2 Kings 10 2

2 Kings 10:2 kjv

Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armor;

2 Kings 10:2 nkjv

Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and weapons,

2 Kings 10:2 niv

"You have your master's sons with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weapons. Now as soon as this letter reaches you,

2 Kings 10:2 esv

"Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons,

2 Kings 10:2 nlt

"The king's sons are with you, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weapons. As soon as you receive this letter,

2 Kings 10 verses

2 Kings 10 2 Meaning

This verse from 2 Kings 10:2 records part of Jehu's cunning and provocative letter sent to the rulers of Samaria, specifically the officials, elders, and guardians of Ahab's sons. In this declaration, Jehu challenges them to select the most capable among their master's sons and fight on their behalf, deliberately highlighting their apparent strategic advantages: the presence of royal heirs, superior military might (chariots, horses), a well-fortified city, and ample weaponry. It serves as a test of their allegiance and an ironic dare, setting the stage for Jehu's ultimate plan to annihilate the entire house of Ahab according to God's prophetic decree.

2 Kings 10 2 Context

Chapter 10 of 2 Kings opens immediately after Jehu, recently anointed by God to destroy the house of Ahab, has executed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. Joram was the last ruling king of the Omri/Ahab dynasty in Israel. The remaining heirs to Ahab's throne, identified here as his "seventy sons" (2 Kgs 10:1) were in Samaria, the capital city, under the care of key city officials and elders. Jehu, still at Jezreel, needed to consolidate his power and completely eliminate any challenge from Ahab's remaining lineage. Instead of directly marching on Samaria, he employs a psychological strategy, sending a letter designed to test the loyalty and resolve of the powerful officials who guarded Ahab's heirs. This verse is the second part of that challenging letter, sarcastically highlighting their strategic advantages to provoke a decision and expose their true allegiance. The overall historical context involves the persistent conflict between Yahwism and Baal worship, initiated strongly by Ahab and Jezebel, and God's sovereign intervention to purge Israel of this idolatry through Jehu's bloody purge.

2 Kings 10 2 Word analysis

• And now: Transliterated from Hebrew וְעַתָּה (ve'attah). This conjunction signals a transition from the general declaration to a direct command or proposal, urging immediate consideration of the present circumstances. It often functions to introduce the conclusion or logical outcome of a preceding statement or situation.
• as soon as this letter comes to you: Hebrew לִהְיוֹת הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה בָכֶם (lih·yōt haddāḇār hazzĕh ḇāḵem). Dāḇār (דָּבָר) means "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair," used here metaphorically for the content of the letter or the communication itself. It implies the instant an understanding of the message is grasped. Jehu wants a prompt and decisive response, indicating the urgency of his demands.
• since your master's sons are with you: Hebrew וְאִתְּכֶם בְּנֵי־אֲדֹנֵיכֶם (ve'itt'khem benē-adonēychem).
  • master's sons: Refers to the seventy sons of Ahab (2 Kgs 10:1), who were the royal heirs and legitimate successors to the throne according to human tradition. Adon (אֲדֹן), "master" or "lord," acknowledges their former allegiance to the now-deceased king Joram, a son of Ahab, or to the dynasty itself.
  • This phrase emphasizes the significant asset they hold: a pool of potential kings. Jehu recognizes the established lineage and uses it as a point of challenge.
• and there are with you chariots and horses: Hebrew וְהָרֶכֶב וְהַסּוּסִים אִתְּכֶם (ve·harechev vehassūsîm 'itt'khem).
  • chariots: רֶכֶב (rekhev). Symbolized significant military power and speed in ancient warfare, crucial for large-scale battles. Possession of many chariots implied a formidable army.
  • horses: סוּסִים (susim). Essential for drawing chariots and cavalry. The prominence of chariots and horses indicates the substantial military strength that remained with the officials and elders in Samaria.
  • These were not merely common possessions; they represented the state's prime military assets, suggesting Samaria's armed readiness.
• and a fortified city: Hebrew וְעִיר מִבְצָר (ve'îr mivtsār).
  • fortified city: עִיר מִבְצָר (ʿiyr mivtsar). Samaria itself was known for its strong defenses, built by Omri. A mivtsar implies a stronghold, a place that could withstand a long siege, offering strategic advantage. Jehu implicitly acknowledges Samaria's defensibility.
• and armor: Hebrew וְהַנָּשֶׁק (ve·hannašeq).
  • armor: נֶשֶׁק (nesheq). Refers to weaponry, armaments, or a full complement of military equipment. This signifies readiness for combat and the ability to equip a substantial fighting force. The inclusion of armor highlights that Samaria not only had defenses but also the means to actively wage war.

Words-group analysis:

• "And now as soon as this letter comes to you": This urgent directive emphasizes the immediate call to action. It conveys a sense of directness and pressure from Jehu, forcing the recipients to confront their allegiance promptly, without delay or opportunity to deliberate at length.
• "since your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses and a fortified city and armor": This complete enumeration of resources is Jehu's strategic taunt. He acknowledges and lists all their military and dynastic advantages, sarcastically challenging them to use these very strengths against him. This is designed to reveal their commitment (or lack thereof) to the existing Omri dynasty. Jehu is not only tempting them but also revealing their power while subtly implying his contempt for it, knowing that divine will ultimately trumps all human defenses and power.

2 Kings 10 2 Bonus section

The mention of "seventy sons" in the broader context of 2 Kings 10:1 (which sets the stage for 10:2) often held symbolic significance in ancient Near Eastern texts, sometimes representing a complete lineage or a vast number, not necessarily an exact count of individuals. This large number underscores the perceived strength of the royal family and the daunting task Jehu faced in eradicating them. Jehu's challenge was a brilliant tactical maneuver because it shifted the burden of action and the risk of civil war onto the officials in Samaria. If they resisted and picked a king, they would be seen as rebels against a divinely appointed agent, incurring the wrath of a zealous Jehu and potentially dividing the nation. By enumerating their strengths, Jehu forced them to acknowledge their potential for resistance while simultaneously implying that such resistance would be futile against the divine mandate backing him. The fear of being on the wrong side of God's judgment, as demonstrated through Jehu's initial victories, likely contributed significantly to their subsequent decision to betray Ahab's house rather than uphold it.

2 Kings 10 2 Commentary

2 Kings 10:2 captures a critical moment in Jehu's divinely orchestrated purge of Ahab's house. Jehu, having personally executed King Joram, chose not to immediately attack Samaria but instead employed a psychological tactic by sending a letter. This verse, a portion of that letter, highlights his sharp understanding of power dynamics and human psychology. By sarcastically enumerating the Samarian officials' formidable resources—the numerous royal heirs, powerful military equipment, and strong city defenses—Jehu placed them in a stark dilemma. He challenged them to openly choose a king from Ahab's line and defend him, implicitly forcing them to either declare their allegiance to the dying dynasty or demonstrate their willingness to align with the rising power of Jehu. This challenge was not a genuine offer of battle; rather, it was a trap designed to test their courage and loyalty, knowing that the officials, driven by fear and political pragmatism, would likely abandon the condemned house of Ahab, setting the stage for Jehu's subsequent command for the massacre of the seventy sons. This verse exemplifies divine sovereignty operating through human actions, revealing the ultimate futility of human strength when pitted against God's decree.