2 Kings 10
BSB1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying: 2 “When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry, 3 select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house." 4 But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?" 5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight." 6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. 7 And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel. 8 When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, “They have brought the heads of the sons of the king.” And Jehu ordered, “Pile them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until morning." 9 The next morning, Jehu went out and stood before all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him. But who killed all these? 10 Know, then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah." 11 So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor. 12 Then Jehu set out toward Samaria. At Beth-eked of the Shepherds, 13 Jehu met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother." 14 Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them. 15 When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, 16 saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot. 17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to Elijah. 18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. 19 Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal. 20 And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it. 21 Then Jehu sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; there was not a man who failed to show. They entered the temple of Baal, and it was filled from end to end. 22 And Jehu said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring out garments for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out garments for them. 23 Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal." 24 And they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and warned them, “If anyone allows one of the men I am delivering into your hands to escape, he will forfeit his life for theirs." 25 When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. 26 They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. 27 They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. 28 Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel, 29 but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. 30 Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel." 31 Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. 32 In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory 33 from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan. 34 As for the rest of the acts of Jehu, along with all his accomplishments and all his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 35 And Jehu rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria, and his son Jehoahaz reigned in his place. 36 So the duration of Jehu’s reign over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 10
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Kings 10
- Themes from 2 Kings 10
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Kings 10
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Jehu, the new king of Israel, receiving a command from God to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate the worship of Baal. Jehu obeyed God's command and killed all the descendants of Ahab, including King Joram and Queen Jezebel. He also destroyed the temple of Baal and killed all the priests of Baal. However, Jehu did not fully obey God's commands, and the chapter ends with a note that Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which had led Israel into idolatry. Key verses include 2 Kings 10:10, which states that the dogs will eat Jezebel's flesh, and 2 Kings 10:28, which notes that Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah, and describes the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab. The chapter is closely related to 1 Kings 21, which describes the sin of Ahab and the prophecy of Elijah. The chapter is also part of the larger theme of God's judgment and justice, which is a central theme in the Old Testament. The events of this chapter occur during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah, as described in 2 Kings 8:16-24.
Heart Application
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of sin. As believers, we are called to obey God's commands and to turn away from sin and idolatry. We are also reminded of the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and justice, and of the finality of his judgment.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's judgment on the house of Ahab, who had sinned against God. God commanded Jehu to destroy the house of Ahab, and Jehu obeyed. The chapter shows that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate sin. In 2 Kings 10:10, we see that God's word is final, and in 2 Kings 10:28, we see that Jehu destroyed the temple of Baal.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord, who is the judge of all, has appointed his servants to execute his judgments, and has given them the power to do so.”
— John Calvin
“The destruction of the house of Ahab is a type of the final judgment, where God will destroy all sin and wickedness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Command to Destroy the House of Ahab (2 Kings 10:1-10) — This section describes the command given to Jehu to destroy the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
- The Death of the Descendants of Ahab (2 Kings 10:11-17) — This section describes the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the death of its descendants.
- The Destruction of the Temple of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-28) — This section describes the destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priests, highlighting the importance of eradicating idolatry and sin.
- The Reign of Jehu (2 Kings 10:29-36) — This section describes the reign of Jehu, and the fact that he did not fully obey God's commands.
- Conclusion (2 Kings 10:37) — This section concludes the chapter, and summarizes the events described.
Core Doctrines
- God's Judgment
- This chapter teaches that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate sin and idolatry. In 2 Kings 10:10, we see that God's word is final, and in 2 Kings 10:28, we see that Jehu destroyed the temple of Baal.
- Obedience to God's Commands
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience. This is seen in 2 Kings 10:29-31, where Jehu is rebuked for not fully obeying God's commands.
- Idolatry
- The chapter describes the sin of idolatry, and the importance of eradicating it. In 2 Kings 10:18-21, we see the destruction of the temple of Baal, and the killing of its priests.
- God's Faithfulness
- The chapter teaches that God is faithful to his promises, and that his word will not fall to the earth. This is seen in 2 Kings 10:10, where God says that nothing of his word will fall to the earth.
Lessons from 2 Kings 10
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential, and that disobedience has serious consequences.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry, and the importance of eradicating it from our lives.
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches that God is faithful to his promises, and that his word will not fall to the earth.
- The Finality of God's Judgment — The chapter describes the finality of God's judgment, and the importance of trusting in his justice and righteousness.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and justice, and of obeying his commands.
Themes from 2 Kings 10
- God's Judgment — The chapter describes God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to his commands.
- Idolatry — The chapter highlights the sin of idolatry, and the importance of eradicating it from our lives.
- Obedience — The chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential, and that disobedience has serious consequences.
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches that God is faithful to his promises, and that his word will not fall to the earth.
- Trust in God — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and justice, and of obeying his commands.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the central message of this chapter, and how does it relate to the gospel message?
- How does the chapter describe the consequences of sin and idolatry, and what lessons can we learn from this?
- What is the significance of Jehu's obedience to God's commands, and what can we learn from his example?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and justice, and what implications does this have for our lives?
- What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, and how can we avoid the sins of idolatry and disobedience?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Command to Destroy the House of Ahab (2 Kings 10:1-10)
| 10:1 | The chapter begins with the command given to Jehu to destroy the house of Ahab. |
| 10:2 | Jehu is instructed to take care of the sons of the king, and to destroy the house of Ahab. |
| 10:3 | Jehu is warned that if he fails to obey God's commands, he will be punished. |
| 10:4 | The commanders of the army are afraid of Jehu, and they ask him to explain his actions. |
| 10:5 | Jehu explains that he has been anointed by God to be the new king of Israel. |
| 10:6 | Jehu writes a letter to the rulers of Samaria, instructing them to take care of the sons of the king. |
| 10:7 | The rulers of Samaria are afraid of Jehu, and they decide to obey his instructions. |
| 10:8 | The rulers of Samaria send the heads of the sons of the king to Jehu, and he executes them. |
| 10:9 | Jehu explains that he is not responsible for the death of the sons of the king, but that it is a fulfillment of God's judgment. |
| 10:10 | The chapter highlights the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
2. The Death of the Descendants of Ahab (2 Kings 10:11-17)
| 10:11 | Jehu kills all the descendants of Ahab, including King Joram and Queen Jezebel. |
| 10:12 | Jehu also kills the relatives of Ahab, and the friends of the king. |
| 10:13 | Jehu finds the brothers of Ahaziah, and he kills them. |
| 10:14 | Jehu kills all the descendants of Ahab, and he destroys the house of Ahab. |
| 10:15 | Jehu meets Jehonadab, and he asks him to join him in his mission to destroy the house of Ahab. |
| 10:16 | Jehonadab agrees to join Jehu, and together they destroy the house of Ahab. |
| 10:17 | Jehu kills all the descendants of Ahab, and he destroys the house of Ahab. |
3. The Destruction of the Temple of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-28)
| 10:18 | Jehu calls all the people of Samaria to gather at the temple of Baal. |
| 10:19 | Jehu instructs the people to bring all the priests of Baal to the temple. |
| 10:20 | Jehu kills all the priests of Baal, and he destroys the temple of Baal. |
| 10:21 | Jehu destroys the temple of Baal, and he kills all the people who worship there. |
| 10:22 | Jehu finds the clothes of the priests of Baal, and he uses them to destroy the temple. |
| 10:23 | Jehu destroys the temple of Baal, and he kills all the people who worship there. |
| 10:24 | Jehu kills all the people who worship Baal, and he destroys the temple of Baal. |
| 10:25 | Jehu kills all the people who worship Baal, and he destroys the temple of Baal. |
| 10:26 | Jehu destroys the temple of Baal, and he kills all the people who worship there. |
| 10:27 | Jehu destroys the temple of Baal, and he kills all the people who worship there. |
| 10:28 | Jehu destroys the temple of Baal, and he kills all the people who worship there. |
4. The Reign of Jehu (2 Kings 10:29-36)
| 10:29 | Jehu becomes the new king of Israel, but he does not fully obey God's commands. |
| 10:30 | Jehu is praised by God for destroying the house of Ahab, but he is also rebuked for not fully obeying God's commands. |
| 10:31 | Jehu does not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, and he continues to sin against God. |
| 10:32 | The kingdom of Israel is reduced in size, and Hazael becomes the king of Syria. |
| 10:33 | Jehu loses control of the territory east of the Jordan River, and Hazael becomes the ruler of that territory. |
| 10:34 | The rest of the acts of Jehu are written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel. |
| 10:35 | Jehu dies, and his son Jehoahaz becomes the new king of Israel. |
| 10:36 | The length of Jehu's reign is 28 years. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of 2 Kings 10?
The central message of 2 Kings 10 is the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. This is seen in 2 Kings 10:10, where God says that nothing of his word will fall to the earth.
Who is Jehu, and what is his role in the chapter?
Jehu is the new king of Israel, who is commanded by God to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate the worship of Baal. He is the main character in the chapter, and his actions are central to the plot.
What is the significance of the destruction of the temple of Baal?
The destruction of the temple of Baal is significant because it represents the eradication of idolatry and sin from Israel. It is a fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 10:10 → 1 Kings 21:20-24 | The prophecy of Elijah is fulfilled in the death of Ahab's descendants. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:17 → Hosea 1:4 | The destruction of the house of Ahab is a fulfillment of God's judgment on Israel. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 10:28 → Deuteronomy 12:3 | The destruction of the temple of Baal is a fulfillment of God's command to destroy all idols. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:29 → 1 Kings 12:26-33 | Jehu's failure to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam is a continuation of the sin of Israel. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 10:30 → 2 Chronicles 22:9 | Jehu's destruction of the house of Ahab is a fulfillment of God's judgment on Judah. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 10:31 → Amos 5:26 | Jehu's failure to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam is a continuation of the sin of Israel. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 10:32 → 2 Kings 13:3 | The reduction of the kingdom of Israel is a fulfillment of God's judgment on Israel. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 10:35 → 2 Kings 13:1 | The death of Jehu and the accession of Jehoahaz is a continuation of the history of Israel. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 10:36 → 2 Kings 13:10 | The length of Jehu's reign is a fulfillment of God's promise to him. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 10:10 → Matthew 23:35 | The fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab is a type of the final judgment. |
Sermons on 2 Kings 10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revival in Our World by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the theme of revival in our world today. He highlights the current state of society, characterized by exploitation, division, immorality, and |
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(2 Kings) Jehu: Zealous, but Not Enough by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jehu from the Bible. Jehu was a man of great power and momentum, known for his zeal and authority. The people of Jezreel, recog |
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Is It Peace, Jehu? and He Answered, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the concept of true peace, emphasizing that it cannot exist alongside the distractions and sins represented by Jezebel in our lives. He warns against the superf |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled |
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Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 10
In this chapter, we see the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The destruction of the temple of Baal is a significant event, as it represents the eradication of idolatry and sin from Israel. However, Jehu's failure to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam is a continuation of the sin of Israel. The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and justice, and of obeying his commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord is a God of justice, and will not tolerate sin and idolatry.' The chapter is a reminder that God is a God of judgment, and that we must obey his commands in order to avoid his wrath. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Judgment is Final
The chapter describes the finality of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. This is seen in 2 Kings 10:10, where God says that nothing of his word will fall to the earth.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience. This is seen in 2 Kings 10:29-31, where Jehu is rebuked for not fully obeying God's commands.
The Destruction of Idolatry
The chapter describes the destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priests, highlighting the importance of eradicating idolatry and sin.