When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to Elijah. When Jehu came to SamariaThe phrase marks a significant moment in Jehu's campaign against the house of Ahab. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a city of great political and religious importance. Jehu's arrival here signifies the culmination of his divinely appointed mission. Historically, Samaria was a fortified city, and its conquest would have been a strategic victory. Jehu's journey to Samaria is not just a physical movement but a fulfillment of divine prophecy, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations. he struck down all who remained of Ahab’s family there
This action by Jehu is a direct execution of divine judgment. The Hebrew root for "struck down" (נכה, nakah) implies a decisive and forceful action, often used in contexts of divine retribution. Ahab's family had led Israel into idolatry, and their eradication was necessary to purify the nation. This act underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and idolatry, and the lengths to which He will go to restore holiness among His people. until he had destroyed them
The phrase indicates the completeness of Jehu's mission. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" (שמד, shamad) conveys a sense of total annihilation. This was not merely a political purge but a spiritual cleansing. The complete destruction of Ahab's lineage was necessary to prevent the resurgence of Baal worship and to fulfill God's promise of judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. according to the word of the LORD
This phrase highlights the divine authority behind Jehu's actions. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It reflects the prophetic word given to Elijah, demonstrating that God's plans are unchangeable and His purposes will be accomplished. This assurance of divine sovereignty provides comfort and confidence to believers, knowing that God's word is true and reliable. spoken to Elijah
Elijah, the great prophet, was the original recipient of the prophecy concerning Ahab's house. His role as a prophet was to communicate God's will to the people, often calling them back to faithfulness. The mention of Elijah here serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's revelation and the importance of prophetic ministry. Elijah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, is an inspiration for believers to stand firm in their faith and trust in God's ultimate justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuAnointed king of Israel, tasked with executing God's judgment on the house of Ahab. 2. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehu carried out his mission. 3. Ahab’s FamilyThe royal family of the Northern Kingdom, known for their idolatry and wickedness. 4. The LORDThe God of Israel, who had decreed judgment against Ahab's house. 5. ElijahThe prophet who originally prophesied the destruction of Ahab’s lineage due to their sins. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod's word is always fulfilled, as seen in the prophecy against Ahab's house. This reminds us of His ultimate control and justice. The Consequences of SinAhab's family faced destruction due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. This serves as a warning about the serious consequences of sin. Obedience to God's CommandsJehu's actions, though violent, were in obedience to God's specific command. It highlights the importance of following God's directives, even when difficult. The Role of ProphetsElijah's prophecy and its fulfillment demonstrate the critical role of prophets in communicating God's will and the certainty of His promises. God's Use of Imperfect InstrumentsJehu, despite his flaws, was used by God to accomplish His purposes. This encourages us that God can use anyone willing to follow His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehu's fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy demonstrate the reliability of God's word? 2. In what ways can the account of Ahab's family serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of idolatry and sin? 3. How can we discern when we are called to take action in obedience to God, even if it seems challenging or counter-cultural? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jehu's role as an imperfect instrument in God's plan, and how can this apply to our own lives? 5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 10:17 encourage us to trust in God's promises found throughout Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 21:21-24This passage contains Elijah's prophecy against Ahab, foretelling the destruction of his descendants. 2 Kings 9:7-10Details the anointing of Jehu and his commission to destroy Ahab's house, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. Exodus 20:5Discusses God's judgment on those who hate Him, relevant to the idolatry of Ahab's family. Romans 12:19Speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, which Jehu was executing as God's instrument. 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 Ahab, Ahab's, Death, Destroyed, Destroying, Elijah, Eli'jah, Elisha, Family, Killed, Samaria, Sama'ria, Saying, Slew, Smiteth, Smote, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Struck, Till, WipedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 10:17 1690 word of God 2 Kings 10:15-28 8370 zeal 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 10:17 NIV2 Kings 10:17 NLT2 Kings 10:17 ESV2 Kings 10:17 NASB2 Kings 10:17 KJV
2 Kings 10:17 Commentaries
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