The next morning, Jehu went out and stood before all the people and said, "You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him. But who killed all these? The next morningThis phrase indicates a new day following the events of the previous chapter, where Jehu executed the sons of Ahab. The morning often symbolizes new beginnings or revelations in biblical narratives. In this context, it marks a pivotal moment in Jehu's consolidation of power. Jehu went out and stood before all the people
Jehu's public appearance signifies his role as a leader and judge. Standing before the people suggests transparency and accountability, crucial for gaining public support. This act is reminiscent of other leaders in Israel who addressed the people to assert authority or deliver important messages, such as Moses and Joshua. and said, “You are innocent.
Jehu's declaration of innocence to the people serves to absolve them of any guilt associated with the recent killings. This statement is strategic, as it distances the populace from the bloodshed and aligns them with Jehu's cause. It reflects a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where leaders would publicly exonerate their subjects to maintain order and loyalty. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him.
Jehu openly admits to conspiring against and killing King Joram, Ahab's son. This confession is significant as it highlights Jehu's role as an instrument of divine judgment against the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). Jehu's actions are portrayed as divinely sanctioned, aligning with the biblical theme of God using individuals to execute His judgment. But who killed all these?
Jehu's rhetorical question shifts the focus from his actions to the broader context of the massacre of Ahab's descendants. This question implies that the deaths were part of a larger divine plan, not solely his doing. It suggests that the judgment against Ahab's house was inevitable and orchestrated by God, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty. This moment also serves to further distance Jehu from the bloodshed, positioning him as a tool of divine justice rather than a mere usurper. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe central figure in this passage, Jehu was anointed king of Israel and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab as part of God's judgment. 2. Ahab's FamilyThe royal family of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for their idolatry and wickedness, which led to God's judgment upon them. 3. JezreelThe location where Jehu executed the judgment against Ahab's family, fulfilling the prophecy given by Elijah. 4. The PeopleThe inhabitants of Israel who witnessed Jehu's actions and were addressed by him in this passage. 5. Prophets and Servants of BaalThose who were associated with the worship of Baal, which Jehu sought to eliminate from Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentJehu's actions demonstrate God's control over history and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine plan. Believers can trust in God's justice, even when it seems delayed. The Consequences of SinThe destruction of Ahab's house serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of unfaithfulness. The Complexity of Human ActionsJehu's declaration of innocence highlights the complexity of human motives and actions. While he fulfilled God's command, his methods and motivations were not entirely pure, reminding us to seek God's guidance in our actions. The Importance of ObedienceJehu's initial obedience to God's command is commendable, yet his later actions show the danger of incomplete obedience. Believers are encouraged to fully follow God's instructions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehu's declaration of innocence reflect the complexity of human motives in carrying out God's will? 2. In what ways does the account of Jehu and Ahab's family illustrate the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God? 3. How can we discern God's will in situations where our actions may have significant consequences, as seen in Jehu's account? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jehu's initial obedience and later failures in our own walk with God? 5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jehu's actions encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:16-17This passage provides the background of Jehu's anointing as king and his mission to destroy the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah. 2 Kings 9:6-10Details the anointing of Jehu and the specific instructions given to him to carry out God's judgment against Ahab's family. Hosea 1:4References the bloodshed at Jezreel, highlighting the long-term consequences of Jehu's actions and God's continued judgment on Israel. 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 Behold, Conspired, Death, Designs, Innocent, Jehu, Killed, Master, Morning, Pass, Responsible, Righteous, Slay, Slew, Smote, Standeth, Stood, Stopping, Struck, UprightDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 10:9 8279 innocence, examples 2 Kings 10:1-9 5203 acquittal 2 Kings 10:9-11 5817 conspiracies 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 10:9 NIV2 Kings 10:9 NLT2 Kings 10:9 ESV2 Kings 10:9 NASB2 Kings 10:9 KJV
2 Kings 10:9 Commentaries
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