Seventy sons of Ahab are in Samaria; Jehu challenges their guardians to set up the best and fight. They submit instead; Jehu commands them to bring the heads of all seventy by morning. The heads arrive in baskets; Jehu piles them at the gate. He declares the LORD has done what He spoke through Elijah and strikes down all who remain of Ahab's house in Jezreel, plus great men, acquaintances, and priests. At Beth-eked, Jehu meets forty-two relatives of Ahaziah of Judah and slaughters them at the pit. Joining Jehonadab son of Rechab, Jehu goes to Samaria and kills everyone remaining of Ahab's house. He craftily gathers all Baal worshipers for a great sacrifice, then commands his guard to kill everyone inside; they demolish the Baal pillar and temple, making it a latrine. Yet Jehu does not turn from Jeroboam's golden calves. The LORD promises his sons will sit on Israel's throne to the fourth generation. Hazael begins to cut off Israel in Gilead; Jehu dies after twenty-eight years and Jehoahaz succeeds him.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 10 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
King of Israel, Husband of Jezebel
Prophet of Fire
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Places in This Chapter
Jezreel was both a city and a fertile valley (also called the Valley of Megiddo or Armageddon). King Ahab had a palace here where Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's murder for his vineyard. Jehu killed Jezebel here, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. The valley has been a battlefield throughout history and is associated with end-times prophecy.
Bethel means "House of God" and was where Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Abraham also built altars here. Later, Jeroboam set up a golden calf here as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem, which was condemned by prophets.
Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
Position in Book
Jehu's revolt, various kings, increasing wickedness in Israel, some good kings in Judah.