2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 29
Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֠ק
H7535
רַ֠ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא
to sin
H2398
הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא
to sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
who made Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
who made Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵאַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם
not from after
H310
מֵאַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם
not from after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
עֶגְלֵי֙
calves
H5695
עֶגְלֵי֙
calves
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
14 of 20
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
הַזָּהָ֔ב
them to wit the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֔ב
them to wit the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
15 of 20
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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
Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan.
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.