Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Kings 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Kings 10
"Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and unto them that brought up [the sons of] Ahab, saying," — 2 Kings 10:1 (ASV)
Seventy sons - that is, descendants; this number included the children of Jehoram (2 Kings 10:2–3 and following).
"And 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 fortified city also, and armor;" — 2 Kings 10:2 (ASV)
A fenced city — Or, “fenced cities.” If Samaria had refused to acknowledge Jehu, many other Israelite towns would have been sure to follow the example.
"look ye out the best and meetest of your master`s sons, and set him on his father`s throne, and fight for your master`s house." — 2 Kings 10:3 (ASV)
Jehu, placing his adversaries’ advantages before them in the most favorable light, called upon them to decide what they would do. The unscrupulous soldier shows shrewdness as well as courage, a sharp wit as well as a bold heart.
"But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?" — 2 Kings 10:4 (ASV)
Two kings - Literally, “the two kings,” that is, Jehoram and Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:21–28).
"And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and they that brought up [the children], sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any man king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes." — 2 Kings 10:5 (ASV)
The officer who was in charge of the palace (1 Kings 4:6) and the governor of the city (1 Kings 22:26) seem to correspond to the “rulers” mentioned in 2 Kings 10:1.
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