2 Kings 1:3
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 Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י
But the angel
H4397
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י
But the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
1 of 25
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְדַבֵּ֣ר
and say
H1696
וְדַבֵּ֣ר
and say
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 25
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵֽלִיָּ֣ה
to Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֣ה
to Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
5 of 25
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
הַתִּשְׁבִּ֔י
the Tishbite
H8664
הַתִּשְׁבִּ֔י
the Tishbite
Strong's:
H8664
Word #:
6 of 25
a tishbite or inhabitant of tishbeh (in gilead)
ק֣וּם
Arise
H6965
ק֣וּם
Arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 25
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עֲלֵ֔ה
go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֔ה
go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 25
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
לִקְרַ֖את
to meet
H7125
לִקְרַ֖את
to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
9 of 25
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י
But the angel
H4397
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י
But the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
10 of 25
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וְדַבֵּ֣ר
and say
H1696
וְדַבֵּ֣ר
and say
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
13 of 25
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הֲֽמִבְּלִ֤י
H1097
הֲֽמִבְּלִ֤י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the god
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 25
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
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
in Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
in Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
18 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הֹֽלְכִ֔ים
that ye go
H1980
הֹֽלְכִ֔ים
that ye go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
20 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לִדְרֹ֕שׁ
to enquire
H1875
לִדְרֹ֕שׁ
to enquire
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
21 of 25
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
Cross References
1 Kings 17:1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.Jonah 2:8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.Psalms 76:1In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.Acts 8:26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.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.2 Kings 5:15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
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
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.