2 Chronicles 22:8
2 Chronicles 22:8 in Multiple Translations
So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them.
And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.
And it came to pass, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and slew them.
Now when Jehu was effecting the punishment of the family of Ahab, he came to the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's brothers, the servants of Ahaziah, and put them to death.
While Jehu was carrying out judgment on the family of Ahab, he came across the leaders of Judah and Ahaziah's relatives who were assisting Ahaziah, and he killed them.
Therefore when Iehu executed iudgement vpon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Iudah and the sonnes of the brethren of Ahaziah that waited on Ahaziah, he slew them also.
And it cometh to pass, in Jehu's executing judgment with the house of Ahab, that he findeth the heads of Judah and sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, ministers of Ahaziah, and slayeth them.
When Jehu was executing judgment on Ahab’s house, he found the princes of Judah and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah serving Ahaziah, and killed them.
And it came to pass, that when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.
So when Jehu was rooting out the house of Achab, he found the princes of Juda, and the sons of the brethren of Ochozias, who served him, and he slew them.
While Jehu and the men who were with him were killing the descendants of Ahab, they found the leaders of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s relatives who had been working for Ahaziah, and they killed all of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 22:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 22:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֕י
כְּ/הִשָּׁפֵ֥ט
יֵה֖וּא
עִם
בֵּ֣ית
אַחְאָ֑ב
וַ/יִּמְצָא֩
אֶת
שָׂרֵ֨י
יְהוּדָ֜ה
וּ/בְנֵ֨י
אֲחֵ֧י
אֲחַזְיָ֛הוּ
מְשָׁרְתִ֥ים
לַ/אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ
וַ/יַּהַרְגֵֽ/ם
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/הִשָּׁפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
יֵה֖וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
Jehu
N-proper
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
וַ/יִּמְצָא֩
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שָׂרֵ֨י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
יְהוּדָ֜ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וּ/בְנֵ֨י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
אֲחֵ֧י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp
אֲחַזְיָ֛הוּ
ʼĂchazyâh
H274
Ahaziah
N-proper
מְשָׁרְתִ֥ים
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel
לַ/אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ
ʼĂchazyâh
H274
Ahaziah
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּהַרְגֵֽ/ם
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 22:8
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/הִשָּׁפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
יֵה֖וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
"Jehu"
N-proper
Jehu was the name of several Israelites, including a king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri and a prophet who lived during the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. His name means Jehovah is He.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3 § Jehu = "Jehovah is He" 1) the king of the northern kingdom Israel who overthrew the dynasty of Omri 2) son of Hanani and an Israelite prophet in the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat 3) the Antothite, a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 4) a descendant of Judah of the house of Hezron 5) son of Josibiah and a chief of the tribe of Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Jehu. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Kings 10:19; Hosea 1:4.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
וַ/יִּמְצָא֩
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שָׂרֵ֨י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
יְהוּדָ֜ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וּ/בְנֵ֨י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲחֵ֧י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֲחַזְיָ֛הוּ
ʼĂchazyâh
H274
"Ahaziah"
N-proper
Ahaziah was a king of Judah and Israel, mentioned in 2 Kings 8:24 and 2 Chronicles 21:17. His name means Jehovah holds or possesses, and he was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah. Ahaziah had a brother and a son, and was also known as Jehoahaz.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.8.24; son of: Jehoram (H3088) and Athaliah (H6271); brother of: Jehosheba (H3089); married to Zibiah (H6645); father of: Joash (H3101I); also called Jehoahaz at 2Ch.21.17; § Ahaziah = "Jehovah (Yahu) holds (possesses)" 1) ruler of Israel, son of Ahab 2) ruler of Judah, son of Jehoram (Joram)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahaziah. See also: 1 Kings 22:40; 2 Kings 11:1; 2 Chronicles 22:11.
מְשָׁרְתִ֥ים
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
לַ/אֲחַזְיָ֖הוּ
ʼĂchazyâh
H274
"Ahaziah"
Prep | N-proper
Ahaziah was a king of Judah and Israel, mentioned in 2 Kings 8:24 and 2 Chronicles 21:17. His name means Jehovah holds or possesses, and he was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah. Ahaziah had a brother and a son, and was also known as Jehoahaz.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.8.24; son of: Jehoram (H3088) and Athaliah (H6271); brother of: Jehosheba (H3089); married to Zibiah (H6645); father of: Joash (H3101I); also called Jehoahaz at 2Ch.21.17; § Ahaziah = "Jehovah (Yahu) holds (possesses)" 1) ruler of Israel, son of Ahab 2) ruler of Judah, son of Jehoram (Joram)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahaziah. See also: 1 Kings 22:40; 2 Kings 11:1; 2 Chronicles 22:11.
וַ/יַּהַרְגֵֽ/ם
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 22:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 22:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 22:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 22:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 22:8
Context — Jehu Kills the Princes of Judah
6So he returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds they had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded.
7Ahaziah’s downfall came from God when he went to visit Joram. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.
8So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them.
9Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom. 10When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 10:10–14 | 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.” 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. Then Jehu set out toward Samaria. At Beth-eked of the Shepherds, 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.” 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. |
2 Chronicles 22:8 Summary
This verse tells us that while Jehu was punishing the family of Ahab, he found and killed some leaders from Judah who were working with Ahaziah, the king of Judah. This happened because Ahaziah had chosen to ally himself with Ahab's family, which God had already said would be destroyed, as seen in 2 Chronicles 22:7. This event reminds us that the choices we make and the people we associate with can have serious consequences, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33. It also shows us that God is in control of all things and will fulfill His purposes, even if we do not understand the circumstances around us, as seen in Romans 11:33-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jehu kill the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's brothers?
Jehu killed them because they were serving Ahaziah, who was allied with the house of Ahab, which God had ordained to be destroyed, as seen in 2 Chronicles 22:7 where it is stated that Ahaziah's downfall came from God when he went to visit Joram, and in 1 Kings 21:21-22 where Elijah prophesied the destruction of Ahab's house.
Was Jehu's action justified in killing the rulers of Judah?
Jehu's action was a fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, and it also served as a consequence of Ahaziah's decision to ally with Ahab's family, as warned in 2 Chronicles 19:2 where Jehu's father, Jehoshaphat, was warned not to ally with Ahab's family.
What can we learn from the fact that Jehu killed the sons of Ahaziah's brothers who were serving Ahaziah?
This event teaches us about the importance of the company we keep and the alliances we make, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33 where it is written that bad company corrupts good character, and in Proverbs 22:24-25 where it is warned not to make friends with a hot-tempered person.
How does this event relate to the larger story of God's judgment on Israel?
This event is part of the larger story of God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience, as seen in 2 Kings 13:6 where it is stated that the Israelites did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, and in Hosea 1:4 where God says He will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel.
Reflection Questions
- What alliances or relationships in my life may be leading me away from God's will, and what can I do to align myself with God's purposes?
- How can I learn from Ahaziah's mistake of allying with the wrong people, and what steps can I take to surround myself with people who will encourage me in my faith?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience to God's will, and how can I apply this lesson to my own life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand the circumstances around me, as seen in the story of Jehu and Ahaziah?
- How does this event challenge me to examine my own heart and motivations, and to seek God's guidance in all my decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 22:8
And it came to pass, that when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab,.... On Joram, his son, and seventy more sons, his kinsfolks, courtiers, and priests: and found the princes of Judah,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 22:8
And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
The sons of the brethren of Ahaziah; either properly so called; or the sons of his cousins or near kinsmen, who are oft called brethren; for his brethren were slain, . That ministered to Ahaziah; that came thither to wait upon their king Ahaziah, as is here implied, and withal to visit Joram and his children, as is noted, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
2 Chronicles 22:8 And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.Ver. 8. When Jehu was executing.] 2 Kings 9:22, &c. And the sons of the brethren.] 2 Kings 10:13-14.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22:8
(8) When Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab.—The Hebrew phrase strictly means to plead with, or argue a cause with. (Comp. 1 Samuel 12:7.) When God is said to plead with men, the notion of judicial punishment is often involved, as in Joe 3:2; Isaiah 66:16; and such is the meaning here. Jehu was an instrument of Divine vengeance, even when fulfilling the projects of his own ambition, as were the savage Assyrian conquerors (Isaiah 10:5-7). And found.—Rather, he found.The sons of the brethren of Ahaziah.—Comp. 2 Kings 10:12-14, where the details are given. The persons whom Jehu slew are there called Ahaziah’s “brethren”—i.e., kinsmen (a common use; so LXX. here), and are said to have been forty-two in number. The Hebrew term is wide enough to include cousins and grandsons as well as nephews of the king. The “princes of Judah” who accompanied them would naturally be members of the court in charge of them, and are perhaps to be included in the total of forty-two persons. Thenius, indeed, in his note on 2 Kings 10:13, alleges that we must understand the real brothers of Ahaziah, whom the chronicler gets rid of (!) on an earlier occasion (i.e., 2 Chronicles 21:17; 2 Chronicles 22:1), because he required a Divine judgment in the lifetime of Jehoram. buch arbitrary criticism hardly deserves refutation; we may, however, remark that Thenius relies on the untenable assumption that Jehoram could not have begotten any children before Ahaziah, whom he begot in his eighteenth or nineteenth year. That ministered to Ahaziah.—In attendance on Ahaziah—i.e., attached to the retinue of Ahaziah as pages, &c. He slew them.—And slew them.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 22:8
8. And it came to pass, that when … and found … that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them] R.V. And it came to pass, when … that he found … ministering to Ahaziah, and slew them. the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah] In 2 Kings 10:13, “the brethren (i.e. kinsmen) of Ahaziah.” The brethren (in the strict sense of the word) of Ahaziah had already been killed (2 Chronicles 22:1). that ministered] R.V. ministering. According to 2 Kin. they were going to “salute the children of the king and the children of the queen” (probably a courtly expression for “salute the king and the queen”).