2 Kings 10:36

Authorized King James Version

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And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.

Original Language Analysis

וְהַיָּמִ֗ים And the time H3117
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים And the time
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָלַ֤ךְ reigned H4427
מָלַ֤ךְ reigned
Strong's: H4427
Word #: 3 of 10
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
יֵהוּא֙ that Jehu H3058
יֵהוּא֙ that Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 4 of 10
jehu, the name of five israelites
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל over Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל over Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 6 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֶשְׂרִֽים was twenty H6242
עֶשְׂרִֽים was twenty
Strong's: H6242
Word #: 7 of 10
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה and eight H8083
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה and eight
Strong's: H8083
Word #: 8 of 10
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
שָׁנָ֖ה years H8141
שָׁנָ֖ה years
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 9 of 10
a year (as a revolution of time)
בְּשֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃ in Samaria H8111
בְּשֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃ in Samaria
Strong's: H8111
Word #: 10 of 10
shomeron, a place in palestine

Analysis & Commentary

And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.

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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