1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
The Geneva Bible: A Cornerstone of English Protestantism A Testament to Reform The 1599 Geneva Bible... Read More
10 Ahab had many sons in Samaria—70 in all. This is how Jehu got the best of them:
Jehu wrote many letters to Samaria—to the leaders in Jezreel, the elders, as well as the caretakers of Ahab’s children.
Jehu’s Letter: 2 When you receive this letter, you will be in the company of Ahab’s sons; and at your fingertips, you will have all the force you need—chariots, horses, weapons, and a fortified city. 3 So choose the best and strongest son of your late master to inherit the throne, and then go fight with honor for your master’s household.
4 The leaders of Jezreel became immensely afraid because of Jehu’s letter.
Leaders of Jezreel: If two mighty kings cannot survive this man, is it possible for us to survive him?
5 All the leading citizens of Jezreel—leader of the city, house managers, elders, and the children’s guardians—sent a letter back to Jehu.
Leaders’ Letter: Mighty Jehu, consider us all your servants. We will do anything you ask. But know this, we are not going to give the throne to one of Ahab’s sons. We hand this matter over to you and wish only for you to do what you think is best.
Jehu’s Reply: 6 Prove yourselves. If you have truly given yourselves over to my service and will do as I say, then I command you to behead Ahab’s sons and bring the heads to me at Jezreel this time tomorrow.
All 70 of Ahab’s sons lived with the chief men in the city, who were their guardians. 7 After the leaders of Jezreel read Jehu’s second letter, they beheaded all 70 of Ahab’s sons. It was a horrific slaughter! They then placed all the heads in baskets and transported the blood-drenched baskets to Jezreel, so that Jehu would have proof of their obedience to him.
Servant (to Jehu): 8 The heads of the late king’s sons have arrived.
Jehu: Make two piles of them at the gate entrance, and leave them there until dawn.
9 Dawn arrived, and Jehu addressed everyone.
Jehu: I speak to you who are innocent! I am responsible for slaughtering my king, but who is responsible for this slaughter? 10 The word of the Eternal One is unbreakable. All that He has said would happen to Ahab’s household has happened. His servant Elijah the prophet was His true messenger, a true man of God!
11 Jehu slaughtered everyone who belonged to Ahab’s household in Jezreel. He slaughtered all who knew Ahab—the mighty men of the city, the priests, and even mere acquaintances. There was not a single person left alive who knew Ahab.
Whenever a king dies, there is always some struggle over who should follow him. Even when King David died, his successor was unclear (1 Kings 1). Since Jehu is not related to Ahab, he does not have a blood right to the throne; and since Jehu takes it by force, he must keep it by force. The best way to make sure none of Ahab’s family and acquaintances conspire against him is to kill them all.
12 For example, on his way to Samaria, when Jehu was with the shepherds at Beth-eked, 13 he met some relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah.
Jehu: Do I know you?
Ahaziah’s Relatives: We are related to Ahaziah. We are here to meet the king and queen’s sons.
Jehu: 14 Seize them!
They seized Ahaziah’s relatives, and they slaughtered them at the ditch of Beth-eked. There were 42 men slaughtered that day. Not a single man was left alive. No mercy was shown.
15 Jehu left in his chariot, and he was met by Jehonadab (Rechab’s son).
Jehu: I have no grievance against you. Do you have a problem with me?
Jehonadab: No. I am at peace with you, as you are at peace with me.
Jehu: If you truly are at peace with me, then offer your hand to me.
Jehonadab offered his hand to Jehu, and Jehu lifted him up into the chariot.
Jehu: 16 You’re coming with me. You will witness my zeal for the Eternal One.
So the two rode off together in Jehu’s chariot. 17 When they arrived in Samaria, Jehu slaughtered every person who was at all connected to Ahab. Finally every remnant of Ahab was erased from the earth. This all happened exactly as the Eternal said it would when He gave His message through Elijah.
18 For Jehu’s next ingenious move, he assembled everyone.
Jehu: Ahab served Baal a little, but I, Jehu, will serve him much more! 19 Quick! Assemble all of Baal’s servants together—his prophets, priests, and worshipers—so they can witness the great sacrifice I am going to offer Baal. If any of Baal’s servants do not attend this sacrificial gathering, they will be slaughtered.
Several cultures in the ancient Near East worshiped gods named Baal, which literally means, “lord.” Baal began as a local Canaanite god of thunder and rain long before the Hebrews entered Canaan, but his cult spread to other nations and changed in each of them. One thousand years later, under Jezebel’s influence, these Israelites are worshiping the Phoenician Baal, whom they consider the highest god and creator of the universe.
Jehu only said this sly thing so that he might slaughter Baal’s servants all in one attack.
Jehu: 20 Purify the sacred gathering for Baal.
They did as they were told.
21 Jehu spread the word of this sacred gathering throughout all of Israel. Every single one of Baal’s worshipers in the entire land attended. Everyone assembled inside the temple of Baal, and it was packed from wall to wall. Jehu continued pretending he was devoted to Baal. 22 He gave instructions to the wardrobe manager.
Jehu: Bring out the proper robes to all of Baal’s worshipers.
The wardrobe manager did as Jehu instructed and brought out the proper clothing to everyone.
23 Jehu was accompanied by Jehonadab (Rechab’s son) as he entered the temple of Baal. Jehu gave a strict command to Baal’s worshipers.
Jehu: Look among yourselves, and make sure that none of the Eternal’s servants have slipped in without us noticing. This is very important. There should be no one but Baal’s servants within this room.
24 All of Baal’s servants began to give offerings and sacrifice burnt offerings to Baal. Outside the temple of Baal, Jehu had stationed 80 soldiers. He gave them strict instructions.
Jehu: Kill them all without mercy. If you let anyone escape, then you will die in his place.
25 Jehu offered a burnt offering for show; and after he finished with it, he gave the command to the soldiers and their officers.
Jehu: It’s time. Go inside quickly, and be sure to slaughter every last one of them. Don’t let any escape alive.
Needless to say, when the soldiers enter the place of burnt offerings, all of Baal’s servants are shocked and horrified by the attack.
The soldiers slaughtered every one of Baal’s servants with the sword—one by one. After the massacre was over, the soldiers and the officers then tossed the corpses outside of Baal’s temple. When they had removed all of the corpses, they entered the inner chamber. 26 There they tore down and removed the sacred pillars from this pagan temple, and they set them on fire. 27 They tore down Baal’s sacred pillar and proceeded to tear down the rest of Baal’s temple. Ever since then, that place has been designated as a latrine, even to this day.
28 And that is the story of how Jehu exterminated Baal worship from the community of Israel. 29 But Jehu emulated the wickedness of Jeroboam (Nebat’s son)—causing the Israelites to live sinful lives. He did not turn away from the golden calves in Bethel and in Dan.
Eternal One (to Jehu): 30 I commend you for your good work. You have honored Me by destroying Ahab’s household as I desired. I am going to reward you by allowing your sons, until the fourth generation, to reign over Israel.
31 After all that Jehu had done, and even after the Lord had honored him, he fell from the higher path, from the ways of the Eternal. His whole heart did not belong to Israel’s God. He walked the wicked path of Jeroboam, causing the Israelites to live sinful lives.
32 During that time, the Eternal One began reducing the territorial holdings of Israel.
Hazael and his Aramean army are the human instrument for this act of divine judgment.
Hazael conquered these sections throughout the land of Israel— 33 all territories east of the Jordan River (where the Gileadites, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites lived), from Aroer (near the Arnon Valley) north to Gilead and Bashan as well.
34 Is not the rest of Jehu’s story—his accomplishments and his actions—documented in the book of the chronicles of Israel’s kings? 35 Jehu left this world to sleep with his fathers, and he was laid to rest in Samaria. His son, Jehoahaz, then inherited the throne. 36 Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for 28 years.
10 And Ahab hath seventy sons in Samaria, and Jehu writeth letters, and sendeth to Samaria, unto the heads of Jezreel, the elders, and unto the supporters of Ahab, saying, 2 `And now, at the coming in of this letter unto you, and with you [are] sons of your lord, and with you [are] the chariots and ...
Read More
10 Forsooth seventy sons in Samaria were to Ahab. Therefore Jehu wrote letters, and sent into Samaria to the best men of the city, and to the greater men in birth, and to all the nurses of the sons of Ahab, and said, (Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And so Jehu wrote letters, and sent them to ...
Read More
10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up Ahab’s sons, saying, 2 “Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortif...
Read More
Jehu Destroys Ahab’s Sons and Baal Worshippers10 Now Ahab had 70 sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, the elders, and to the guardians of Ahab’s sons, saying: 2 “Now as soon as this letter reaches you—since your master’s sons are with you, and you ...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samar′ia. So Jehu wrote letters, and sent them to Samar′ia, to the rulers of the city,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying, 2 “Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master’s sons are wi...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samar′ia. So Jehu wrote letters, and sent them to Samar′ia, to the rulers of the city,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying, 2 “Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master’s sons are wi...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of[b] Ahab, saying, 2 “Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of[b] Ahab, saying, 2 ‘Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of[b] Ahab, saying, 2 ‘Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and...
Read More
Massacre of Ahab’s Descendants10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of the city,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of[b] Ahab, saying,(A)2 “Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots a...
Read More
Jehu Kills Ahab’s Family10 Ahab had seventy sons living in the city of Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the elders and officials of the city,[a] and to the guardians of King Ahab’s sons. He said, 2 “The king’s sons are with you, and you have at your disposal chariots, hors...
Read More
Ahab’s Seventy Sons Are Killed10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters. He sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the leaders, and to those who took care of Ahab’s children. He said, 2 “Now your owner’s sons are with you. And you have war-wagons, and horses, and a ...
Read More
Ahab’s Seventy Sons Killed10 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote and sent letters to Samaria, to the rulers of [a]Jezreel, to the elders, and to [b]those who reared Ahab’s sons, saying: 2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, and you have ch...
Read More
Ahab’s family killed10 Now there were in Samaria seventy sons of the house of Ahab. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria: to the officials of Jezreel,[a] to the elders and to the guardians of Ahab’s children. He said, 2 ‘You have your master’s sons with you and you have chariots and horse...
Read More
Ahab’s Family Killed10 Now there were in Samaria(A) seventy sons(B) of the house of Ahab. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria: to the officials of Jezreel,[a](C) to the elders and to the guardians(D) of Ahab’s children. He said, 2 “You have your master’s sons with you and you have chariot...
Read More
Jehu Wipes Out Ahab’s Royal House10 Ahab’s royal family in the city of Samaria had a total of 70 sons. Jehu wrote some letters to the officials of the city. He also sent them to the elders there. And he sent them to the people who took care of Ahab’s children. Jehu said, 2 “Your master’s sons are w...
Read More
Jehu Wipes Out Ahab’s Family10 Ahab had seventy sons living in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the leading officials of Jezreel and to the guardians of Ahab’s dynasty. This is what the letters said,[a] 2 “You have with you the sons of your master, chariots and horses, a f...
Read More
Families of Ahab and Ahaziah Killed10 Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officers and elders of Jezreel and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab. Jehu said, 2 “You have your master’s sons with you, and you have chariots, horses, a city with strong w...
Read More
The Geneva Bible: A Cornerstone of English Protestantism A Testament to Reform The 1599 Geneva Bible... Read More
The 21st Century King James Version (KJ21): A Modern Approach to a Classic Text A Balancing Act The ... Read More
The American Standard Version (ASV): A Cornerstone of Modern English Bibles A Product of Scholarly R... Read More
The Amplified Bible (AMP): A Rich and Comprehensive Translation The Amplified Bible (AMP) stands out... Read More
The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC): A Timeless Treasure The Amplified Bible, Classic Editio... Read More
The Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV): A Timeless Classic The Authorized King James Version (AK... Read More
The BRG Bible: A Colorful Approach to Scripture A Unique Visual Experience The BRG Bible, an acronym... Read More
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB): A Balance of Accuracy and Readability The Christian Standard Bib... Read More
The Common English Bible (CEB): A Translation for Everyone The Common English Bible (CEB) is a conte... Read More
The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB): A Jewish Perspective on Scripture The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) i... Read More
The Contemporary English Version (CEV): A Bible for Everyone The Contemporary English Version (CEV),... Read More
The Darby Translation: A Literal Approach to Scripture The Darby Translation, often referred to as t... Read More
The Disciples' Literal New Testament (DLNT): A Window into the Apostolic Mind The Disciples’ Literal... Read More
The Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA): A Cornerstone of English Catholicism The Douay-Rheims ... Read More
The Easy-to-Read Version (ERV): A Bible for Everyone The Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) is a modern Engl... Read More
The English Standard Version (ESV): A Modern Classic The English Standard Version (ESV) is a contemp... Read More
The English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK): A British Accent on Scripture The English Standard ... Read More
The Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV): A Lutheran Perspective The Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV... Read More
The Expanded Bible (EXB): A Study Bible in Text Form The Expanded Bible (EXB) is a unique translatio... Read More
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW): A Modern Approach to Scripture The GOD'S WORD Translation (GW) is a con... Read More
The Good News Translation (GNT): A Bible for Everyone The Good News Translation (GNT), formerly know... Read More
The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB): A Balance of Accuracy and Readability The Holman Christi... Read More
The International Children's Bible (ICB): A Gateway to Faith The International Children's Bible (ICB... Read More
The International Standard Version (ISV): A Modern Approach to Scripture The International Standard ... Read More
The J.B. Phillips New Testament: A Modern Classic The J.B. Phillips New Testament, often referred to... Read More
The Jubilee Bible 2000 (JUB): A Unique Approach to Translation The Jubilee Bible 2000 (JUB) is a dis... Read More
The King James Version (KJV): A Timeless Classic The King James Version (KJV), also known as the Aut... Read More
The Lexham English Bible (LEB): A Transparent Approach to Translation The Lexham English Bible (LEB)... Read More
The Living Bible (TLB): A Paraphrase for Modern Readers The Living Bible (TLB) is a unique rendering... Read More
The Modern English Version (MEV): A Contemporary Take on Tradition The Modern English Version (MEV) ... Read More
The Mounce Reverse Interlinear New Testament: A Bridge to the Greek The Mounce Reverse Interlinear N... Read More
The Names of God Bible (NOG): A Unique Approach to Scripture The Names of God Bible (NOG) is a disti... Read More
The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE): A Cornerstone of English Catholicism The New Americ... Read More
The New American Standard Bible (NASB): A Cornerstone of Literal Translations The New American Stand... Read More
The New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995): A Refined Classic The New American Standard Bible 1... Read More
The New Catholic Bible (NCB): A Modern Translation for a New Generation The New Catholic Bible (NCB)... Read More
The New Century Version (NCV): A Bible for Everyone The New Century Version (NCV) is an English tran... Read More
The New English Translation (NET): A Transparent Approach to Scripture The New English Translation (... Read More
The New International Reader's Version (NIRV): A Bible for Everyone The New International Reader's V... Read More
The New International Version - UK (NIVUK): A British Accent on Scripture The New International Vers... Read More
The New International Version (NIV): A Modern Classic The New International Version (NIV) is one of ... Read More
The New King James Version (NKJV): A Modern Update of a Classic The New King James Version (NKJV) is... Read More
The New Life Version (NLV): A Bible for All The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translati... Read More
The New Living Translation (NLT): A Modern Approach to Scripture The New Living Translation (NLT) is... Read More
The New Matthew Bible (NMB): A Reformation Revival The New Matthew Bible (NMB) is a unique project t... Read More
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): A Modern Classic The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is... Read More
The New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE): A Cornerstone of Modern Catholicism The ... Read More
The New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA): A British Accent on Scripture The New Revised ... Read More
The New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition (NRSVACE): A Bridge Between Tradition ... Read More
The New Testament for Everyone (NTE): A Fresh Perspective The New Testament for Everyone (NTE) is a ... Read More
The Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): A Unique Perspective The Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) is a distincti... Read More
The Revised Geneva Translation (RGT): A Return to the Roots The Revised Geneva Translation (RGT) is ... Read More
The Revised Standard Version (RSV): A Cornerstone of Modern English Bibles The Revised Standard Vers... Read More
The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE): A Cornerstone of English Catholicism The Revi... Read More
The Message (MSG): A Contemporary Paraphrase The Message, often abbreviated as MSG, is a contemporar... Read More
The Voice: A Fresh Perspective on Scripture The Voice is a contemporary English translation of the B... Read More
The Tree of Life Version (TLV): A Messianic Jewish Perspective The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is a u... Read More
The World English Bible (WEB): A Modern Update on a Classic The World English Bible (WEB) is a conte... Read More
The Worldwide English (WE) New Testament: A Modern Take on a Classic The Worldwide English (WE) New ... Read More
The Wycliffe Bible: A Cornerstone of English Scripture A Revolutionary Translation The Wycliffe Bibl... Read More
Young's Literal Translation (YLT): A Literal Approach to Scripture Young's Literal Translation (YLT)... Read More
Deuteronomy 18 - "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not s... Read More
John 14:26 - "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teac... Read More
(Enlarge) (PDF for Print) (Freely Distributed) Map of the Origin of Nations and Races that were dis... Read More
The Journeys of Abraham (Enlarge) (PDF for Print) - Map of Abraham's Journey with Trade Routes(Free... Read More
(Enlarge) (PDF for Print) (Freely Distributed)Map of the Route of the Hebrews from Egypt This map s... Read More
Mark 6:52 - For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. God did... Read More
also see:The Encampment of the Children of IsraelThe Children of Israel on the March THE OUTER COURT... Read More
2 Chronicles 36:23 - Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD Go... Read More
All Bible Maps - Complete and growing list of Bible History Online Bible Maps. Old Testament Maps T... Read More
Ancient Manners and Customs, Daily Life, Cultures, Bible Lands NINEVEH was the famous capital of an... Read More
Distances From Jerusalem to: Bethany - 2 milesBethlehem - 6 milesBethphage - 1 mileCaesarea - 57 m... Read More
Dagon was the god of the Philistines. This image shows that the idol was represented in the combina... Read More
Map of Israel in the Time of Jesus (Enlarge) (PDF for Print) (Freely Distributed) Map of First Cent... Read More
The Table of Shewbread (Ex 25:23-30) It was also called the Table of the Presence. Now we will pas... Read More
see also:The PriestThe Consecration of the PriestsThe Priestly Garments The Priestly Garments 'The ... Read More
Introduction to the Book of Daniel in the Bible Daniel 6:15-16 - Then these men assembled unto the k... Read More
The Golden Lampstand was hammered from one piece of gold. Exod 25:31-40 "You shall also make a lam... Read More
The Golden Altar of Incense (Ex 30:1-10) The Golden Altar of Incense was 2 cubits tall.It was 1 cub... Read More
Ancient Tax Collector Illustration of a Tax Collector collecting taxes Tax collectors were very des... Read More
also see: Blood Atonement and The Priests The Five Levitical Offerings The Sacrifices The sacrificia... Read More
Genesis 10:32 - These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nation... Read More
Illustration of Jesus Reading from the Book of Isaiah This sketch contains a colored illustration o... Read More
"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth s... Read More
also see: The Encampment of the Children of IsraelThe Children of Israel on the March The brazen a... Read More
Unearth the rich tapestry of biblical history with our extensive collection of over 1000 meticulously curated Bible Maps and Images. Enhance your understanding of scripture and embark on a journey through the lands and events of the Bible.
Start Your Journey Today!