2 Kings 9:7

Authorized King James Version

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And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

Original Language Analysis

וְהִ֨כִּיתָ֔ה And thou shalt smite H5221
וְהִ֨כִּיתָ֔ה And thou shalt smite
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 1 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֥ית the house H1004
בֵּ֥ית the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 3 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אַחְאָ֖ב of Ahab H256
אַחְאָ֖ב of Ahab
Strong's: H256
Word #: 4 of 15
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
אֲדֹנֶ֑יךָ thy master H113
אֲדֹנֶ֑יךָ thy master
Strong's: H113
Word #: 5 of 15
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְנִקַּמְתִּ֞י that I may avenge H5358
וְנִקַּמְתִּ֞י that I may avenge
Strong's: H5358
Word #: 6 of 15
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
וּדְמֵ֛י and the blood H1818
וּדְמֵ֛י and the blood
Strong's: H1818
Word #: 7 of 15
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
עַבְדֵ֥י of all the servants H5650
עַבְדֵ֥י of all the servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 8 of 15
a servant
הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים the prophets H5030
הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים the prophets
Strong's: H5030
Word #: 9 of 15
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וּדְמֵ֛י and the blood H1818
וּדְמֵ֛י and the blood
Strong's: H1818
Word #: 10 of 15
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַבְדֵ֥י of all the servants H5650
עַבְדֵ֥י of all the servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 12 of 15
a servant
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִיַּ֥ד at the hand H3027
מִיַּ֥ד at the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 14 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אִיזָֽבֶל׃ of Jezebel H348
אִיזָֽבֶל׃ of Jezebel
Strong's: H348
Word #: 15 of 15
izebel, the wife of king ahab

Analysis & Commentary

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) 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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