2 Kings 10:5
And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
of the children sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
of the children sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 25
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבַּ֣יִת
And he that was over the house
H1004
הַבַּ֣יִת
And he that was over the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 25
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֪ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֪ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָעִ֟יר
and he that was over the city
H5892
הָעִ֟יר
and he that was over the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 25
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְהָאֹֽמְנִ֨ים
also and the bringers up
H539
וְהָאֹֽמְנִ֨ים
also and the bringers up
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וְכֹ֛ל
H3605
וְכֹ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֲשֵֽׂה׃
and will do
H6213
עֲשֵֽׂה׃
and will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
19 of 25
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִ֔ישׁ
us we will not make any
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
us we will not make any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
22 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַטּ֥וֹב
thou that which is good
H2896
הַטּ֥וֹב
thou that which is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
23 of 25
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
Cross References
Joshua 9:11Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.1 Kings 20:4And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have.1 Kings 20:32So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And he said, Is he yet alive? he is my brother.Joshua 9:8And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?2 Kings 18:14And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.