Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 10:9

"And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye are righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him; but who smote all these?" — 2 Kings 10:9 (ASV)

And stood. —Or, took his place—that is (according to Reuss), he sat as judge in the palace gateway, according to royal custom, and gave audience to the people.

The citizens would naturally be struck with consternation at the sight of the two ghastly pyramids in front of the palace and would crowd together expectantly at the gates. Jehu goes out to justify himself and calm their fears.

Ye be righteous — that is, guiltless regarding the deaths of these men, and therefore have nothing to fear. Thenius explains: “You are just, and therefore will judge justly.” Others render: “Are you righteous?” implying that Jehu wished to make the people guilty of the massacre of the princes, while admitting his own murder of the king.

I. —Emphatic: I on my part; or, I indeed.

But who slew all these? — Slew should be smote. Jehu professes astonishment, as a way to excuse himself. He hints that as Jehovah had foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, He must have brought it to pass; and therefore, nobody is to blame. (See next verse.)