Jehu Destroys Baal Worship
2 Kings 10:18-36
2 K.10.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- יעבדנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- הרבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.16:31-33 (thematic): Describes Ahab (and Jezebel) instituting Baal worship in Israel — background for Jehu’s charge that Ahab served Baal.
- 1 Kgs.18:21 (thematic): Elijah’s confrontation with Israel over wavering between Yahweh and Baal echoes the conflict over allegiance that Jehu exploits in gathering the people.
- 1 Kgs.21:25-26 (thematic): Characterizes Ahab as exceptionally culpable for evil in Israel (including Baal-worship), providing context for Jehu’s ironic contrast between Ahab’s and his own service.
- 2 Kgs.10:19 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene — the people’s response to Jehu’s summons and the public sorting of supporters of Yahweh vs. Baal.
- 2 Kgs.10:26-28 (structural): Records Jehu’s subsequent actions in destroying Baal’s house and purging its worship — the concrete outcome of his earlier declaration about serving Baal ‘more.’
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehu gathered all the people and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve him much.”
- Jehu gathered all the people and said to them, “Ahab served Baal but little; I will serve him much.”
2 K.10.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- כל: DET
- נביאי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כל: DET
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- כהניו: NOUN,m,pl,pr3ms
- קראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יפקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לבעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יפקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יחיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויהוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בעקבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למען: PREP
- האביד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:25-40 (verbal): Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal and the subsequent slaughter (’take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape’) closely parallels Jehu's summoning and execution of Baal's prophets.
- Judges 6:25-32 (thematic): Gideon's tearing down of Baal's altar and cutting down the Asherah pole echoes the motif of zealous, violent removal of Baal worship and its servants.
- Deuteronomy 13:12-15 (structural): The Deuteronomic law prescribing communal purge and destruction of a town that practices idolatry provides a legal/ideological background for Jehu's exterminatory actions against Baal's followers.
- 2 Kings 10:11-17 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the wider account of Jehu's massacre of Ahab's family and associates frames the order in v.19 as part of a planned purge of Baal worshipers.
- 2 Kings 9:30-37 (thematic): Jehu's earlier confrontation with Jezebel and the overthrow of Ahab's house establishes his declared mission to destroy Ahab's dynasty and Baal worship, which culminates in the summons in 10:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Now therefore,” he said, “summon all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests—let no one be absent; for I have a great sacrifice to Baal. Whoever is absent shall not live.” Jehu did this craftily to destroy the servants of Baal.
- “Now therefore, call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers, and all his priests—let no one be missing; for I have a great sacrifice to Baal. Whoever is absent shall not live.” And Jehu dealt craftily to destroy the servants of Baal.
2 K.10.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- קדשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עצרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לבעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:19-40 (thematic): Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal: a public challenge to Baal worship followed by the seizure/killing of Baal's prophets—parallels Jehu's assembly called for Baal and the subsequent purge.
- Judges 6:25-32 (thematic): Gideon's tearing down of his father's altar to Baal and destruction of the Asherah pole: an act of removing Baal cultic sites and reasserting YHWH worship, echoing Jehu's eradication of Baal worship.
- 2 Chronicles 23:17-20 (structural): Jehoiada's removal and killing of the priests and servants of Baal and the destruction of Baal's house in Jerusalem—closely parallels the organized, violent elimination of Baal worship in Jehu's campaign.
- 1 Kings 16:31-33 (thematic): Ahab and Jezebel's establishment of Baal worship in Israel (building altars, houses for Baal) provides the background motive for Jehu's proclamation and purge of Baal adherents.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, “Consecrate a solemn assembly to Baal,” and they called it.
- Then Jehu said, “Consecrate a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it.
2 K.10.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- נשאר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וימלא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- פה: ADV
- לפה: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Kings 10:18 (structural): Immediate context: Jehu summons all the worshipers of Baal to the house of Baal—verse 21 is part of this same scene of gathering and deception that leads to the purge.
- 2 Kings 10:19 (structural): Direct continuation: after the Baal worshipers fill the house (v.21), Jehu instructs the guards to strike them so that none escape; this verse records the massacre that follows the gathering described in v.21.
- 1 Kings 18:40 (thematic): Elijah's seizure and execution of the prophets of Baal after the contest on Carmel parallels Jehu's violent elimination of Baal worshipers—both are prophetic/royal purges of Baal's cult.
- Deuteronomy 13:12-15 (thematic): Mosaic law prescribing the destruction and execution of a city that leads Israel into idolatry provides a legal/theological precedent for Jehu's eradication of a cultic group; the scene echoes Deut.'s exigent demand to purge idolatry.
- 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 (thematic): Josiah's later reforms—tearing down altars, destroying idolatrous sites, and cleansing Judah of foreign worship—offer a parallel motif of royal reformers purging cultic practices from Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehu sent throughout all Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one was left who did not come. They entered the house of Baal and filled it from end to end.
- He sent a proclamation throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; there was not one who did not come. They entered the house of Baal, and the house of Baal was filled from end to end.
2 K.10.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאשר: CONJ
- על: PREP
- המלתחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הוצא: VERB,hiphil,imp,2,m,sg
- לבוש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- המלבוש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:40 (thematic): Elijah’s seizure and execution of the prophets of Baal after the Carmel contest—parallel instance of purging Baal worship and killing its adherents.
- Exodus 32:26-28 (thematic): Moses’ call to the tribes and the Levites’ slaughter of the idolaters—another episode of communal purging to remove idolatry.
- 2 Kings 9:30-37 (structural): Jehu’s violent overthrow of Jezebel and Ahab’s house—same agent and comparable methods of sudden, ruthless elimination of rivals and their supporters.
- 2 Kings 10:20 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel in the same episode: Jehu’s instruction that no servant of Baal be allowed to escape—connects directly with the order to bring out garments to assemble them.
- 2 Kings 10:25 (structural): The subsequent demolition and burning of Baal’s temple—part of the same campaign against Baal worship that the issuing of garments facilitates.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to the steward of the wardrobe, “Bring out robes for all the servants of Baal.” So the robes were brought out to them.
- He said to the man who was over the wardrobe, “Bring out garments for all the servants of Baal.” So the wardrobe man brought out garments for them.
2 K.10.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויהונדב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעבדי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חפשו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- פן: CONJ
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פה: ADV
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- מעבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבדם: ADV+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.18:40 (thematic): After the contest on Carmel Elijah orders the seizure and execution of Baal's prophets — a parallel instance of violently purging Baal worship and its ministers.
- 2 Kgs.10:18-27 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel/continuation: the fuller account of Jehu's assault on Baal's house, the killing of the worshipers and destruction of the temple (same episode, expanded context).
- Ezek.9:4-6 (thematic): God commands a purge of the city for idolatry, marking the faithful to be spared and executing the rest — thematically similar to selecting and eliminating idolaters while protecting true worshipers.
- 2 Kgs.23:4-20 (thematic): King Josiah's reforms: tearing down high places, destroying altars and putting to death pagan priests — another royal purge of idolatry and its cultic agents in Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab came into the house of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Search and see—are there here with you any servants of the LORD, or only servants of Baal?”
- Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the house of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Search and see—there is not one of the servants of the LORD here with you, only the servants of Baal.”
2 K.10.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- זבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויהוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בחוץ: ADV
- שמנים: NUM,card,pl,m,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ימלט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- מביא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ידיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תחת: PREP
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:21 (verbal): Uses the phrase and principle 'נפש תחת נפש' (life for life); the lex talionis language echoes Jehu’s formula that an escapee’s life is for his life.
- Exodus 21:23–25 (verbal): The lex talionis ('life for life, eye for eye') establishes the same retributive principle reflected in Jehu’s declaration of equivalent punishment.
- 1 Kings 18:40 (thematic): After Elijah’s triumph on Carmel, he seizes and executes the prophets of Baal—parallel pattern of massacre of Baal-worshippers following a ritual/contest.
- 2 Kings 9:7–10 (structural): The prophetic commissioning of Jehu to destroy Ahab’s house provides the immediate narrative and theological authorization for Jehu’s violent purges described in ch.10, including this proclamation.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (thematic): God’s command to Saul to devote Amalek to destruction (men, women, children, animals) parallels the motif of divinely sanctioned, total extermination enacted in Jehu’s campaign.
Alternative generated candidates
- While they were bringing in offerings and incense, Jehu had stationed a guard outside and said, “If anyone is allowed to escape from the men I bring in through you, his life shall be for his life.”
- They came in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Jehu had set men in ambush outside, and he said, “If anyone escapes from the men I bring to you, his life shall forfeit his life.”
2 K.10.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לרצים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולשלשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הכום: PRON,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויכום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישלכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הרצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והשלשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2Kgs.10.18-27 (structural): Immediate context of the same episode: Jehu performs the sacrifice at the house of Baal and then orders the guards and officers to bring out and slaughter the worshipers; verses continue and complete the action.
- 1Kgs.18.40 (thematic): After Elijah's contest on Mount Carmel he seizes and slays the prophets/servants of Baal—parallel motif of violently purging Baal worship from Israel.
- 2Kgs.23.20-21 (thematic): King Josiah destroys altars of Baal and executes priests of idolatrous sites during his reform—another royal purge of Baal worship and its cult personnel.
- 2Chron.34.4-7 (thematic): Josiah's reforms include tearing down altars and high places dedicated to foreign gods (including Baal), echoing Jehu's dismantling and eradication of Baal worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the runners and the officers, “Go in, strike; let no one come out.” So they struck with the sword; the runners and the officers cast them down and went into the inner rooms of the house of Baal.
- When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the couriers and the thirty, “Go in and strike—let no man go out.” So they struck them with the sword; the couriers and the thirty threw them out and went into the inner rooms of the house of Baal.
2 K.10.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מצבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישרפוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 6:25-32 (verbal): Gideon is commanded to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it, then builds an altar to Yahweh—directly parallels the physical destruction of Baal worship (breaking down altars/pillars and replacing with Yahwistic worship).
- 1 Kings 18:40 (structural): After Elijah's contest on Carmel the prophets of Baal are seized and their altars/places of worship are destroyed—parallels Jehu’s execution of Baal worshippers and the removal/destruction of Baal’s cultic sites.
- 1 Kings 16:32-33 (thematic): Describes Ahab’s establishment of a house/altar for Baal in Samaria—provides the background contrapositive to Jehu’s later demolition and burning of the house of Baal.
- 2 Kings 23:4-6 (thematic): King Josiah’s reforms include tearing down high places, breaking Asherah poles and burning idolatrous objects—another royal purge of Baal/foreign cultic sites analogous to Jehu’s actions.
- Deuteronomy 12:2 (thematic): God’s command to destroy the places where the nations serve their gods (break down their altars and pillars) supplies the covenantal rationale behind Israelite reforms such as the burning and demolition of Baal’s house in 2 Kings 10:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- They brought out the pillar of the house of Baal and burned it.
- They brought out the Asherah poles of the house of Baal and burned them.
2 K.10.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מצבת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויתצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישמהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- למוצאות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.6.25-26 (verbal): Gideon is ordered to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it — direct parallel in the physical destruction of Baal’s cultic objects and sites.
- 1Kgs.16.32-33 (verbal): Ahab builds a temple/house for Baal in Samaria and inaugurates Baal worship there — provides the background for the later destruction of the ‘house of Baal’ and shares the same terminology.
- 1Kgs.18.40 (thematic): Elijah’s purge of Baal’s prophets and the cleansing of the altar after the contest on Carmel — another prophetic/royal removal of Baal-worship and its personnel, thematically parallel to Jehu’s eradication.
- 2Chron.34.3-7 (thematic): Josiah’s reforms: destruction of high places and altars and making cult sites unusable (defiling them) — parallels the act of breaking down Baal’s house and rendering the site contemptible.
Alternative generated candidates
- They broke down the pillar of Baal, demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day.
- They tore down the pillar of Baal and demolished the house of Baal, making it a latrine to this day.
2 K.10.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מישראל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 10:18-27 (structural): Immediate narrative context describing Jehu's purge of Baal worship and the destruction of the temple, of which 10:28 summarizes the outcome.
- 1 Kings 18:40 (thematic): Elijah's execution of the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel parallels Jehu's violent eradication of Baal worship—both are prophetic/royal judgments against Baal's cult.
- Judges 6:25-32 (thematic): Gideon's destruction of his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole echoes the motif of an Israelite leader removing Baal worship from the land.
- 1 Kings 16:31-33 (thematic): Account of Ahab and Jezebel promoting Baal worship provides the background impetus for later measures (like Jehu's) to eliminate Baal from Israel.
- Acts 19:19 (thematic): New Testament example of converts publicly discarding magical/idolatrous practices; parallels the wider biblical theme of repudiating and destroying idolatry.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel.
- Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel.
2 K.10.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רק: PRT
- חטאי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- החטיא: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- סר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מאחריהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- עגלי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- בדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (verbal): The original account of Jeroboam making two golden calves at Bethel and Dan — the specific act cited here as the sin Jehu did not remove.
- 1 Kings 13:1-2 (allusion): The man of God prophesies against the altar at Bethel established by Jeroboam, condemning the cult that Jehu failed to abolish.
- 2 Kings 17:16-18 (thematic): A later summary of Israel’s persistent idolatry, including the calves at Bethel and Dan, linking those practices to God’s judgment and exile.
- Hosea 8:5-6 (allusion): Prophetic critique of Israel’s calf-worship (’Beth-aven/Beth-el’) echoes the Jeroboam calves and condemns the nation’s idolatry.
- 2 Chronicles 11:15 (structural): Reports Jeroboam’s appointment of priests for the high places — a parallel institutional continuation of the cultic practices mentioned in 2 Kings 10:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which caused Israel to sin—he continued in the golden calves at Bethel and at Dan.
- Nevertheless Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which led Israel into sin—the golden calves at Bethel and at Dan.
2 K.10.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- יען: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הטיבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בלבבי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,m,sg
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רבעים: NUM,ord,pl
- ישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 9:6-10 (structural): Jehu’s anointing and commission to destroy the house of Ahab; provides the immediate narrative basis for God’s later commendation and promise in 10:30.
- 1 Kings 21:17-24 (thematic): Elijah’s prophecy of judgment against Ahab’s house for the Naboth incident; supplies the moral and prophetic background for the elimination of Ahab’s line that Jehu carries out.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (thematic): God’s promise to David of a continuing dynasty; parallels the motif of divine assurance concerning a royal house’s succession across generations, here echoed in the reward of four generations for Jehu’s line.
- Numbers 14:18 (thematic): Scriptural formula about consequences extending to the third and fourth generation; provides a legal/theological frame for understanding the significance of a four-generation duration—here applied as a blessing rather than punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have acted well in carrying out what is right in my sight and have done to the house of Ahab according to my heart, your descendants to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.”
- Then the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have acted well by carrying out what is right in my sight, and have done to the house of Ahab according to my heart,
2 K.10.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- בתורת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- סר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- חטאות: NOUN,f,pl,const
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- החטיא: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (allusion): Describes the origin of the 'sins of Jeroboam' (the setting up of golden calves at Bethel and Dan) which 2 Kgs 10:31 says Jehu did not abandon.
- 2 Kings 10:29 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter that repeats the point that Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam that caused Israel to sin.
- Hosea 10:5 (thematic): Prophetic condemnation of the calf-worship associated with Bethel/Beth-aven—same cultic practice rooted in Jeroboam's sin criticized in 2 Kgs 10:31.
- Acts 7:43 (cf. Amos 5:26) (quotation): Stephen (quoting the prophetic tradition) accuses Israel of idolatry (carrying 'the tabernacle of Moloch'/'the star of your god')—a New Testament citation that echoes Israel's persistent idolatry stemming from practices like Jeroboam's calves.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet Jehu did not keep the ways of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam that led Israel into sin.
- to your sons I will give the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Yet Jehu did not take heed to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam which made Israel sin.
2 K.10.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההם: PRON,dem,m,pl
- החל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקצות: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חזאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 19:15-17 (allusion): Elijah/Elisha receive commission to anoint Hazael king of Aram and Jehu over Israel; anticipates Hazael’s rise and hostile role toward Israel referenced in 2 Kgs 10:32.
- 2 Kgs 8:7-15 (verbal): Narrative of Elisha’s encounter with Hazael and the prophet’s prediction that Hazael would become king of Aram and ‘hurt’ (afflict) Israel — a direct narrative and verbal parallel to Hazael striking Israel.
- 2 Kgs 13:22 (verbal): Explicit statement that ‘Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel’ during the reign of Israelite kings — repeats and reinforces the same historical fact named in 2 Kgs 10:32.
- 2 Kgs 13:3 (thematic): Describes the later relief/deliverance of Israel from Syrian oppression, providing a theological and historical counterpoint to the period when ‘the Lord began to cut short Israel’ and Hazael attacked them.
- Amos 1:4 (thematic): Prophetic denunciation of Damascus for its violent treatment of Gilead/Israel (‘threshing Gilead with iron’); thematically parallels Aramean (Syrian) brutality against Israel exemplified by Hazael’s campaigns.
Alternative generated candidates
- In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short; Hazael smote them in all the borders of Israel.
- In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel, and Hazael struck them in all the borders of Israel.
2 K.10.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והראובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמנשי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מערער: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והגלעד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבשן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Reuben and Gad (and the half-tribe of Manasseh) request and are allocated land east of the Jordan — background for the territorial listing east of the Jordan (Gilead, Gad, Reuben, half‑Manasseh).
- Deuteronomy 3:8-10 (verbal): Moses' account of the defeat of Og and the conquest of Bashan, explicitly naming Argob/Bashan and the extent of the territory given to Israel east of the Jordan.
- Joshua 13:8-12 (structural): Joshua's summary of the land yet to be possessed, listing Gilead, Bashan, the Reubenite and Gadite territories and the half‑tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan — closely parallels the geographical terms in 2 Kgs 10:33.
- Numbers 21:33-35 (allusion): Narrative of Israel's victory over Og king of Bashan and the taking of his cities — the military event that authorized Israel's possession of Bashan/Argob mentioned in 2 Kgs 10:33.
- 1 Chronicles 5:10-22 (thematic): Chronicle account of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half‑tribe of Manasseh living and fighting in the region of Gilead, Aroer and the Arnon border — echoing the territorial names and borders named in 2 Kgs 10:33.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the Jordan eastward to the sunrise, all the land of Gilead—the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh beyond the Jordan—was laid waste: from the valley of Arnon to Gilead and Bashan.
- From the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead—the territories of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—Mahanaim by the Arnon stream, and Gilead and Bashan.
2 K.10.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- גבורתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- כתובים: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- למלכי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 13:22 (verbal): Uses the same closing formula — “the rest of the acts… are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?” — applied to another Israelite king (Joash/Jehoash).
- 1 Kgs 14:19 (structural): Parallel structural formula at the end of a royal summary: the narrative defers further details to the book of the chronicles (here of the kings of Judah), showing the standard Kings/Chronicles interplay.
- 1 Kgs 22:39 (structural): Another instance of the royal closing formula summarizing a king’s deeds and directing readers to the official royal chronicle for fuller record (applied to Ahab).
Alternative generated candidates
- The rest of the acts of Jehu, and all his valor, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
- And the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
2 K.10.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- ויקברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בשמרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהואחז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:10 (structural): Uses the same royal formula — “slept with his fathers” and burial notice — marking the end of a king’s reign and transition to his successor.
- 1 Kings 14:20 (verbal): Rehoboam’s death notice: identical phrasing about sleeping with his fathers, burial, and his son succeeding him (mirrors the language and succession pattern).
- 1 Kings 15:8 (verbal): Abijam’s obituary employs the same wording (“slept with his fathers… and his son reigned in his stead”), a close verbal and structural parallel to Jehu’s closing notice.
- 1 Kings 15:24 (verbal): Baasha’s death and burial formula follows the same verbal pattern — burial place named and immediate succession by his son — reflecting the standardized royal epitaph used throughout the kings lists.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehu slept with his fathers; they buried him in Samaria, and Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place.
- Jehu slept with his fathers; they buried him in Samaria, and Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place.
2 K.10.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- ושמנה: NUM,card,sg
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשמרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 9:1-13 (structural): Narrative account of Jehu’s anointing as king and the beginning of his rule—structurally connected to the summary statement of his reign in 2 Kgs 10:36.
- 2 Kings 10:30-31 (thematic): Divine evaluation of Jehu’s actions (he destroyed Ahab’s house but did not depart from Jeroboam’s sins)—provides theological context for the announcement of his reign.
- 2 Kings 14:23 (verbal): Royal formula about the length of a northern king’s reign ‘in Samaria’ (here of Jeroboam II), parallel wording and genre to the dating statement in 2 Kgs 10:36.
- 1 Kings 16:23-24 (thematic): Account of Omri’s purchase and building of Samaria as the capital—background for why northern kings are dated ‘in Samaria’.
- 2 Kings 18:2 (verbal): Typical royal summary formula for Judah’s kings (‘he reigned … years in Jerusalem’)—parallels the chronological wording used for Israelite kings such as Jehu.
Alternative generated candidates
- The years that Jehu reigned over Israel were twenty and eight years in Samaria.
- The days that Jehu reigned over Israel were twenty-eight years in Samaria.
Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, “Ahab served Baal little; Jehu will serve him much.”
“Now therefore,” he said, “all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests—summon them; let no one be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live.” And Jehu acted with guile to destroy the servants of Baal.
Jehu said, “Consecrate a solemn assembly to Baal.” So they proclaimed it.
Jehu sent throughout all Israel; all the servants of Baal came—no one was left who did not come. They entered the house of Baal, and the house of Baal was filled from end to end.
He said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring out robes for all the servants of Baal.” So the robes were brought out for them.
Jehu entered with Jehonadab son of Rechab into the house of Baal and said to the servants of Baal, “Search and see whether there be here any of the servants of the LORD among you.”
When they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu stationed a guard outside and said, “The man who lets any of the men whom I bring into your hands escape—his life shall be for the life of that man.”
When he had finished offering the burnt offering, Jehu said to the runners and the captains, “Go in, every man; let none go out.” They struck them with the sword; the runners and the captains threw them down and went in to the house of Baal.
They pulled out the Asherah poles of the house of Baal and burned them.
They broke down the Asherah pole of Baal, tore down the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day. Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel.
Nevertheless Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who made Israel sin—he continued the golden calves at Bethel and at Dan.
The LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my sight, and have executed the decree of my anger against the house of Ahab, your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” But Jehu did not walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel sin.
In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel; Hazael struck them in all the borders of Israel.
From the Jordan eastward to the rising of the sun— all the land of Gilead: the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—from Aroer, on the edge of the valley of Arnon, and Gilead and Bashan.
As for the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and his might—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
Jehu slept with his fathers; they buried him in Samaria, and Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place.
The days that Jehu reigned over Israel were twenty-eight years in Samaria.