2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 1
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,
Original Language Analysis
אַחְאָ֖ב
Ahab's
H256
אַחְאָ֖ב
Ahab's
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
1 of 17
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
בָּנִ֖ים
sons
H1121
בָּנִ֖ים
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיִּכְתֹּב֩
wrote
H3789
וַיִּכְתֹּב֩
wrote
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
5 of 17
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
סְפָרִ֜ים
letters
H5612
סְפָרִ֜ים
letters
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יִזְרְעֶאל֙
of Jezreel
H3157
יִזְרְעֶאל֙
of Jezreel
Strong's:
H3157
Word #:
12 of 17
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
הָאֹֽמְנִ֥ים
and to them that brought up
H539
הָאֹֽמְנִ֥ים
and to them that brought up
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
Cross References
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.