Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the palace administrator, the city governor, the elders and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: “We are your servants and we will do anything you say. We will not appoint anyone as king; you do whatever you think best.” New Living Translation So the palace and city administrators, together with the elders and the guardians of the king’s sons, sent this message to Jehu: “We are your servants and will do anything you tell us. We will not make anyone king; do whatever you think is best.” English Standard Version So he who was over the palace, and he who was over the city, together with the elders and the guardians, sent to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, and we will do all that you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your eyes.” Berean Standard Bible So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version And he who was in charge of the house, and he who was in charge of the city, the elders also, and those who reared the sons, sent to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, we will do all you tell us; but we will not make anyone king. Do what is good in your sight.” New American Standard Bible And the one who was in charge of the household, and the one who was in charge of the city, and the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, and everything that you tell us we will do. We will not appoint any man king; do what is good in your sight.” NASB 1995 And the one who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, all that you say to us we will do, we will not make any man king; do what is good in your sight.” NASB 1977 And the one who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, all that you say to us we will do, we will not make any man king; do what is good in your sight.” Legacy Standard Bible And the one who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, all that you say to us we will do, we will not make any man king; do what is good in your sight.” Amplified Bible And the one who was in charge of the household, and the one who was overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians [of the children] sent word to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants and we will do whatever you tell us, but we will not make any man king; do what is good in your eyes.” Christian Standard Bible So the overseer of the palace, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever you think is right.” Holman Christian Standard Bible So the overseer of the palace, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever you think is right.” American Standard Version And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and they that brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any man king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes. Contemporary English Version The prime minister, the mayor of the city, as well as the other leaders and Ahab's supporters, sent this answer to Jehu, "We are your servants, Your Majesty, and we will do whatever you tell us. But it's not our place to choose someone to be king. You do what you think is best." English Revised Version And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and they that brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any man king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the official in charge of the palace, the mayor of the city, the respected leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: "We are your servants. We'll do everything you tell us. We won't make anyone king. Do what you think is best." Good News Translation So the officer in charge of the palace and the official in charge of the city, together with the leading citizens and the guardians, sent this message to Jehu: "We are your servants, and we are ready to do anything you say. But we will not make anyone king; do whatever you think best." International Standard Version So the household overseer and the city supervisor, along with the elders and the children's guardians, sent word to Jehu, telling him, "We will serve you and do everything you ask. We won't set up a king, so do what you want to do." NET Bible So the palace supervisor, the city commissioner, the leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu, "We are your subjects! Whatever you say, we will do. We will not make anyone king. Do what you consider proper." New Heart English Bible He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders also, and those who raised the children, sent to Jehu, saying, "We are your servants, and will do all that you ask us. We will not make any man king. You do that which is good in your eyes." Webster's Bible Translation And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and those who brought up 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 thy eyes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” World English Bible He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders also, and those who raised the children, sent to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, and will do all that you ask us. We will not make any man king. You do that which is good in your eyes.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he who [is] over the house, and he who [is] over the city, and the elderly, and those supporting, send to Jehu, saying, “We [are] your servants, and all that you say to us we do; we do not make anyone king—do that which [is] good in your eyes.” Young's Literal Translation And he who is over the house, and he who is over the city, and the elders, and the supporters, send unto Jehu, saying, 'Thy servants we are, and all that thou sayest unto us we do; we do not make any one king -- that which is good in thine eyes do.' Smith's Literal Translation And he over the house will send, and he over the city, and the old men, and the nourishers, to Jehu saying, We thy servants, and all which thou shalt say to us we will do; we will not make a man king: do thou the good in thine eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore the overseers of the house, and the rulers of the city, and the ancients, and the tutors sent to Jehu, saying: We are thy servants, whatsoever thou shalt command us we will do, neither will we make us a king: do thou all that pleaseth thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, those who were in charge of the house, and the prefects of the city, and those greater by birth, and those who raised the sons, sent to Jehu, saying: “We are your servants. Whatever you will order, we will do. But we will not appoint a king for ourselves. Do whatever pleases you.” New American Bible So the master of the palace and the chief of the city, along with the elders and the guardians, sent this message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do everything you tell us. We will proclaim no one king; do whatever you think best.” New Revised Standard Version So the steward of the palace, and the governor of the city, along with the elders and the guardians, sent word to Jehu: “We are your servants; we will do anything you say. We will not make anyone king; do whatever you think right.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the overseer of the royal household, the governor of the city, the elders, and those who brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king over us; do whatever is good in your eyes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Steward and the Governor of the city and the Elders and the Tutors sent to Yahu, and they said: “We are your Servants, and everything that you said to us we will do, and we will not make a man king over us. Everything that is beautiful in your eyes, do!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and they that brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying: 'We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any man king; do thou that which is good in thine eyes.' Brenton Septuagint Translation So they that were over the house, and they that were over the city, and the elders and the guardians, sent to Ju, saying, We also are thy servants, and whatsoever thou shalt say to us we will do; we will not make any man king: we will do that which is right in thine eyes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Family…4But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?” 5So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” 6Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city.… Cross References 1 Kings 21:21-24 This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. / I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’ / And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ ... 2 Kings 9:7-10 And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. / The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel. / I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah. ... 1 Kings 16:11-12 As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend. / So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet. 2 Kings 9:30-37 Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. ... 1 Kings 21:17-19 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, / “Get up and go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria. See, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession of it. / Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’” 2 Kings 11:1-3 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. / But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed. / And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. 2 Kings 9:22 When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” 1 Kings 18:4 for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) 2 Kings 9:14-15 Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” 2 Kings 9:1-3 Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!” Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Hosea 1:4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. Revelation 2:20-23 But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. / Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. / Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. ... 2 Chronicles 22:8-9 So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them. / Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom. 2 Kings 8:12 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” Treasury of Scripture 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 your servants, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any king: do you that which is good in your eyes. We are thy servants 2 Kings 18:14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. Joshua 9:11,24,25 Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us… 1 Kings 20:4,32 And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have… Jump to Previous Bid Children City Elders Eyes Good Guardians House Household Jehu ServantsJump to Next Bid Children City Elders Eyes Good Guardians House Household Jehu Servants2 Kings 10 1. Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's sons to be beheaded8. He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elijah 12. At the shearing house he slays forty-two of Ahaziah's brothers 15. He takes Jehonadab into his company 18. By subtilty he destroys all the worshippers of Baal 29. Jehu follows Jeroboam's sins 32. Hazael oppresses Israel 34. Jehoahaz succeeds Jehu So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: This phrase highlights the various leadership roles within the city of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The palace administrator and overseer of the city were likely high-ranking officials responsible for the management of the king's affairs and the city's governance. The elders were respected leaders within the community, often involved in decision-making and maintaining order. The guardians could refer to those responsible for the security of the city or the royal family. This collective response indicates a unified decision from the city's leadership, reflecting the gravity of the situation as Jehu, anointed by a prophet to be king, was executing God's judgment on the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:6-10). Their message to Jehu signifies a shift in allegiance, acknowledging his authority and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe newly anointed king of Israel, tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and purging Baal worship from Israel. 2. Palace Administrator A high-ranking official responsible for managing the affairs of the royal household. 3. City Governor The official in charge of the city's administration and governance. 4. Elders Respected leaders and decision-makers within the community. 5. Guardians Those responsible for the care and protection of the royal princes. Teaching Points Submission to AuthorityThe officials' response to Jehu highlights the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained authority. In our lives, we are called to respect and submit to those in leadership, trusting in God's sovereign plan. Fulfillment of Prophecy Jehu's rise to power and the officials' submission demonstrate the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. This reminds us of the reliability and certainty of God's promises in Scripture. Wisdom in Decision-Making The officials' decision to align with Jehu reflects wisdom and discernment. In our own lives, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom in making decisions, especially when faced with significant changes or challenges. God's Sovereignty The passage underscores God's control over historical events and leaders. We can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over our circumstances and the world around us. Courage to Stand for Righteousness Jehu's mission required boldness and courage to stand against evil. As believers, we are called to stand for righteousness and truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 10How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree? Where is the archaeological evidence for Jehu's widespread purge and the destruction of the Baal temple in 2 Kings 10:27? Esther 10:3 - Is there any external evidence or Persian documentation supporting Mordecai's high position in the empire? 2 Chronicles 1:10 - Is there historical or archeological proof that Solomon's wisdom and wealth matched the biblical account?(5) He that was over the house.--The prefect of the palace, or major-domo. A similar official is mentioned on the Egyptian monuments. His position and influence would resemble that of the great chamberlain of the Byzantine court. He that was over the city.--The prefect or governor of the city, called in 1Kings 22:26 "the prince (sar) of the city." These two are the "rulers" (s?rim) of 2Kings 10:1. Verse 5. - And he that was ever the house - i.e. the officer in charge of the royal palace (setup. 1 Kings 4:6) - and he that was over the city. There would be a single "governor of the city" - net the commandant of the garrison, but the chief civil ruler nearly corresponding to a modern "mayor" (see 1 Kings 22:26). The elders also (comp. ver. 1). The "governor" of a town was assisted by a council of elders. And the bringers up of the children (see the comment on ver. 1). Sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do sit that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king. Jehu's letter had the effect which he intended, of making the authorities of Samaria declare themselves. They might, perhaps, have temporized, have sent an ambiguous answer, or have sent no answer at all, and have let their action be guided by the course of events. But, taken aback by Jehu's directness and plainness of speech, it did not occur to them to be diplomatic; they felt driven into a corner, and compelled to make their choice at once. Either they must resist Jehu in arms or they must submit to him. If they submitted, they had best (they thought) do it with a good grace. Accordingly, his letter produced a reply, more favorable than he can possibly have expected - "They were his servants," or "his slaves," ready to do all his pleasure; they would not set up a king, or in any way dispute his succession; they submitted themselves wholly to his will. Do thou [they said] that which is good in thine eyes; i.e. "take what steps thou pleasest to confirm thyself in the kingdom."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the palaceהַבַּ֣יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house administrator, אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the overseer וַאֲשֶׁ֪ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that of the city, הָעִ֟יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement the elders, וְהַזְּקֵנִים֩ (wə·haz·zə·qê·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2205: Old and the guardians וְהָאֹמְנִ֨ים (wə·hā·’ō·mə·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 539: To confirm, support sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out a message to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Jehu: יֵה֤וּא ׀ (yê·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3058: Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelites “We אֲנַ֔חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We are your servants, עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and we will do נַעֲשֶׂ֑ה (na·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make whatever וְכֹ֛ל (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every you say. לֵאמֹר֙ (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say We will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no make anyone אִ֔ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person king. נַמְלִ֣יךְ (nam·lîḵ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel Do עֲשֵֽׂה׃ (‘ă·śêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make [whatever is] good הַטּ֥וֹב (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good in your sight.” בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain Links 2 Kings 10:5 NIV2 Kings 10:5 NLT 2 Kings 10:5 ESV 2 Kings 10:5 NASB 2 Kings 10:5 KJV 2 Kings 10:5 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 10:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 10:5 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 10:5 French Bible 2 Kings 10:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 10:5 He who was over the household (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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