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.
Ver. 2. And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice.] So the Suffragan of Dover broke his neck, falling down a pair of stairs in Cardinal Peele's lodgings at Greenwich, presently after he had received the cardinal's blessing. a The fall of Blackfriars slew about a hundred massmongers, bruised and lamed many more. By such mischances, besides diseases, men may be taken as a bird with a bolt, while he gazeth at the bow; which made Augustine say, that he would not for the gain of a million of worlds be an atheist for one half-hour, lest in that time death should seize him.
And was sick.] And so disabled to attempt anything against Moab.
Inquire of Baalzebub.] Which signifieth a fly lord. The Greeks called him Myiodes and Jupiter απομυιος, as driving away the flies that annoyed them b The Gentiles worshipped many strange gods, as Febris, Cloacina, Pavor and Pallor, &c. c These were devils, saith St Paul; and Beelzebub is called "the prince of devils." At Ekron he was chiefly worshipped; hence Acheron is taken for hell.
“ Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo. ” - Virg.
Whether I shall recover.] Answers to such questions these idolaters had sometimes from Aesculapius and other like devils, that they might be further deceived, as Martyr observeth.
a Act. and Mon., 1902.
b Pausan., lib. v. Plin., lib. xxix. cap. 6.
c Aug., De Civ. Dei.