2 Kings 10:23

Authorized King James Version

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And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

Original Language Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֥א went H935
וַיָּבֹ֥א went
Strong's: H935
Word #: 1 of 23
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יֵה֛וּא And Jehu H3058
יֵה֛וּא And Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 2 of 23
jehu, the name of five israelites
וִיהֽוֹנָדָ֥ב and Jehonadab H3082
וִיהֽוֹנָדָ֥ב and Jehonadab
Strong's: H3082
Word #: 3 of 23
jehonadab, the name of an israelite and of an arab
בֶּן the son H1121
בֶּן the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 4 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
רֵכָ֖ב of Rechab H7394
רֵכָ֖ב of Rechab
Strong's: H7394
Word #: 5 of 23
rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites
בֵּ֣ית into the house H1004
בֵּ֣ית into the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 6 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal H1168
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal
Strong's: H1168
Word #: 7 of 23
baal, a phoenician deity
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 8 of 23
to say (used with great latitude)
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י but the worshippers H5647
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י but the worshippers
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 9 of 23
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal H1168
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal
Strong's: H1168
Word #: 10 of 23
baal, a phoenician deity
חַפְּשׂ֤וּ Search H2664
חַפְּשׂ֤וּ Search
Strong's: H2664
Word #: 11 of 23
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
וּרְאוּ֙ and look H7200
וּרְאוּ֙ and look
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 12 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
פֶּן H6435
פֶּן
Strong's: H6435
Word #: 13 of 23
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יֶשׁ that there be H3426
יֶשׁ that there be
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 14 of 23
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
פֹּ֤ה H6311
פֹּ֤ה
Strong's: H6311
Word #: 15 of 23
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
עִמָּכֶם֙ H5973
עִמָּכֶם֙
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 16 of 23
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י here with you none of the servants H5650
מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י here with you none of the servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 17 of 23
a servant
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 18 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 19 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 20 of 23
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י but the worshippers H5647
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י but the worshippers
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 21 of 23
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal H1168
הַבַּ֖עַל of Baal
Strong's: H1168
Word #: 22 of 23
baal, a phoenician deity
לְבַדָּֽם׃ H905
לְבַדָּֽם׃
Strong's: H905
Word #: 23 of 23
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

Analysis & Commentary

And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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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