2 Kings 1:4 - Exposition

Now therefore. The word translated, "therefore" ( לָכֵן ) is emphatic, and means "for this reason," "on this account." Because Ahaziah had apostatized from Cod, God sentenced him to die from the effects of his fall, and not to recover. It is implied that he might have recovered if he had acted otherwise. And Elijah departed ; i.e. quitted the messengers, showing that his errand was accomplished—he had said all that he was commissioned to say.