2 Kings 10:2

Authorized King James Version

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Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;

Original Language Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה H6258
וְעַתָּ֗ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 1 of 14
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
כְּבֹ֨א cometh H935
כְּבֹ֨א cometh
Strong's: H935
Word #: 2 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַסֵּ֤פֶר Now as soon as this letter H5612
הַסֵּ֤פֶר Now as soon as this letter
Strong's: H5612
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַזֶּה֙ H2088
הַזֶּה֙
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 4 of 14
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
וְאִתְּכֶ֖ם H854
וְאִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's: H854
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּנֵ֣י sons H1121
בְּנֵ֣י sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֑ם to you seeing your master's H113
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶ֑ם to you seeing your master's
Strong's: H113
Word #: 8 of 14
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְאִתְּכֶם֙ H854
וְאִתְּכֶם֙
Strong's: H854
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הָרֶ֣כֶב are with you and there are with you chariots H7393
הָרֶ֣כֶב are with you and there are with you chariots
Strong's: H7393
Word #: 10 of 14
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וְהַסּוּסִ֔ים and horses H5483
וְהַסּוּסִ֔ים and horses
Strong's: H5483
Word #: 11 of 14
a horse (as leaping)
וְעִ֥יר city H5892
וְעִ֥יר city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 12 of 14
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָ֖ר a fenced H4013
מִבְצָ֖ר a fenced
Strong's: H4013
Word #: 13 of 14
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
וְהַנָּֽשֶׁק׃ also and armour H5402
וְהַנָּֽשֶׁק׃ also and armour
Strong's: H5402
Word #: 14 of 14
military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal

Analysis & Commentary

Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;

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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