2 Kings 10:20

Authorized King James Version

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And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 6
to say (used with great latitude)
יֵה֗וּא And Jehu H3058
יֵה֗וּא And Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 2 of 6
jehu, the name of five israelites
קַדְּשׁ֧וּ Proclaim H6942
קַדְּשׁ֧וּ Proclaim
Strong's: H6942
Word #: 3 of 6
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
עֲצָרָ֛ה a solemn assembly H6116
עֲצָרָ֛ה a solemn assembly
Strong's: H6116
Word #: 4 of 6
an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday
לַבַּ֖עַל for Baal H1168
לַבַּ֖עַל for Baal
Strong's: H1168
Word #: 5 of 6
baal, a phoenician deity
וַיִּקְרָֽאוּ׃ And they proclaimed H7121
וַיִּקְרָֽאוּ׃ And they proclaimed
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 6 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis & Commentary

And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

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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