King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 10:17 Mean?
“And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.”
2 Kings 10:17 · KJV
Context
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
16
And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.
17
And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.
18
And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.
19
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsאֶת4 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל5 of 16
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֧ים6 of 16
“all that remained”
H7604properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
עַד9 of 16
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כִּדְבַ֣ר11 of 16
“him according to the saying”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה12 of 16
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֖ר14 of 16
“which he spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃16 of 16
“to Elijah”
H452elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
Study Guide
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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge