King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:13 Mean?

“Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. met with: Heb. found to salute: Heb. to the peace of, etc”

Context

11

So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining. kinsfolks: or, acquaintance

12

And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way, shearing: Heb. house of shepherds binding sheep

13

Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. met with: Heb. found to salute: Heb. to the peace of, etc

14

And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.

15

And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. lighted on: Heb. found saluted: Heb. blessed

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Topics in This Verse

Peace

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Jehu met with.**—Literally, *And Jehu found.* **The brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah**—*i.e.*, Ahaziah’s *kinsmen*. His brothers, in the strict sense of the word, were slain by a troop of Arabs, in the lifetime of his father Jehoram (2Chronicles 21:17; 2Chronicles 22:1). (See the Notes on 2Chronicles 22:8.) **We go down.**—Rather, *we have come down*. **To salute**—*i.e.*, to inquire after their health, to visit them. **The children of the king**—*i.e.*, the sons of Joram. **The children of the queen.**—Literally, *the sons of the mistress *(*gebîrah*)*—i.e.,* the sons of the queen-mother, Jezebel, and so Joram’s brothers. Both these and the former are included in the “sons of Ahab” whom Jehu slew. The news of the taking of Ramoth, and of Joram’s convalescence, may have reached Jerusalem, and induced these princes to make a visit of pleasure to the court of Jezreel, not suspecting the events which had meanwhile happened with the headlong rapidity characteristic of Jehu’s action.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 10:13

2 Kings 8:29
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2 Kings 8:24
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2 Chronicles 21:17
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2 Kings 9:21-27
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2 Chronicles 22:1-10
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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