מלכים ב, פרק א׳, פסוק ד׳

A severe divine punishment falls upon the king as a direct consequence of his actions. Because of his sin, a death sentence is decreed against him [מלבי״ם]. The reality of this judgment dictates that the king will never rise from his sickbed alive [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following this command, the prophet immediately sets out on his journey [מצודת דוד]. He travels to intercept the representatives and messengers sent by the king of Samaria in order to deliver the exact message and mission that God entrusted to him [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ].