Definition: And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 1:16. It’s a really important and unsettling passage in the Bible about how God dealt with King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Messenger is Asking Questions: The story begins when a messenger sent by Baalzebub, a god of worship in the region of Ekron (a place mentioned in the Old Testament), comes to King Ahab and Jezebel. Baalzebub was known for his deceptive nature – he offered false promises and urged Ahab to worship him. Azekel’s Warning: God sends a prophet named Azekel to warn Ahab and Jezebel about this dangerous situation. He says, “Thus saith the LORD…” which means God is speaking directly to us. The Crucial Question: The core of the verse is that God is asking a very serious question: "Is there anyone in Israel who is not seeking God’s word?" It's like saying, "Are people just blindly following false idols or traditions, or are they actively looking to and listening to God?" The Warning – Don’t Go Up: God then instructs Ahab and Jezebel not to go down from their bed. This is a powerful warning! It means they must stop what they're doing – they must stop worshipping Baalzebub and turn back to God. What it Means - A Summary of the Message: This verse highlights several key points: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control and watching over Israel, even when people are seeking or not seeking Him. The Danger of Idolatry: Baalzebub represents a deceptive and dangerous influence – offering false promises and leading people away from the true God. Importance of Seeking God's Word: It emphasizes that genuine faith requires actively seeking God’s guidance, understanding, and truth through His word. Why it Matters: This verse is considered one of the most frightening passages in the Bible because it shows that God’s presence is present even when people are being led astray by false gods. It’s a direct challenge to Ahab and Jezebel's choices, and it's a call for repentance and faithfulness to God. Important Note: The exact meaning of the verse has been debated over the centuries, but it generally conveys a sense of divine judgment and the need to turn away from idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the context of the story (e.g., Ahab’s rebellion)?