Baal-Zebub

Baal-Zebub (sometimes spelled Beelzebub) was a deity worshipped in ancient Philistine religion, particularly in the city of Ekron. The name "Baal-Zebub" translates to "Lord of the Flies," though this interpretation may carry a derogatory connotation introduced by later Israelite texts.

In the Bible:

Baal-Zebub is mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2-16. King Ahaziah of Israel, after being injured, sends messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to determine if he will recover. This act is condemned by the prophet Elijah, who declares that Ahaziah’s reliance on a foreign god instead of the God of Israel will result in his death.

Possible Interpretations:

"Lord of the Flies": This might suggest a connection to filth or decay, as flies are often associated with such conditions. Some scholars think this name was a mocking distortion of the title "Baal-Zebul" ("Lord Prince" or "Exalted Lord"), a name that may have been more respectful.
Demonization in Christianity: In later Christian tradition, "Beelzebub" evolved into one of the names for the Devil or a high-ranking demon, especially in literature like John Milton's Paradise Lost. This demonological interpretation likely stems from a combination of Hebrew polemics and subsequent Christian theology.

The shift in how Baal-Zebub was perceived reflects cultural and religious conflicts between ancient Israel and its neighbors.