2 Kings 1:2-17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:2

A lattice - The “upper chamber” had probably a single latticed window, through which Ahaziah fell. Windows in the East are to this day generally closed by lattices of interlaced wood, which open outward; so that, if the fastening is not properly secured, one who leans against them may easily fall out.Baal-zebub - literally, “Lord (i. e., averter) of flies.” Flies in the East constitute one of the most terrible of plages Psalms 105:31; Exodus 8:24; and Orientals would be as likely to have a “god... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:4

Therefore ... - As a punishment for this insult to Yahweh. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:8

An hairy man - Either in allusion to his shaggy cloak of untanned skin; or, more probably, an expression descriptive of the prophet’s person, of his long flowing locks, abundant beard, and general profusion of hair. His costume was that of a thorough ascetic. Generally the Jews wore girdles of linen or cotton stuff, soft and comfortable. Under the girdle they wore one or two long linen gowns or shirts, and over these they had sometimes a large shawl. Elijah had only his leather girdle and his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:9

Then the king sent unto him - i. e., in order to seize and punish him. Compare 1 Kings 18:10; 1 Kings 22:27. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:10

The charge of cruelty made against Elijah makes it needful to consider the question: What was Elijah’s motive? And the answer is: Sharply to make a signal example, to vindicate God’s honor in a striking way. Ahaziah had, as it were, challenged Yahweh to a trial of strength by sending a band of fifty to arrest one man. Elijah was not Jesus Christ, able to reconcile mercy with truth, the vindication of God’s honor with the utmost tenderness for erring men, and awe them merely by His presence... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 1:17

The similarity of names in the two royal houses of Israel and Judah at this time, and at no other, seems to be the consequence of the close ties which united the two reigning families, and is well noted among the “undesigned coincidences” of the Old Testament. The accession of the Israelite Jehoram (Ahab’s brother) took place, according to 2 Kings 3:1, in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat. Jehoram of Judah perhaps received the royal title from his father as early as his father’s sixteenth... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 1:2

2 Kings 1:2. Ahaziah fell through a lattice in his upper chamber Houbigant renders it, Through the lattice into his upper chamber. He thinks that as Ahaziah was walking upon the top of the house, the wooden lattice gave way, and he fell through. Go and inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron The word Baal-zebub, properly means the god of flies. This idol was so called, because it was supposed to deliver the Ekronites from flies, with which they were much pestered, being situated on... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 1:3

2 Kings 1:3. Is it not because, &c. There are two negatives in the Hebrew text, which increase the sense, Is it not because there is no God, none in Israel? That is, Do you not plainly declare that you think there is no God, none at all in Israel? That he knows nothing, and can do nothing? which makes you send to Ekron, as if there were a more knowing and mighty, if not the only God there. God had expressly said, that he had given prophets to the Israelites to inform them of future... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 1:5

2 Kings 1:5 . He said, Why are ye now turned back? Before you have been at Ekron: which he knew by their quick return. To avoid a repetition, we have no account given of the prophet’s meeting them, other than what they give of it themselves at their return. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 1:6

2 Kings 1:6. There came a man up to meet us Elijah was a man of such a venerable presence, and spake to them with such authority, in the name of the Lord, that they were overawed thereby, and induced to obey him rather than the king. read more

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