King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 10:7 Mean?
“And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.”
2 Kings 10:7 · KJV
Context
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.
6
Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up. mine: Heb. for me
7
And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.
8
And there came a messenger, and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the king's sons. And he said, Lay ye them in two heaps at the entering in of the gate until the morning.
9
And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye be righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him: but who slew all these?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 18 wordsוַיְהִ֗י1 of 18
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַסֵּ֙פֶר֙3 of 18
“And it came to pass when the letter”
H5612properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
אֶת6 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י7 of 18
“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
אִ֑ישׁ11 of 18
“persons”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּ12 of 18
“and put”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת13 of 18
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶם֙14 of 18
“their heads”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
יִזְרְעֶֽאלָה׃18 of 18
“him them to Jezreel”
H3157jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two 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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge