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2 Kings 1:16 Cross References
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.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with 2 Kings 1:16. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
2 Kings 1:16 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to 2 Kings 1:16 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
2 Kings 1:2 (KJV) »
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 Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.
Exodus 4:22 (KJV) »
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
1 Kings 21:18 (KJV) »
Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.
1 Kings 22:28 (KJV) »
And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
1 Kings 14:6 (KJV) »
And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.
2 Kings 5:21 (KJV) »
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
2 Kings 1:6 (KJV) »
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.
2 Kings 1:16 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding 2 Kings 1:16
"And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron; is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word?" (2 Kings 1:16, KJV)
Summary of the Verse
This verse highlights a moment of divine rebuke directed towards King Ahaziah of Israel. It conveys God's displeasure regarding Ahaziah's choices in seeking counsel from Baal-zebub, a false deity, rather than turning to the God of Israel. The prophet Elijah delivers this message, reinforcing the exclusivity and sovereignty of God over Israel.
Commentary Insights
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Matthew Henry:
Henry emphasizes that Ahaziah's actions demonstrated a rejection of God’s authority. By seeking help from a foreign god, Ahaziah displayed a lack of faith in Israel's God, who had a history of delivering His people. This incident serves as a reminder of God's desire for His people to seek Him earnestly in times of distress.
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Albert Barnes:
Barnes notes that the inquiry of Ahaziah signifies a critical point in Israel's spiritual decline, as they turned to idolatry. This passage underscores the futility of pursuing false gods, as they cannot provide the real help and guidance that only God can offer. Barnes articulates that this moment represents a pivotal lesson about faith and reliance on God.
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Adam Clarke:
Clarke provides an analysis of the context, indicating that the act of consulting Baal-zebub was indicative of both rebellion and desperation. He explains that the name "Baal-zebub" implies a connection to the lord of flies, representing degradation. Clarke argues that such actions exemplify the failure of Israel's leadership to uphold faith in God, and the consequences that follow from abandoning true worship.
Cross-References
This verse connects with several other biblical passages that reinforce its themes. Here are some relevant cross-references:
- Exodus 20:3-5 - God's commandment against having other gods.
- 1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal, questioning the loyalty of Israel.
- James 4:7 - The call to submit to God and resist the devil.
- Isaiah 31:1 - A warning against relying on Egypt and other nations instead of God.
- Jeremiah 10:14 - A declaration about the foolishness of idolatry.
- Psalm 121:1 - A reminder to look to the hills from whence our help comes.
- Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' declaration to worship the Lord God alone.
Thematic Connections
The themes of idolatry, God's sovereignty, and the importance of faith emerge strongly in this verse. These themes are recurrent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating a continual call for believers to trust God. The narrative highlights the tension between faithfulness to God and the societal pressures that can lead to the adoption of other beliefs.
Bible Verse Parallels
In analyzing 2 Kings 1:16, one can draw parallels with other biblical texts where reliance on God versus false gods is evident. Such instances illustrate the importance and necessity of maintaining a faithful relationship with the Lord. For example:
- Acts 16:16-18 - Paul casts out a spirit of divination, emphasizing the conflict between true faith and false spiritualities.
- Romans 1:25 - Discusses exchanging the truth of God for a lie, similar to Ahaziah's error.
- 1 John 5:21 - A concluding caution against idolatry in the life of believers.
Conclusion
The message of 2 Kings 1:16 serves as a profound reminder of the danger of displacing God with false beliefs and the importance of seeking Him in all aspects of life. By leveraging various biblical cross-references, a comprehensive understanding of the thematic implications can be cultivated. If you desire deeper insights, tools for Bible cross-referencing, such as a Bible concordance or a cross-reference Bible study guide, may enhance your study further.