2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 7
And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַסֵּ֙פֶר֙
And it came to pass when the letter
H5612
הַסֵּ֙פֶר֙
And it came to pass when the letter
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
וַיִּקְחוּ֙
to them that they took
H3947
וַיִּקְחוּ֙
to them that they took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
5 of 18
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִ֑ישׁ
persons
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
persons
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 18
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)
וַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּ
and put
H7760
וַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּ
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
12 of 18
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶם֙
their heads
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶם֙
their heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
14 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
בַּדּוּדִ֔ים
in baskets
H1731
בַּדּוּדִ֔ים
in baskets
Strong's:
H1731
Word #:
15 of 18
a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket
Cross References
1 Kings 21:21Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,2 Kings 11:1And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
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
And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.
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.