2 Kings 10:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Come {H3212} with me, and see {H7200} my zeal {H7068} for the LORD {H3068}. So they made him ride {H7392} in his chariot {H7393}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Come with me, and see how zealous I am for ADONAI." So they had him ride in his chariot.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment in Jehu's divinely mandated purge of the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship in Israel. Having already executed key figures of the apostate regime, Jehu encounters Jehonadab, a righteous Rechabite known for his devotion to the LORD. Jehu invites Jehonadab to join him, proclaiming, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD," thereby seeking not only a witness but also a moral endorsement for the violent, yet necessary, cleansing he was undertaking. Jehonadab's acceptance and shared ride in the chariot symbolize a public affirmation of Jehu's mission, setting the stage for the final, decisive blow against idolatry in Samaria.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Jehu's bloody coup, which began with his anointing by a prophet sent by Elisha with a specific, violent mandate to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship ([2 Kings 9:6-10](/2_kings/9-6 "2 Kings 9:6-10 - Jehu's Anointing and Mandate")). Prior to this encounter with Jehonadab, Jehu has already executed King Joram of Israel, King Ahaziah of Judah, and the notorious Queen Jezebel. He then orchestrated the massacre of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria, effectively wiping out Ahab's lineage. As Jehu journeys towards Samaria to complete the purge of Baal worship, his meeting with Jehonadab serves as a critical transition point, moving from the destruction of the royal house to the systematic eradication of the idolatrous cult itself. Jehonadab's presence provides a moral and spiritual validation for the impending actions against Baal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehu's reign (c. 841-814 BC) was one of intense political and religious turmoil in Israel. The Omride dynasty, particularly under Ahab and Jezebel, had aggressively promoted the worship of Baal, leading to widespread apostasy and conflict with the prophets of Yahweh. This religious syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant and a constant source of divine judgment. Chariots in ancient Near Eastern warfare and royalty were potent symbols of power, authority, and status. For Jehonadab, a Rechabite, to ride in Jehu's chariot was a significant act. The Rechabites were a distinct group known for their ascetic lifestyle, strict adherence to nomadic traditions, and unwavering loyalty to Yahweh, abstaining from wine and settled living as a protest against the corrupting influences of Canaanite culture and idolatry ([Jeremiah 35:6-10](/jeremiah/35-6 "Jeremiah 35:6-10 - The Rechabites' Obedience")). Jehonadab's public association with Jehu therefore lent considerable moral and religious weight to Jehu's mission in the eyes of the devout Israelites.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes converging in this verse include the **divine mandate for judgment** and **eradication of idolatry**. Jehu's actions are presented as a direct fulfillment of God's prophetic word against the house of Ahab and the pervasive Baal worship that had corrupted Israel. His "zeal for the LORD" is portrayed as the driving force behind this violent purge, reflecting God's own jealous nature for His covenant people ([Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy")). Another significant theme is the **nature of zeal itself**. While Jehu's zeal for purging Baal was commendable and divinely sanctioned, later verses reveal that his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD in all His ways ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Partial Obedience")), highlighting the distinction between a specific obedience and comprehensive faithfulness. Finally, the theme of **witness and endorsement** is crucial, as Jehonadab's presence in Jehu's chariot serves as a public declaration that even a highly respected, righteous figure approved of and participated in the divine judgment against Baal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zeal (Hebrew, _qin'ah'_):** The Hebrew word קִנְאָה (_qin'ah_) denotes intense passion, jealousy, or indignation. It can be used positively to describe God's righteous jealousy for His own honor and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Zeal of the LORD of Hosts")), or human passion for righteousness (e.g., Phinehas's zeal in [Numbers 25:11](/numbers/25-11 "Numbers 25:11 - Phinehas's Zeal")). However, it can also refer to negative human emotions like envy or wrath. Jehu uses it here to frame his violent actions as a righteous, God-directed passion to uphold the LORD's honor and eradicate idolatry, positioning himself as an agent of divine justice.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** The use of יְהוָה (_YHWH_), the covenant name of God, is significant. It stands in stark contrast to Baal, the Canaanite storm god. By declaring his zeal "for the LORD," Jehu explicitly aligns his mission with the singular God of Israel, emphasizing the monotheistic imperative of the covenant and the absolute rejection of all rival deities. This declaration underscores the religious nature of his purge, not merely a political power grab.
* **Chariot (Hebrew, _merkavah'_):** The term מֶרְכָּבָה (_merkavah_) refers to a war chariot, a symbol of royal power, military might, and authority in the ancient world. For Jehonadab to be made to ride in Jehu's chariot signifies more than just transportation; it symbolizes a shared purpose, a public display of alliance, and an endorsement of Jehu's authority and mission. It visually communicates Jehonadab's moral sanction of Jehu's actions to the populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Come with me":** Jehu initiates the interaction with a direct invitation to Jehonadab. This is not a command but an appeal, suggesting Jehu desires Jehonadab's willing participation or at least his presence as a witness. It highlights Jehu's awareness of Jehonadab's moral standing and the potential benefit of his endorsement.
* **"and see my zeal for the LORD":** This is Jehu's self-proclamation and explicit statement of motivation. He frames his impending actions not as personal vengeance or political ambition, but as a divinely inspired passion for the glory and honor of Yahweh. He wants Jehonadab, and by extension, the people, to recognize the religious imperative behind his violent purge of Baal worship. This phrase sets the stage for the dramatic and decisive destruction of the Baal temple that follows.
* **"So they made him ride in his chariot":** This clause describes Jehonadab's acceptance of Jehu's invitation and his active participation in the journey. The phrase "they made him ride" implies Jehu's initiative in seating Jehonadab, and Jehonadab's willing compliance. His presence in the royal chariot, a symbol of power, publicly associates the respected Rechabite with Jehu's mission, lending it a crucial layer of moral and spiritual legitimacy in the eyes of the people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices**. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "chariot" representing not only Jehu's royal authority and military might but also the shared purpose and endorsement between Jehu and Jehonadab. Jehonadab's presence in the chariot visually confirms his alignment with Jehu's mission. There is also an element of **irony** in Jehu's declaration of "zeal for the LORD." While his zeal for purging Baal worship is undeniable and divinely sanctioned, the broader narrative of 2 Kings 10:31 reveals that Jehu did not fully walk in the ways of the LORD, indicating a partial or incomplete zeal. This foreshadows the mixed assessment of Jehu's reign. The scene also functions as a **narrative bridge**, transitioning from the initial phase of Jehu's purge (the royal family) to the final, comprehensive eradication of Baal worship in Samaria.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, which demanded exclusive worship of Him and the absolute rejection of idolatry. Jehu's zeal, though imperfect in its broader application, serves as an instrument of divine judgment against the deep-seated apostasy introduced by the house of Ahab. It highlights that God, in His sovereignty, can use flawed human agents to accomplish His righteous purposes, particularly in executing judgment against sin and idolatry. The encounter with Jehonadab also emphasizes the importance of righteous witness and the moral authority that comes from a life devoted to God. True zeal for the LORD is not merely emotional fervor but a passionate commitment to God's holiness and justice, willing to confront anything that opposes His glory.

* [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy")
* [Numbers 25:11-13](/numbers/25-11 "Numbers 25:11-13 - Phinehas's Zeal and Covenant of Peace")
* [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for Your House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehu's invitation to Jehonadab to "see my zeal for the LORD" challenges us to examine the nature and object of our own passions. While Jehu's zeal was instrumental in purging a great evil, the narrative reminds us that zeal, to be truly godly, must be rooted in a holistic commitment to God's character and His entire revealed will, not just a select command or area of focus. We are called to be zealous for good works ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Zealous for Good Works")), for justice, for truth, and for the spread of the Gospel. This requires a discerning spirit to ensure our passion is aligned with God's heart and expressed in ways that honor Him. Furthermore, just as Jehonadab's presence lent moral weight to Jehu's mission, our lives as believers should bear witness to God's truth and righteousness, providing a credible endorsement of His work in the world. We are called to confront "idols" in our own lives—anything that takes God's rightful place—with a similar, though not violent, zeal for purity and singular devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehu's "zeal for the LORD" challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to be passionate for God?**
* **What "idols" (material possessions, career, self-image, comfort) might be subtly competing for God's rightful place in your own life, and how can you, with God's help, begin to purge them?**
* **In what ways can our lives serve as a "witness" or "endorsement" of God's truth and righteousness to those around us?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu truly zealous for the LORD, or was he motivated by personal ambition?**

Answer: Jehu's actions were undeniably driven by a strong zeal for the LORD, specifically in fulfilling the divine mandate to eradicate the house of Ahab and the pervasive Baal worship in Israel. His declaration "Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD" was a genuine expression of this passion. However, the biblical narrative offers a nuanced view. While Jehu was commended for his obedience in this specific task ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu")), the text also states that he "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" ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Partial Obedience")). This indicates that while his zeal for purging Baal was authentic, it was not accompanied by a comprehensive, wholehearted devotion to the LORD in all aspects of his life and reign. His zeal was potent but ultimately incomplete.

**Who was Jehonadab, and why was his presence in Jehu's chariot so significant?**

Answer: Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, was a prominent figure known for his strict adherence to the traditions of the Rechabites, a group characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, abstinence from wine, and unwavering faithfulness to Yahweh. Their way of life was a protest against the corrupting influences of Canaanite culture and idolatry in Israel ([Jeremiah 35:6-10](/jeremiah/35-6 "Jeremiah 35:6-10 - The Rechabites' Obedience")). Jehonadab was a respected and righteous man in Israel. His presence in Jehu's chariot was highly significant because it served as a powerful public endorsement of Jehu's mission. It signaled that even a devout and morally upright figure like Jehonadab recognized the divine necessity and righteousness of Jehu's violent purge against Baal worship. This public alignment lent immense moral authority and legitimacy to Jehu's actions, assuring the people that the purge was not merely a political coup but a divinely sanctioned act of cleansing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehu's zeal for the LORD, though imperfectly expressed and incomplete in its scope, foreshadows the perfect zeal of Jesus Christ. Jehu was an instrument of judgment against a specific manifestation of idolatry in Israel, but Christ is the ultimate purger of sin and the perfect embodiment of divine zeal. Jesus' "zeal for your house has consumed me" ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) drove Him to cleanse the temple, confronting those who had turned God's house into a den of thieves. More profoundly, His zeal for the glory of God and the redemption of humanity led Him to the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike Jehu, whose zeal was partial, Christ’s obedience was perfect and complete, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Baptism and Righteousness")). He did not merely purge external idolatry but dealt with the root of sin in the human heart, offering true spiritual cleansing and reconciliation with God. His return will mark the final and complete eradication of all evil and idolatry, establishing His righteous kingdom forever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 19:10

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

2 Kings 10:31

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.

Matthew 6:2

Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Numbers 24:13

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

Numbers 24:16

He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, [which] saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:

1 Kings 19:17

And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Romans 10:2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.