2 Kings 10:18

Authorized King James Version

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And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ gathered H6908
וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ gathered
Strong's: H6908
Word #: 1 of 15
to grasp, i.e., collect
יֵה֖וּא And Jehu H3058
יֵה֖וּא And Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 2 of 15
jehu, the name of five israelites
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם all the people H5971
הָעָ֔ם all the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 5 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 6 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 7 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
אַחְאָ֕ב unto them Ahab H256
אַחְאָ֕ב unto them Ahab
Strong's: H256
Word #: 8 of 15
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
יַֽעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ served H5647
יַֽעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ served
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 9 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּ֖עַל Baal H1168
הַבַּ֖עַל Baal
Strong's: H1168
Word #: 11 of 15
baal, a phoenician deity
מְעָ֑ט a little H4592
מְעָ֑ט a little
Strong's: H4592
Word #: 12 of 15
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
יֵה֖וּא And Jehu H3058
יֵה֖וּא And Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 13 of 15
jehu, the name of five israelites
יַֽעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ served H5647
יַֽעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ served
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 14 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
הַרְבֵּֽה׃ him much H7235
הַרְבֵּֽה׃ him much
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 15 of 15
to increase (in whatever respect)

Analysis & Commentary

And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.

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.

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

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