But they were terrified and reasoned, "If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?" But they were terrifiedThe Hebrew root for "terrified" is "yare," which conveys a deep sense of fear and awe. This fear is not merely a reaction to physical danger but also an acknowledgment of divine judgment and power. In the context of 2 Kings, this terror reflects the recognition of Jehu's divinely appointed mission to eradicate the house of Ahab. Historically, the fear of God's judgment was a powerful motivator for the Israelites, reminding them of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience. and said
The act of speaking here is significant. In the ancient Near Eastern context, spoken words held great power and authority. The leaders' verbal acknowledgment of their fear underscores their submission and the gravity of the situation. It reflects a moment of realization and confession, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, where acknowledgment of one's position before God leads to transformation or judgment. 'If two kings could not stand against him
This phrase highlights the futility of human power against God's chosen instrument. The reference to "two kings" likely points to Joram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah, both of whom were defeated by Jehu. The Hebrew word for "stand" is "amad," which implies not just physical standing but also maintaining one's position or authority. This historical context emphasizes the sovereignty of God in raising and deposing leaders according to His will, a theme prevalent throughout the books of Kings. how can we?'
This rhetorical question underscores the inevitability of Jehu's success and the futility of resistance. It reflects a moment of humility and recognition of divine authority. The leaders' question is not just about military might but also about spiritual submission. In the broader biblical narrative, this echoes the call for individuals and nations to recognize their limitations and submit to God's sovereign plan. The phrase invites readers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging a posture of humility and trust in God's ultimate authority and justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe newly anointed king of Israel, tasked by God to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. 2. The Two KingsRefers to Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, both of whom were defeated by Jehu. 3. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the officials and elders were located, who were addressed in this verse. 4. Ahab's HouseThe royal family and descendants of Ahab, who were under threat from Jehu's divinely appointed mission. 5. The Elders and GuardiansThe officials and leaders in Samaria responsible for the care of Ahab's descendants. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentJehu's success against the two kings illustrates God's control over nations and leaders. Believers should trust in God's ultimate justice and timing. Fear of Man vs. Fear of GodThe officials' fear of Jehu highlights the human tendency to fear earthly power more than divine authority. Christians are called to prioritize reverence for God above all else. The Consequences of SinThe downfall of Ahab's house serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God. Believers should examine their lives for areas of compromise. Leadership and ResponsibilityThe elders and guardians in Samaria faced a critical decision. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility to align with God's purposes. Trust in God's PlanDespite the chaos and fear, God's plan was unfolding. Believers can find peace in knowing that God's purposes will prevail, even in uncertain times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fear expressed by the officials in 2 Kings 10:4 reflect our own fears when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 2 Kings 10, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances? 3. How does the account of Jehu challenge us to consider the consequences of idolatry and disobedience in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from the elders and guardians in Samaria about leadership and making decisions that align with God's will? 5. How can we apply the principle of fearing God above man in our daily lives, especially when facing pressure to conform to worldly standards? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:16-17This passage provides the background of Jehu's anointing as king, as prophesied by Elijah, highlighting God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. 2 Kings 9:24-27Details the deaths of Joram and Ahaziah, showing the fulfillment of God's judgment through Jehu. Proverbs 21:30Emphasizes that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against the Lord, reflecting the futility of resisting God's plans. Romans 13:1-2Discusses the authority of rulers as instituted by God, which can be related to Jehu's divinely sanctioned authority. Psalm 2:10-12Advises rulers to serve the Lord with fear, a relevant admonition for the elders and officials in Samaria. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Dan, Elijah, Elisha, Gad, Gadites, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoahaz, Jehonadab, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezreel, Manasseh, Manassites, Nebat, Rechab, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Aroer, Bashan, Beth-eked, Bethel, Dan, Gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, Samaria, Valley of the ArnonTopics Afraid, Behold, Didn't, Exceedingly, Fear, Feared, Full, Greatly, Kings, Resist, Stand, StoodDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 10:1-9 5203 acquittal Library Impure Zeal
'And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 19. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCatholic Spirit
"And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine hand." 2 Kings 10:15. 1. It is allowed even by those who do not pay this great debt, that love is due to all mankind, the royal law, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," carrying its own evidence to all that hear it: and that, not according to the miserable …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions False Civilization
JEREMIAH xxxv. 19. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Let us think a while this morning what this text has to do with us; and why this strange story of the Rechabites is written for our instruction, in the pages of Holy Scripture. Let us take the story as it stands, and search the Scriptures simply for it. For the Bible will surely tell its own story best, and teach its own lesson best. These Rechabites, who …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind. …
St. Augustine—Against Lying The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants Elucidations.
I. (Deadly Sins, cap. ix., p. 356.) To maintain a modern and wholly uncatholic system of Penitence, the schoolmen invented a technical scheme of sins mortal and sins venial, which must not be read into the Fathers, who had no such technicalities in mind. By "deadly sins" they meant all such as St. John recognizes (1 John v. 16-17) and none other; that is to say sins of surprise and infirmity, sins having in them no malice or wilful disobedience, such as an impatient word, or a momentary neglect of …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 10:4 NIV2 Kings 10:4 NLT2 Kings 10:4 ESV2 Kings 10:4 NASB2 Kings 10:4 KJV
2 Kings 10:4 Commentaries
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