So called from Baal, lord, and Zebub, a fly. And this was the ridiculous idol worshipped at Ekron, to whom Ahaziah, king of Israel, sent to enquire concerning his recovery from a fall he had from his terrace. (See 2 Kings 1:2-3) How very sadly this weak prince answered to his name! The man that was called Ahaziah should have had better views of the Lord, Achaz and Jah, meant, vision of the Lord. Whereas, his was a vision of folly! The Egyptians, it should seem, as well as the being near neighbours, paid divine to this contemptible idol. It is possible, the folly of this idolatry might take its rise from the plague of the flies, which Egypt suffered on account of Israel. (See Exodus 8:20, etc.) But it said also by historians, that the rivers of Egypt abound with flies whose sting is very painful. It is worthy remark, that the name of this idol changed only from Baal-zebub in Hebrew, to Beel-zebub in Greek, was given to the devil, in the days of our Lord's ministry upon earth. It doth not appear that was worshipped at that time; but it is evident so generally known and acknowledged by this name, that the Pharisees made use of it as a well known, and in a daring blasphemy, the miracles of the Lord Jesus to his power (See Matthew 12:24)