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2 Kings 1:5

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 1:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the messengers returned unto him, and he said unto them, Why is it that ye are returned?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the messengers returned unto him, and he said unto them, Why is it that ye are returned?
2 Kings 1:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2And Ahaziah fell down through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover of this sickness.
3But the angel of Jehovah said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?
4Now therefore thus saith Jehovah, Thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.
5And the messengers returned unto him, and he said unto them, Why is it that ye are returned?
6And they said unto him, There came up a man to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.
7And he said unto them, What manner of man was he that came up to meet you, and told you these words?
8And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when the messengers turned back unto him, etc.] To Ahaziah king of Israel, as they did as soon as Elijah was gone from them; concluding from his habit, his gravity, and the authority with which he spoke, that he was a prophet of the Lord, and especially from his knowledge of them, and of what they were sent about: he said unto them, why are ye now turned back? for, by the time they had been gone, he knew they could never have been at Ekron and returned.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the messengers turned back--They did not know the stranger; but his authoritative tone, commanding attitude, and affecting message determined them at once to return.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Why, &c. - Before you have been at Ekron: which he knew by their quick return. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 1:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification