Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Baalzebub

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Baalzebub, also known as Beelzebub, is a deity mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the Philistine city of Ekron. The name "Baalzebub" translates to "lord of the flies," and it is often considered a derogatory term for the Canaanite god Baal. This idol is a significant representation of the idolatrous practices that were prevalent among the neighboring nations of Israel and is indicative of the spiritual apostasy that the Israelites were warned against.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 1:2-3 : The most direct reference to Baalzebub is found in the account of King Ahaziah of Israel. After injuring himself, Ahaziah sends messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to see if he would recover from his injuries. The text states: "Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, 'Go and consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.' But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron?"'"

2. 2 Kings 1:6 : Elijah confronts the messengers with a message from the LORD, questioning the king's reliance on a foreign god: "They replied, 'A man came to meet us and said, "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 men to consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore, you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’”'"

3. 2 Kings 1:16 : Elijah delivers the final judgment to Ahaziah, reiterating the LORD's displeasure with the king's idolatry: "And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, 'This is what the LORD says: Because you have sent messengers to consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult?—therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.'"

Theological Significance:

The worship of Baalzebub highlights the persistent temptation of Israel to turn to foreign gods, despite the clear commandments from Yahweh to worship Him alone. The narrative of Ahaziah's inquiry of Baalzebub serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the rejection of God's sovereignty. It underscores the biblical theme that reliance on idols, rather than the one true God, leads to spiritual and often physical ruin.

New Testament Reference:

In the New Testament, the name Beelzebub is used as a reference to the prince of demons, further illustrating the negative connotations associated with this idol. In Matthew 12:24 , the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub: "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.'"

This association with demonic forces in the New Testament reflects the continued understanding of Baalzebub as a symbol of opposition to God's kingdom and a representation of spiritual corruption. The use of the name in this context serves to emphasize the spiritual battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil, with Baalzebub representing the latter.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 1:2,16
And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said to them, Go, inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
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even idolatry was allowed ... Joseph is implied in his not being mentioned in the ...
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
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Dagon are mentioned in the ... harmony with history and other parts of Scripture. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm