2 Kings 10:15

¶ And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab [coming] to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to 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 into the chariot.

And when he was departed {H3212} thence, he lighted {H4672} on Jehonadab {H3082} the son {H1121} of Rechab {H7394} coming to meet {H7125} him: and he saluted {H1288} him, and said {H559} to him, Is {H3426} thine heart {H3824} right {H3477}, as my heart {H3824} is with thy heart {H3824}? And Jehonadab {H3082} answered {H559}, It is {H3426}. If it be, give {H5414} me thine hand {H3027}. And he gave {H5414} him his hand {H3027}; and he took him up {H5927} to him into the chariot {H4818}.

On leaving there, he happened upon Y'honadav the son of Rekhav coming toward him. He greeted him and said to him, "Are you wholeheartedly with me, as I am with you?" "Yes," answered Y'honadav. "If so, give me your hand." He gave him his hand, and Yehu took him up into the chariot.

When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him; and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thy hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

Commentary

2 Kings 10:15 describes a pivotal encounter between Jehu, the newly anointed king of Israel charged with executing divine judgment, and Jehonadab, a notable figure known for his integrity and adherence to the strict vows of his ancestor, Rechab.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following his swift and violent purge of King Ahab's household and the prophets of Baal, Jehu was on a mission to eradicate idolatry from Israel. This verse introduces Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, a leader of the Rechabite clan, who were renowned for their ascetic lifestyle and unwavering faithfulness to their ancestral commands (e.g., abstaining from wine, living in tents). Their reputation for moral uprightness and devotion to God made Jehonadab a natural ally for Jehu's God-ordained task of cleansing the land from Baal worship, which had been introduced by King Ahab and Jezebel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Alignment of Heart and Purpose: Jehu's direct question, "Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?" reveals his desire for spiritual and moral solidarity. He sought someone whose inner being—their intellect, will, and conscience—was aligned with God's righteous judgment and his own zealous mission. Jehonadab's simple "It is" affirmed this shared commitment.
  • Integrity and Faithfulness: Jehonadab's response and subsequent actions underscore his reputation for unwavering integrity. His readiness to join Jehu's chariot signifies his conviction that Jehu's actions were in line with God's will, demonstrating his own faithfulness.
  • Divine Providence and Partnership: The meeting appears providentially orchestrated, bringing together two individuals with a shared zeal for the Lord and a commitment to His commands. It highlights how God raises up and connects people of like mind to accomplish His purposes. Jehu's zeal for the Lord found a willing partner in Jehonadab.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Is thine heart right" translates from the Hebrew lev (heart), which in biblical understanding encompasses not just emotions but the entire inner person—one's thoughts, intentions, will, and moral character. Thus, Jehu was asking about Jehonadab's fundamental disposition and allegiance to God's standards. The action of "give me thine hand" (Hebrew: natan yad) was a common gesture signifying a covenant, agreement, or pledge of loyalty and fellowship, reinforcing the alliance formed between them.

Practical Application

This encounter teaches us the importance of seeking out and aligning ourselves with those who share a genuine commitment to God's truth and righteousness. In our spiritual journeys, it is vital to discern and associate with individuals whose "hearts are right" – those who are devoted to God's will and purpose. This principle applies to partnerships in ministry, fellowship in the church, and even personal friendships, emphasizing the strength found in walking together in agreement and shared spiritual conviction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 35:14

    The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.

  • Jeremiah 35:19

    Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:55

    And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, [and] Suchathites. These [are] the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.

  • Ezra 10:19

    And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and [being] guilty, [they offered] a ram of the flock for their trespass.

  • Ezekiel 17:18

    Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:17

    And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].

  • 1 Chronicles 12:18

    Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
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