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2 Kings 1:16

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub 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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

And he said to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Because you sent messengers to ask Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, for guidance—as if there is no God in Israel to seek answers from—you will not get up from the bed you are lying on. You will surely die.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is declaring judgment on King Ahaziah for seeking guidance from a false god instead of trusting in the true God of Israel.

📚 Historical Context

King Ahaziah of Israel had fallen through a lattice in his palace and was seriously injured. Instead of seeking God's guidance about his recovery, he sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, a Philistine god worshiped in the city of Ekron. This was seen as a grave spiritual betrayal, especially for a king who should have led Israel in faithfulness to God.

Explore Similar Verses

2 Kings 1:3
But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah from Tishbe, 'Get up and go meet the king of Samaria's messengers. Ask them this: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you're going to ask questions of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?'
2 Kings 1:2
Ahaziah fell through a window grating in his upstairs room in Samaria and was badly hurt. He sent messengers with these instructions: 'Go ask Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.'
2 Kings 1:6
And they said to him, 'A man came up to meet us and told us, "Go back to the king who sent you and tell him: This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending messengers to ask questions of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because of this, you will not get up from the bed you are lying on, but you will surely die."'

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