2 Kings 10:1-21 ▼

1 Now Ahab (father's brother) had seventy sons in Samaria (watch mountain). So Jehu (YHWH is He) wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel [officials of the city], to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying:

2 “When this letter arrives, since your⁺ master’s sons are with you⁺ and you⁺ have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,

3 select the best and most worthy son of your⁺ master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your⁺ master’s house.”

4 But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”

5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu (YHWH is He): “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.”

6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you⁺ are on my side, and if you⁺ will obey me, then bring the heads of your⁺ master’s sons to me at Jezreel (God sows) by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city.

7 And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel (God sows).

8 When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, “They have brought the heads of the sons of the king.” And Jehu ordered, “Pile them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until morning.”

9 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?

10 Know, then, that not a word the LORD {YHWH} has spoken against the house of Ahab (father's brother) will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah (my God is YHWH).”

11 So Jehu (YHWH is He) killed everyone in Jezreel (God sows) who remained of the house of Ahab (father's brother), as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor.

12 Then Jehu set out toward Samaria (watch mountain). At Beth-eked (house of shearing) of the Shepherds,

13 Jehu (YHWH is He) met some relatives of Ahaziah (YHWH holds) king of Judah (praised) and asked, “Who are you⁺?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother.”

14 Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked (house of shearing)—forty-two men. He spared none of them.

15 When he left there, he found Jehonadab (YHWH is willing) son of Rechab (rider), who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

16 saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD {YHWH}!” So he had him ride [they had him ride] in his chariot.

17 When Jehu came to Samaria (watch mountain), he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab (father's brother) who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD {YHWH} had spoken to Elijah (my God is YHWH).

18 Then Jehu (YHWH is He) brought all the people together and said, “Ahab (father's brother) served Baal (lord) a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot.

19 Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal (lord), all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu (YHWH is He) was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.

20 And Jehu (YHWH is He) commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal (lord).” So they announced it.

21 Then Jehu (YHWH is He) sent word throughout Israel (he wrestles with God), and all the servants of Baal (lord) came; there was not a man who failed to show. They entered the temple of Baal, and it was filled from end to end.