King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:14 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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

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.

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

And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Take them alive.**—Perhaps they made some show of resistance. Jehu slew them because of their connection with the doomed house of Ahab. Keil thinks he dreaded their conspiring with the partisans of the fallen dynasty in Samaria. **Slew them at the pit of the shearing house.**—Literally, *slaughtered them into the cistern of Betheked*. Either they cut their throats over the cistern, or threw the corpses into it. **Two and forty.**—Curiously parallel with 2Kings 2:24; and perhaps a definite for an indefinite number.

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 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.