Beelzebub
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(god of flies) (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 6, 16; Matt. 10:25; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15, 18) — an idol or deity of Ekron, who protected against flies. This deity was especially venerated at Ekron, without doubt because there, as in low-lying coastal regions generally, flies were especially numerous among the various insects, greatly troubling the inhabitants of the city. However, it is evident from the Fourth Book of Kings (1:2) that Beelzebub was considered a deity not only protecting against flies, but also a patron of the medical art.
Thus Ahaziah, king of Israel, sent to inquire of this idol concerning his recovery from a grave illness. Under the name Beelzebub, mentioned in the New Testament (Matt. 10:25; 12:24, 27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15, 18, 19), one must understand the chief of the evil spirits, the prince of demons, whom the Lord Himself calls Satan.