Baal-zebub

Baal-zebub was the god of Ekron whom Ahaziah consulted about his illness.

Baal-zebub, meaning "Lord of the Flies," was the god of the Philistine city of Ekron. In 2Kings 1, King Ahaziah of Israel sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub whether he would recover from an illness. This action provoked God's anger, and the prophet Elijah confronted the king, prophesying that he would die for seeking guidance from a pagan god rather than the Lord. The narrative presents Baal-zebub as a false god whose worship was forbidden for Israelites. Consulting this deity was seen as a direct violation of the commandment to worship only the one true God. The passage also demonstrates the futility of trusting in false gods, as Baal-zebub had no power to heal Ahaziah or overturn God's decree of judgment.

Fly-lord, the god of the Philistines at Ekron (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 16). This name was given to the god because he was supposed to be able to avert the plague of flies which in that region was to be feared. He was consulted by Ahaziah as to his recovery.