2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 27
And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַצְּבַ֣ת
the image
H4676
מַצְּבַ֣ת
the image
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
3 of 12
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֣ית
the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיְשִׂמֻ֥הוּ
and made
H7760
וַיְשִׂמֻ֥הוּ
and made
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
9 of 12
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Cross References
Daniel 3:29Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.Daniel 2:5The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.Ezra 6:11Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.1 Kings 16:32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
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 they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
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.