2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 3
Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.
Original Language Analysis
וּרְאִיתֶ֞ם
Look even out
H7200
וּרְאִיתֶ֞ם
Look even out
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַטּ֤וֹב
the best
H2896
הַטּ֤וֹב
the best
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 13
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
מִבְּנֵ֣י
sons
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֣י
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶֽם׃
for your master's
H113
אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶֽם׃
for your master's
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
5 of 13
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֖ם
and set
H7760
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֖ם
and set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 13
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אָבִ֑יו
him on his father's
H1
אָבִ֑יו
him on his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
9 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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
Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.
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.