King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 10:3 Mean?
“Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.”
2 Kings 10:3 · KJV
Context
1
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying, them: Heb. nourishers
2
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;
3
Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.
4
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
5
And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLook even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. 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. 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 · 13 wordsוּרְאִיתֶ֞ם1 of 13
“Look even out”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַטּ֤וֹב2 of 13
“the best”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
מִבְּנֵ֣י4 of 13
“sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֖ם6 of 13
“and set”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עַל7 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אָבִ֑יו9 of 13
“him on his father's”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַל11 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֵּ֥ית12 of 13
“house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge