Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֜ה
And Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
2 of 22
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
בְּעַ֣ד
H1157
בְּעַ֣ד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
3 of 22
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
הַשְּׂבָכָ֗ה
through a lattice
H7639
הַשְּׂבָכָ֗ה
through a lattice
Strong's:
H7639
Word #:
4 of 22
a net-work, i.e., (in hunting) a snare, (in architecture) a ballustrade; also a reticulated ornament to a pillar
בַּֽעֲלִיָּת֛וֹ
in his upper chamber
H5944
בַּֽעֲלִיָּת֛וֹ
in his upper chamber
Strong's:
H5944
Word #:
5 of 22
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיָּ֑חַל
and was sick
H2470
וַיָּ֑חַל
and was sick
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
10 of 22
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
לְכ֣וּ
H1980
לְכ֣וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 22
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דִרְשׁ֗וּ
enquire
H1875
דִרְשׁ֗וּ
enquire
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the god
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 22
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
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
19 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶֽחְיֶ֖ה
whether I shall recover
H2421
אֶֽחְיֶ֖ה
whether I shall recover
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
20 of 22
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
2 Kings 1:16And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.Mark 3:22And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Isaiah 37:19And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.Isaiah 37:12Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?Luke 11:15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.1 Kings 11:33Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.2 Kings 1:6And 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 Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.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 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.