Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 10

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 Ahabs children, saying,

Either, First, Properly Sons by several Wives. Or rather, Secondly, Grand-Sons are comprehended, who are oft called sons; and Grand-Fathers, fathers in Scripture.

Either, because they were bred up there, that being the chief City of the Kingdom: or, because upon the tidings of Ioram's slaughter, they fled thither, or were by their Friends conveyed from several parts thither, as to the strongest place; in which, it may seem by Iehu's message, they intended to defend themselves and Ahab's Children, and to set up one as King in Ioram's stead: or rather, because they were left there by Ioram, when he went to Ramoth-Gilead, that, if the Syrians had prevailed against him, they might have safety in that very strong and great City, and he by their means succour from it.

Heb. the princes of Iezreel, i. e. the great Persons and Officers of the Court, which then was and had been for some time at Iezreel, who either had fled thither with Ahab's Sons, upon the news of Iehu's actions and successes: or rather, had been sent by Ioram with his Sons to Samaria, to take care of them there.

Either, by Age: or rather, by Office, the Rulers or Senators of Samaria.

e That had a more particular care of the several Children under the inspection of the princes or rulers here mentioned.

Marginal references: Heb. nou [illegible: 1+ letters]hers.

3 Look even out the best and meetest of your masters sons, and set him on his fathers throne, and [illegible: 1+ letters]ight for your masters house .

Thus he speaks, either, because he had some notice of their intentions thus to do: or, to make tryal of them, whether they would do so, or would be true to him and his designs: or, to signify to them his intentions of fighting against them, if they did so, that by the terror hereof he might bring them to a compliance with him.

4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him : how then should we stand?

All their Power and Interest, either in Iezreel, or in the Army before or in Ramoth-Gilead, could not hinder him from executing his design, from killing the two Kings, and from invading one of their Kingdoms. It is true, he surprised the Kings, which a little weakens their argument; but fear and self-love made them easily yield to it.

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.

The chief Governour of the Kings Palace or Castle there.

The chief Magistrate or Military Governour.

They make no delays or conditions, but submit all to his mercy.

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 masters sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time: (now the kings sons being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up)

Thus Iezabel is requited for her Letter directed in like manner to the Elders of Naboth's City, whereby his life was wickedly taken away, 1 Kin. 21. 8. And it is probable that some of these Elders were concerned in that very business, which makes the Judgment of God more remarkable.

Which word seems to imply that some of them were grown up who doubtless trod in their Parents steps; and those that were yunger, were justly cut off for their Parents sin: of which see on Exod. 20. 5. Deut. 5. 9.

Marginal references: Heb. for me.

7 And it came to pass when the letter came to them, that they took the kings sons, and slew seventy persons , and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.

Iehu justly required this, because the Sovereign and most Righteous Lord of all mens lives commanded it; but the Samaritans wickedly obeyed it, because they destroye[illegible: 1+ letters] persons in a great measure innocent, meerly out of slavish fear, and without any knowledge of, or regard to Gods command.

8 ¶ And there came a messenger, and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the kings sons. And he said, Lay ye them in two heaps at the entring in of the gate , until the morning.

The place of Judicature; to signify, that this was an act of Justice, and of Gods Righteous Judgment; and the place of greatest concourse, where people went out of the City, and came into it, and whither they resorted for Judgment, and other occasions; that all men might behold this dreadful spectacle of Divine vengeance upon Ahab's Family, and thereby might justify Iehu's cause and proceedings.

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?

Either, First, To the promiscuous multitude met there to gaze upon this sad and strange spectacle. So the sense is, Be not you troubled nor affrighted with these unusual and dismal occurrences: if any thing be amiss in these actions, I do here publickly and solemnly acquit you as Righteous and Innocent; do not you therefore fear any vengeance from God or men for it: if there be any guilt, it is in me, and in those who cut off these heads. Or, Secondly, To those who cut off, and brought the heads; for the same persons did both, and were here present, as Iehu commanded them, v. 6. to them he speaks in the audience of all the people; or by all the people may be meant all those who brought the Heads, and were there waiting for Iehu, according to his order. So the Speech is in part Ironical, to this purpose, You are Righteous in your own eyes, and you look upon me as a Traitor, and Rebel, and Murderer, because I have risen against, and slain my Master, which I acknowledge I have done. But if I am guilty, you are not innocent, and therefore cannot accuse me: for I have killed one, but you a great number. This explication seems probable; onely the Hebrew word, ham, being generally used of the common people, may seem not so fitly to agree to these Rulers and great Men, who had brought the Heads; and that expression, to all the people, implies that Iehu did not direct his Speech to some particular persons, but to the whole Body of the people then present, whom he clears from all blame, and to whom he appeals as Witnesses between him and these persons.

Marginal references: Heb. an[illegible: 1+ letters]

10 Know now, that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah .

But the truth is, neither I nor they are to be blamed; nor you that assisted and encouraged me herein: for this is not mans work, but Gods, and done by his command.

Whom he mentions, rather than Elisha; partly, because Elijah was now dead, and therefore his [illegible: 1+ letters]me and memory was more Sacred than Elisha's, who was yet alive; this being the common humour and folly of Mankind, to value and honour those that are dead, whom they contemned whilst they lived: and partly, because Elijah's Prophecy was known, and publick, and famous; when Elisha's was delivered in a corner, and that not from his own mouth, but by one of the Sons of the Prophets.

Marginal references: 1 Kin. 21. 29▪; Heb. by the hand of.

11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men , and his kinsfolks, and his priests , until he left him none remaining .

Whom he had advanced and made Great in Wealth, or Honour and Quality; who had been partners with him in his sins; and, who were likely to be avenged of his death.

His Domestick Priests which had waited upon Ahab and Iezabel in their Idolatrous services, and were fed at the Kings Table. Compare 1 King. 18. 19. Or, his chief officers of State; as that word is sometimes used: Of which see 2 Sam. 8. 18. compare with 1 Chron. 18. 17. Obj. These were included in his great men mentioned before. Answ. Yet may they well be mentioned apart, as a distinct, and the most eminent sort of them.

To wit, in that place and Kingdom; for he did leave some of the Royal Seed of Iudah, Chap. 11. 1, 2.

Marginal references: Or, acquaintance▪

12 And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,

Where they used to shear Sheep, and then to Feast after their manner, 1 Sam. 25. 36. 2 Sam. 13. 23. Or, this may be the name of a Place, Beth-heked of the shepherds: or, Beth-heked-rohim.

Marginal references: Heb. House of Shepherds binding sheep.

13 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.

Not strictly so, for they were killed before this, 2 Chron. 21. 17. but his brethrens sons, as they are called, 2 Chron. 22. 8. or others of his near kinsmen, such being oft called brethren in Scripture: as Gen. 13. 8.

Marginal references: Heb. found.; Heb. to the peace of, &c.

14 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.

Partly, in compliance with God's Command, Chap. 9. 8. for these were of the House of Ahab by the Mothersside; Chap. 8. 18. and partly, that they might neither claim the Kingdom of Israel in Right of their Grandmother; as they might well have done, if God had not given it to Iehu; nor Revenge the Deaths of their near Relations.

Where he intended to Bury them.

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 unto 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 in the chariot.

A Kenite, 1 Chron. 2. 55. and a man of singular Prudence and Piety; as appears from this History, and from Ier. 35. 6.

To Congratulate with him, for the Destruction of that wicked Family; and to encourage, and advise him to proceed in fulfilling the Will of God Revealed to him.

Iehu saluted Iehonadab.

Dost thou heartily approve of, and affect me, and my present Proceedings, as my Heart doth as sincerely cleave to thee, as thine own heart doth?

As a sign of friendship and consent. See Gal. 2. 9. These may be the words, either, 1. Of Iehu; and so here is an Elipsis, If it be: for, And Iehu said, If it be. Comp. 1 King. 20. 34. Or, 2. Of Iehonadab, who having said, It is, adds, If it be, i. e. If thine heart be with mine, as thou saist it is, give me thine hand. But this the Elipsis is larger than the former. And it seems not so decent and proper for Iehonadab a Stranger and Subject, to speak thus to the King, as for the King to say so to him.

Marginal references: Heb. found.; Heb. blessed.

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

i. e. For the Vindication of his Honour and Quarrel, and for the Execution of his Commands. Do not believe my Words, but mine Actions, which thine Eyes shall behold.

i. e. [illegible: 1 word] Servants opened the door of his Chariots, and lift up Iehonadab into it.

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.

Either all his Houshold: or rather, all his Kindred, and Relations, though more remote from him.

Marginal references: 2 Chr. 22. 8.; 1 King. 21. 21.

18 And Jehu gathered all the people together , and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu shall serve him much .

By their Representatives, their Elders or Rulers, as was usual: to whom he imparts his mind: and they being generally Corrupt, and Time-servers, and such as had no sence of Religion in them, durst not oppose his Resolution, but seemed to comply with it.

As if he had said, My quarrel is onely with Ahab's Family, and not with Baal; which my actions shall manifest. Which words being manifestly false, and spoken with a design to deceive, cannot be excused from Sin, though they were uttered with a pious intention; this being an unmovable Principle, That we must not do the least Evil of Sin, that the greatest good may come, Rom. 3. 8. And if Iehonadab did concur with Iohn herein, it was a Humane Infirmity.

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 [illegible: 1+ letters]aal.

Either, 1. All his Ministers: of whom there may seem to have been several sorts, whereof two are here distinctly mentioned, his Prophets and Priests; and the rest of the Inferior sort, may be comprehended under this general Title of Servants, because they were to attend upon the others in their Sacred Ministrations. And these being once destroyed, Iehu rightly concluded, that the rest would fall of course. And this sence may seem to be favoured by ver. 22. wherein Vestments were brought forth for all these worshippers of Baal; which were not commonly used by the People, in the Worship either of God, or of Baal; but onely by the Priests, or Ministers. Or, 2. All his Worshippers, as the same word is Translated, in the close of this Verse. Quest. How could all these be contained in one House of Baal? Answ. Well enough; for the number of Baal's Worshippers had been vastly diminished by the Ministry of Elijah, and Elisha, and the rest of the Prophets; and by Ioram's neglect, and disuse of that Worship. For the generality of the Israelites had too much knowledge to have any real and Religious respect to such sensless Idols; onely they practised it in compliance with the humour of their King and Queen, and for worldly, or wicked ends; and therefore when the King deserted it, they generally forsook it; some few silly and besotted persons excepted, who are here gathered together. Besides, this House or Temple of Baal might be very large and capacious, and probably was so, because it was the chief of that sort, as being in the King's City, and nigh his Palace, and for the use of the King and Queen, and the whole Court; and for great and high Solemnities. Moreover, as the name of the House or Temple of God at Ierusalem oft signifies, not onely the Principal Building, but all the other Buildings and Courts belonging to it; in which all the Worshippers stood when they Worshipped, so it might be here; and so there was space sufficient for all the Worshippers of Baal, which can reasonably be thought to have been at this time in all Israel.

I will offer to him a noble and acceptable Sacrifice; not of Sheep, or Oxen, &c. as they understood it; but of his own beloved Priests, and Prophets, and Servants; as he meant it.

With another design, that he might both certainly Discover, and utterly Destroy them all, without any further trouble, or danger of Sedition o[illegible: 1+ letters] Tumult in his Kingdom.

20 And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal: and they proclaimed it.

Heb. Sanctifie. Prepare your selves, and all things necessary for this Solemn day, and Sacrifice, and Feast, which I intend to keep.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word].

21 And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not : and they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another.

Either, 1. Because they thought Iehu was serious and sincere in his Professions; it being natural, and usual for men too easily to believe, what they wish to be true. And for the Priests which Iehu destroyed before ver. 11. they might think that was done, onely because of their nearness and Relation to Ahab and his Family. Or, 2. For fear of their Lives; for certain Death was threatned to all that did not come, ver. 19. which considering Iehu's fierce and bloody temper, they knew would be Executed; whereas, if they did come, there was more than a possibillity of the sparing of their Lives: for Iehu was known to be indifferent and unconcerned in matters of Religion, one that had served Baal when his Prince Ahab lived and did so; and forsook it when the next Prince Ioram did; and therefore it was doubtful whether Iehu had not in good earnest returned to his first love, to that Religion which he had formerly embraced, and onely deserted in complacency to others. Or, 3. By God's just Providence, deceiving their Minds, and enclining their Hearts to come to their own Destruction.

i. e. The Temple.

Marginal references: Or, so [illegible: 1 word] that they [illegible: 1 word] mouth to mouth.

22 And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.

Sacred Garments; such as were used by the Priests and others of the Lords Ministry in God's Worship; and from thence the Devil borrowed this custom in his Worship.

23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD , but the worshippers of Baal onely.

Whom the Baalites possibly did not know, and therefore suspected nothing; or, if any of the more crafty sort suspected any thing, it was now too late to amend their Error.

Because their presence will offend Baal, and deride, or pollute his Worship: whence Prophane persons have been oft excluded from Solemn acts of Worship, both by Iews and Heathens. So this did not raise their suspition.

24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices, and burnt-offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands, escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.

When some in the name of the rest went to the Altar to offer Sacrifice.

Far greater numbers being doubtless in readiness to assist them, in case of any opposition.

25 And it came to pass assoon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offerings , that Jehu said to the guard, and to the captains , Go in, and slay them, let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword, and the guard and the captains cast them out , and went to the city of the house of Baal .

i. e. The Chief Priest of Baal. See 2 Chron. 23. 17.

So far he suffered them to proceed; either, because till then they were not all come into the House: Or, because having been taken in the very act of gross Idolatry, their Destruction was more just and reasonable.

i. e. To the Fourscore men, and their Officers.

i. e. Cast their Carcasses out of the City. But that was not proper work for the Guard: nor could they so soon have done it; nor would they stay to do it, when they were going in haste to other work; nor indeed was it necessary to be done; because they intended to pull down the House, and Bury them in its Ruines, and turn it into a Draught-house, as it follows. This Word therefore is, and may be joyned with the next; and both rendred, They went hastily and eagerly; properly, they flung themselves out (Hiphil for Hithpahel, which is not unusual in the Hebrew Language) and went. The like Expression is used, Esth. 6. 12. hasted, Heb. pushed himself on, or flung himself, i. e. went with great haste; and in the Greek Text, Mark 14. 72.

Either, 1. To some City near to Samaria, where another eminent Temple of Baal was Erected. But this seems not to agree with the context, there being but one House or Temple of Baal mentioned, both in the foregoing and following Verses. Or rather, 2. To some Buildings belonging to this House of Baal, which may be here called the City; either for some particular reason now unknown: or, because they were very numerous and capacious. For as there were divers Chambers and Rooms built without the Temple, belonging to it, for the use of the Priests, and Levites, &c. So it may probably be conceived, That this famous Temple of Baal had many such Buildings; in some of which, the Priests of Baal, or of the Groves, (whereof there were great numbers belonging to the Kings Court, 1 King. 18. 19.) peradventure might dwell; and others of them might be for divers uses belonging to the House, and Service of Baal. And into these Buildings the Guard might go, and that hastily, to [illegible: 1+ letters]urprize, and kill those Inferior Ministers of Baal, who were there employed in preparing things for the Sacrifices which were to be Offered; or, in other Services belonging to that House, or that Solemnity.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] the [illegible: 1 word] ▪

26 And they brought forth the Images out of the house of Baal, and burnt them .

Heb. it, i. e. The Collection of the Images; or, each of them.

Marginal references: Heb. Statues.

27 And they brake down the image of Baal , and brake down the house of Baal , and made it a draught-house unto this day.

The chief Image which they Worshipped more than the rest.

And the like they did with the rest of the Houses of Baal in Israel; as may be gathered both from the nature and reason of the thing; and from ver. 28.

29 Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the [illegible: 1 word] of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them , to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.

Herein he discovers his Hypocrisie, that he follows God as far as his Interest would permit; namely, in destroying the House of Ahab, and the Worship of Baal, but no further: for he still resolves to keep up the Worship of the Calves: partly, lest he should disoblige and irritate his own Nobles and Subjects, who had been long inured, and were heartily affected to it: and partly, lest he should open a door for his people to return to their Obedience to the House of David. And his sin and folly is the more inexcusable, both because he durst not trust that God with the keeping of his Kingdom, of whose Power, and Faithfulness, and kindness to him, he had such ample experience in his giving him the Kingdom; and because he had so great and uncontrolable a power in the matters of Religion; having first pretended, and seemed to set up the Worship of Baal with all his might, and then destroying it with no less vehemency, none daring to mutter against him in either case; and because the House of David, and Kingdom of Iudah, his Competitor, now was, and was likely to be in a feeble and declining condition, and much more likely to fall into his hands, than that his Kingdom should come into theirs.

Marginal references: 1 King. 12, 2[illegible: 1+ letters].

30 And the LORD said unto Jehu , Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel .

By some Prophet, as above, Chap. 9. 7.

And so they did; namely, Iehoahaz, below ver. 35. Ioash, Chap. 13. 10. Ieroboam, Chap. 14. 24. and Zechariah, Chap. 15. 8.

i i. e. In part, and so far as is here expressed, these actions were good and right, though his heart was not so.

Marginal references: Chap. 15. 12▪

31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel, with all his heart : for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam , which made Israel to sin.

His Obedience wanted three necessary Properties, Care or Heedfulness, Universality, and Sincerity.

His resolved continuance in one single Course, is justly alledged as an Argument of his False-heartedness in all his other Actions.

Marginal references: Heb. Observed not.

32 In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short o: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel ;

In the time of Iehu's Life and Reign, as may be gathered by comp. v. 34.

i. e. In their Borders, or the outtermost part of their Land beyond Iordan, as it is explained, ver. 33. And at this time possibly he Executed those Cruelties mentioned Chap. 8. 12.

a Either to diminish the number of the People, by cutting them off: or, to straiten their Borders.

Marginal references: Heb. to cut off the ends.

33 From Jordan eastward , all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, (which is by the river Arnon) even Gilead and Bashan.

To wit, from the Land of Canaan.

Marginal references: Heb. toward the rising of the sun.; Or, even to Gilead and Bashan.; Amos 1. 3.