Old Testament
2 Kings 1:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They told him, "A man met us on the road and said, 'Go back to the king who sent you and tell him this: The LORD says, "Is there no God in Israel, that you're sending people to consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Because of this, you will never get up from the bed you're lying on. You will surely die."'"
Compare translations
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.
What 2 Kings 1:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a messenger recounts an encounter with a man who delivers a serious message from God. The man questions why the king is seeking guidance from Baal-zebub, a false god, instead of turning to the true God of Israel. This question highlights the king's lack of faith and reliance on something that cannot help him. The message warns the king that because of his actions, he will not recover from his illness and will die. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking answers in the wrong places. The emphasis is on the importance of faith and recognizing the true source of help and guidance. The passage challenges us to reflect on where we seek our answers and support in times of trouble, urging us to turn to God rather than false idols or distractions. It’s a call to trust in the one true God who has the power to heal and save us from our struggles and fears. Our choices matter, and they can lead to life or death.
How to apply 2 Kings 1:6 to your life
When faced with challenges, consider where you seek guidance. Are you turning to reliable sources or distractions? This passage encourages you to trust in God for answers and support. Remember, true help comes from the one who knows you best and can truly assist you in your struggles. Choose wisely in your search for guidance and strength in difficult times. Be aware of the consequences of your choices and seek the truth in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Elijah's story: Elijah and King Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:1–17)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Elijah
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 1:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 1:6
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 1:6 mean?
2 Kings 1:6 recounts a message from God delivered to a king who sought guidance from a false god, Baal-zebub. The verse emphasizes the king's lack of faith in the true God of Israel and warns him of the consequences of his actions, stating that he will not recover from his illness.
What is the significance of Baal-zebub in 2 Kings 1:6?
Baal-zebub represents a false god that the king turns to for help instead of seeking the true God of Israel. This highlights the theme of idolatry and the dangers of relying on sources that cannot provide real assistance.
What does the phrase 'Is there no God in Israel?' mean in 2 Kings 1:6?
The phrase questions the king's decision to consult a false god instead of the true God of Israel, highlighting his lack of faith and the absurdity of seeking help from a source that cannot provide it.
What lesson can we learn from 2 Kings 1:6?
The lesson from this verse is to seek guidance and support from God rather than from false idols or distractions. It reminds us of the importance of faith and the consequences of our choices in times of trouble.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.