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Text -- 2 Kings 10:1-5 (NET)

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Context
Jehu Wipes Out Ahab’s Family
10:1 Ahab had seventy sons living in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the leading officials of Jezreel and to the guardians of Ahab’s dynasty. This is what the letters said, 10:2 “You have with you the sons of your master, chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons. So when this letter arrives, 10:3 pick the best and most capable of your master’s sons, place him on his father’s throne, and defend your master’s dynasty.” 10:4 They were absolutely terrified and said, “Look, two kings could not stop him! How can we?” 10:5 So the palace supervisor, the city commissioner, the leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu, “We are your subjects! Whatever you say, we will do. We will not make anyone king. Do what you consider proper.”
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Ahab son and successor of Omri, king of Israel,son of Kolaiah; a false prophet in the time of King Zedekiah
 · Jehu son of Hanani who prophesied against King Baasha of Israel,son of Nimshi who killed King Joram and took his place as king of Israel,son of Obed of Judah,son of Joshibiah; head of a large influential family of Simeon in King Hezekiah's time,a man of Anathoth; one of the Benjamites who defected to David at Ziklag
 · Jezreel a resident of the town or region of Jezreel
 · Samaria residents of the district of Samaria


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Writing | WRITING, 2 | THRONE | SHEBNA | SAMARIA, CITY OF | RULER | RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY | NUMBER | MEET | Jezreel | Jehu | JEHONADAB | HOUSE | FACT | Ezion-geber | EPISTLE | ELIAKIM | Children | Assyria | Ahab | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 2Ki 10:5 - -- The chief governor of the kings palace.

The chief governor of the kings palace.

Wesley: 2Ki 10:5 - -- The chief magistrate or military governor.

The chief magistrate or military governor.

JFB: 2Ki 10:1-4 - -- As it appears (2Ki 10:13), that grandsons are included it is probable that this number comprehended the whole posterity of Ahab. Their being all assem...

As it appears (2Ki 10:13), that grandsons are included it is probable that this number comprehended the whole posterity of Ahab. Their being all assembled in that capital might arise from their being left there on the king's departure for Ramoth-gilead, or from their taking refuge in some of the strongholds of that city on the news of Jehu's conspiracy. It may be inferred from the tenor of Jehu's letters that their first intention was to select the fittest of the royal family and set him up as king. Perhaps this challenge of Jehu was designed as a stroke of policy on his part to elicit their views, and to find out whether they were inclined to be pacific or hostile. The bold character of the man, and the rapid success of his conspiracy, terrified the civic authorities of Samaria and Jezreel into submission.

JFB: 2Ki 10:5 - -- The governor or chamberlain of the palace.

The governor or chamberlain of the palace.

JFB: 2Ki 10:5 - -- Anciently, and still also in many Eastern countries, the principal grandees were charged with the support and education of the royal princes. This inv...

Anciently, and still also in many Eastern countries, the principal grandees were charged with the support and education of the royal princes. This involved a heavy expense which they were forced to bear, but for which they endeavored to find some compensation in the advantages of their connection with the court.

Clarke: 2Ki 10:1 - -- Ahab had seventy sons - As he had several wives, he might have many children. The Israelites, from the earliest part of their history, were remarkab...

Ahab had seventy sons - As he had several wives, he might have many children. The Israelites, from the earliest part of their history, were remarkably fruitful. How amazingly did they multiply in Egypt, even under the hand of the severest oppression! And as to the individuals of whose families we have an account, they are quite remarkable: Rehoboam had thirty-eight sons; Abdon had forty; Tola had thirty; Ahab, seventy; and Gideon, seventy-one

Clarke: 2Ki 10:1 - -- Unto the rulers of Jezreel - It certainly should be, unto the rulers of Samaria; for to them and to that city the whole context shows us the letters...

Unto the rulers of Jezreel - It certainly should be, unto the rulers of Samaria; for to them and to that city the whole context shows us the letters were sent. See 2Ki 10:6

Clarke: 2Ki 10:1 - -- To them that brought up Ahab’ s children - It appears that the royal children of Israel and Judah were intrusted to the care of the nobles, and...

To them that brought up Ahab’ s children - It appears that the royal children of Israel and Judah were intrusted to the care of the nobles, and were brought up by them, (see 2Ki 10:6); and to these, therefore, Jehu’ s letters are directed. It is supposed Isaiah (Isa 49:23) alludes to this custom: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers.

Clarke: 2Ki 10:2 - -- A fenced city also - All here seems to refer to Samaria alone; in it were the magazines and implements of war, etc. No reader need be told that thes...

A fenced city also - All here seems to refer to Samaria alone; in it were the magazines and implements of war, etc. No reader need be told that these letters were all ironical. It was the same as if he had said, "Ye have no means of defense; Israel is with me: if you yield not up yourselves and the city, I will put you all to the sword.

Clarke: 2Ki 10:4 - -- Two kings stood not before him - That is Joram and Ahaziah.

Two kings stood not before him - That is Joram and Ahaziah.

Clarke: 2Ki 10:5 - -- He that was over the house, etc. - Thus all the constituted authorities agreed to submit

He that was over the house, etc. - Thus all the constituted authorities agreed to submit

Clarke: 2Ki 10:5 - -- Will do all that thou shalt bid us - They made no conditions, and stood pledged to commit the horrid murders which this most execrable man afterward...

Will do all that thou shalt bid us - They made no conditions, and stood pledged to commit the horrid murders which this most execrable man afterwards commanded.

TSK: 2Ki 10:1 - -- seventy sons : Jdg 8:30, Jdg 10:4, Jdg 12:14 in Samaria : 2Ki 5:3; 1Ki 13:32, 1Ki 16:28; 2Ch 22:9 the rulers : Deu 16:18; 1Ki 21:8-14 them : Heb. nour...

seventy sons : Jdg 8:30, Jdg 10:4, Jdg 12:14

in Samaria : 2Ki 5:3; 1Ki 13:32, 1Ki 16:28; 2Ch 22:9

the rulers : Deu 16:18; 1Ki 21:8-14

them : Heb. nourishers

TSK: 2Ki 10:2 - -- as soon : 2Ki 5:6

as soon : 2Ki 5:6

TSK: 2Ki 10:3 - -- Look even : Deu 17:14, Deu 17:15; 1Sa 10:24, 1Sa 11:15; 2Sa 2:8, 2Sa 2:9; 1Ki 1:24, 1Ki 1:25, 1Ki 12:20 fight for : 2Sa 2:12-17; 1Ki 12:21; Joh 18:36

TSK: 2Ki 10:4 - -- Behold : 2Ki 9:24, 2Ki 9:27 how then shall : Isa 27:4; Jer 49:19; Nah 1:6; Luk 14:31

Behold : 2Ki 9:24, 2Ki 9:27

how then shall : Isa 27:4; Jer 49:19; Nah 1:6; Luk 14:31

TSK: 2Ki 10:5 - -- We are thy servants : 2Ki 18:14; Jos 9:11, Jos 9:24, Jos 9:25; 1Ki 20:4, 1Ki 20:32; Jer 27:7, Jer 27:8, Jer 27:17; Joh 12:26

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Ki 10:1 - -- Seventy sons - i. e., descendants; there were included among them children of Jehoram (2Ki 10:2-3, etc.).

Seventy sons - i. e., descendants; there were included among them children of Jehoram (2Ki 10:2-3, etc.).

Barnes: 2Ki 10:2 - -- A fenced city - Or, "fenced cities."If Samaria had refused to acknowledge Jehu, many other Israelite towns would have been sure to follow the e...

A fenced city - Or, "fenced cities."If Samaria had refused to acknowledge Jehu, many other Israelite towns would have been sure to follow the example.

Barnes: 2Ki 10:3 - -- Jehu, placing his adversaries’ advantages before them in the most favorable light, called upon them to decide what they would do. The unscrupu...

Jehu, placing his adversaries’ advantages before them in the most favorable light, called upon them to decide what they would do. The unscrupulous soldier shows shrewdness as well as courage, a sharp wit as well as a bold heart.

Barnes: 2Ki 10:4 - -- Two kings - literally, "the two kings,"i. e., Jehoram and Ahaziah 2Ki 9:21-28.

Two kings - literally, "the two kings,"i. e., Jehoram and Ahaziah 2Ki 9:21-28.

Barnes: 2Ki 10:5 - -- The officer who had the charge of the place (1Ki 4:6 note) and the governor of the town (1Ki 22:26 note) seem to correspond to the "rulers"of 2Ki 10...

The officer who had the charge of the place (1Ki 4:6 note) and the governor of the town (1Ki 22:26 note) seem to correspond to the "rulers"of 2Ki 10:1.

Poole: 2Ki 10:1 - -- Ahab had seventy sons either, first, properly sons by several wives; or rather, secondly, grandsons are comprehended, who are oft called sons , and...

Ahab had seventy sons either, first, properly sons by several wives; or rather, secondly, grandsons are comprehended, who are oft called sons , and grandfathers fathers , in Scripture. In Samaria either because they were bred up there, that being the chief city of the kingdom; or because upon the tidings of Joram’ s slaughter they fled thither, or were by their friends conveyed from several parts thither, as to the strongest place; in which it may seem by Jehu’ s message they intended to defend themselves and Ahab’ s children, and to set up one as king in Joram’ s stead; or rather, because they were left there by Joram when he went to Ramoth-gilead, that if the Syrians had prevailed against him, they might have safety in that very strong and great city, and he by their means succour from it.

Unto the rulers of Jezreel Heb. the princes of Jezreel , i.e. the great persons and officers of the court, which then was and had been for some time at Jezreel, who either had fled thither with Ahab’ s sons, upon the news of Jehu’ s actions and successes; or rather, had been sent by Joram with his sons to Samaria, to take care of them there.

To the elders either by age, or rather by office; the rulers or senators of Samaria.

To them that brought up Ahab’ s children that had a more particular care of the several children under the inspection of the princes or rulers here mentioned.

Poole: 2Ki 10:3 - -- Thus he speaks, either because he had some notice of their intentions thus to do; or to make trial of them, whether they would do so, or would be tr...

Thus he speaks, either because he had some notice of their intentions thus to do; or to make trial of them, whether they would do so, or would be true to him and his designs; or to signify to them his intentions of fighting against them, if they did so, that by the terror hereof he might bring them to a compliance with him.

Poole: 2Ki 10:4 - -- All their power and interest, either in Jezreel, or in the army before or in Ramoth-gilead, could not hinder him from executing his design from kill...

All their power and interest, either in Jezreel, or in the army before or in Ramoth-gilead, could not hinder him from executing his design from killing the two kings, and from invading one of their kingdoms. It is true, he surprised the kings, which a little weakens their argument; but fear and self love made them easily yield to it.

Poole: 2Ki 10:5 - -- He that was over the house the chief governor of the king’ s palace or castle there. He that was over the city the chief magistrate or militar...

He that was over the house the chief governor of the king’ s palace or castle there.

He that was over the city the chief magistrate or military governor.

We will do all that thou shalt bid us they make no delays or conditions, but submit all to his mercy.

Haydock: 2Ki 10:1 - -- Seventy sons, as he had many wives. Gedeon had 70. (Calmet) --- Grand-children might also be included. (Du Hamel) --- But this is not necessary....

Seventy sons, as he had many wives. Gedeon had 70. (Calmet) ---

Grand-children might also be included. (Du Hamel) ---

But this is not necessary. (Calmet) ---

City, Hebrew, "of Jezrahel," a word which has probably been substituted instead of "Israel," which is more conformable to the Septuagint and Vulgate. Those who adhere to the Hebrew pretend that the princes had all fled from Jezrahel. ---

Children. This is the sense generally given to Nutritios Achab, which literally signifies, "nursing-fathers (preceptors, counsellors, &c.) of Achab," ver. 5. The king's children were perhaps educated in the most noble families, (ver. 6.) and in the best cities, 2 Paralipomenon xi. 23. Isaias (xlix. 23.) foretelling the happiness of the Israelites after the captivity, says, that kings and queens will nurse them.

Haydock: 2Ki 10:3 - -- Master. Jehu would lead them into a snare, and insultingly challenges them to battle, shewing how little he feared their power. (Calmet) --- He sp...

Master. Jehu would lead them into a snare, and insultingly challenges them to battle, shewing how little he feared their power. (Calmet) ---

He speaks ironically. (Du Hamel)

Gill: 2Ki 10:1 - -- And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria,.... These might not be all his immediate sons, but some of them his grandsons, as such are sometimes called in S...

And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria,.... These might not be all his immediate sons, but some of them his grandsons, as such are sometimes called in Scripture:

and Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel; who fled thither, perhaps on Jehu's coming to Jezreel, having slain Joram, being the metropolis of the kingdom, to consult about a successor, or how to oppose Jehu, and to frustrate his designs: but the Septuagint version is, "to the rulers of Samaria", which seems most likely to be the true reading:

to the elders; the civil magistrates of the city of Samaria:

and to them that brought up Ahab's children: who had the care of their education; who either always dwelt at Samaria, being the royal city, or were sent with their charge thither, when Joram went to Ramothgilead, for safety, supposing he should be worsted by the Syrians; or they fled thither with them upon the death of Joram:

saying; as follows.

Gill: 2Ki 10:2 - -- Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you,.... Sons of Ahab, and some of Joram, and all either the sons or gran...

Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you,.... Sons of Ahab, and some of Joram, and all either the sons or grandsons of Ahab:

and there are with you chariots and horses; military ones:

a fenced city also: as Samaria was, well walled and fortified, and able to hold out a long siege:

and armour; of all sorts, to arm themselves and people with in their defence.

Gill: 2Ki 10:3 - -- Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons,.... Most fit for government, whether on account of age or proper qualifications, and wisdom,...

Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons,.... Most fit for government, whether on account of age or proper qualifications, and wisdom, courage, &c.

and set him on his father's throne; proclaim him king:

and fight for your master's house; that the crown may continue in his family; all which he did not desire might be, but in this sarcastic and sneering manner dares them to do it.

Gill: 2Ki 10:4 - -- But they were exceedingly afraid,.... They were intimidated at once; for they saw the purport of those letters, that should they attempt anything of t...

But they were exceedingly afraid,.... They were intimidated at once; for they saw the purport of those letters, that should they attempt anything of this kind, he would come upon them with his forces:

and said, behold, two kings stood not before him; the kings of Israel and Judah, Joram and Ahaziah; but they were unarmed, and therefore how should they stand before an armed body of men Jehu had with him? this shows the pusillanimity of these men to make use of such an argument as this:

how then shall we stand? that is, before Jehu; but they were in much better circumstances than the two kings, as they are truly represented in 2Ki 10:2.

Gill: 2Ki 10:5 - -- And he that was over the house,.... The king's palace in Samaria, who had the custody, care, and government of it: and he that was over the city; t...

And he that was over the house,.... The king's palace in Samaria, who had the custody, care, and government of it:

and he that was over the city; the commander and governor of it, that had the highest post in it under the king;

the elders also all other subordinate officers and magistrates:

and the bringers up of the children; who had the education of the king's sons committed to them:

sent to Jehu, saying, we are thy servants, and will do all that thou shall bid us. They were ready to do homage, and swear allegiance to him as their king, and obey all his commands as faithful subjects:

we will not make any king; or set up any on the throne, no, not any of the sons or grandsons of Ahab:

do thou that which is good in thine eyes, we will never oppose thee.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Ki 10:1 Heb “to the officers of Jezreel, the elders, and to the guardians of Ahab, saying.” It is not certain why the officials of Jezreel would b...

NET Notes: 2Ki 10:2 Heb “And now when this letter comes to you – with you are the sons of your master and with you are chariots and horses and a fortified cit...

NET Notes: 2Ki 10:3 Or “fight for.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 10:4 Heb “How can we stand?”

NET Notes: 2Ki 10:5 Heb “Do what is good in your eyes.”

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 10:1 And Ahab had seventy ( a ) sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that b...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 10:3 Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and ( b ) set [him] on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house. ( b ) He wro...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Ki 10:1-36 - --1 Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's children to be beheaded.8 He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elijah.12 At the shearing house he s...

MHCC: 2Ki 10:1-14 - --In the most awful events, though attended by the basest crimes of man, the truth and justice of God are to be noticed; and he never did nor can comman...

Matthew Henry: 2Ki 10:1-14 - -- We left Jehu in quiet possession of Jezreel, triumphing over Joram and Jezebel; and we must now attend his further motions. He knew the whole house ...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 10:1-3 - -- Extermination of the Seventy Sons of Ahab in Samaria. - 2Ki 10:1-3. As Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria ( בּנים in the wider sense, viz., sons,...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 10:4-5 - -- This ruse had the desired result. The recipients of the letter were in great fear, and said, Two kings could not stand before him, how shall we? an...

Constable: 2Ki 9:30--18:1 - --C. The Second Period of Antagonism 9:30-17:41 The kingdoms of Israel and Judah continued without an alli...

Constable: 2Ki 9:30--11:1 - --1. Jehu's evil reign in Israel 9:30-10:36 Since the writer did not record Jehu's coronation, we ...

Constable: 2Ki 10:1-17 - --Jehu's purges of the royal families 10:1-17 Jehu challenged the nobles of Samaria and Je...

Guzik: 2Ki 10:1-36 - --2 Kings 10 - The Reforms of Jehu A. Jehu executes the house of Ahab. 1. (1-11) Ahab's descendants are executed at Jezreel. Now Ahab had seventy so...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF KINGS, in the ancient copies of the Hebrew Bible, constitute one book. Various titles have been given them; in the Septu...

JFB: 2 Kings (Outline) MOAB REBELS. (2Ki 1:1) AHAZIAH'S JUDGMENT BY ELIJAH. (2Ki 1:2-8) ELIJAH BRINGS FIRE FROM HEAVEN ON AHAZIAH'S MESSENGERS. (2Ki 1:9-16) AHAZIAH DIES, A...

TSK: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) The events detailed in these books (Kings) are highly interesting and important. The account of the wisdom, magnificence, and extended commerce of So...

TSK: 2 Kings 10 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Ki 10:1, Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab’s children to be beheaded; 2Ki 10:8, He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elij...

Poole: 2 Kings 10 (Chapter Introduction) KINGS CHAPTER 10 Jehu by his letters causeth seventy of Ahab’ s sons to be slain: the fact is excused by Elijah’ s prophecy, 2Ki 10:1-11 ...

MHCC: 2 Kings 10 (Chapter Introduction) (2Ki 10:1-14) Ahab's sons and Ahaziah's brethren put to death. (2Ki 10:15-28) Jehu destroys the worshippers of Baal. (2Ki 10:29-36) Jehu follows Jer...

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Book of Kings This second book of the Kings (which the Septuagint, numbering from Samuel, ca...

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings 10 (Chapter Introduction) We have in this chapter, I. A further account of Jehu's execution of his commission. He cut off, I. All Ahab's sons (2Ki 10:1-10). 2. All Ahab's...

Constable: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) Introduction Second Kings continues the narrative begun in 1 Kings. It opens with the translation of godly Elijah to hea...

Constable: 2 Kings (Outline) Outline (Continued from notes on 1 Kings) 3. Ahaziah's evil reign in Israel -1 Kings 22:51-2...

Constable: 2 Kings 2 Kings Bibliography Ackroyd, Peter R. "An Interpretation of the Babylonian Exile: A Study of 2 Kings 20, Isaia...

Haydock: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FOURTH BOOK OF KINGS. INTRODUCTION. This Book brings us to the conclusion of the kingdom of Israel, (chap. xvii.) and to the captivity of ...

Gill: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS This, and the preceding book, are properly but one book divided into two parts, because of the size of it, as the book of S...

Gill: 2 Kings 10 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 10 This chapter gives a further account of the destruction of the house of Ahab by Jehu, or his orders, even of all his son...

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