2 Kings 10:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he came {H935} to Samaria {H8111}, he slew {H5221} all that remained {H7604} unto Ahab {H256} in Samaria {H8111}, till he had destroyed {H8045} him, according to the saying {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he spake {H1696} to Elijah {H452}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On arriving in Shomron he put to death everyone that Ach'av still had in Shomron, until he had destroyed him, in keeping with the word of ADONAI which he had spoken to Eliyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to Elijah.

American Standard Version

And when he came to Samaria, he smote all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake to Elijah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 10:17 records the definitive and comprehensive execution of divine judgment upon the house of Ahab by Jehu in Samaria. Having already eliminated key figures of the dynasty, Jehu systematically purges all remaining associates and descendants, thereby fulfilling the precise prophecy delivered by the LORD through Elijah. This act underscores God's unwavering commitment to His word and His sovereign justice against persistent idolatry and wickedness in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jehu's divinely commissioned purge of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Preceding this, Jehu was anointed by a prophet from Elisha's company specifically to destroy the house of Ahab ([2 Kings 9:6-10](/2_kings/9-6 "2 Kings 9:6-10 - Jehu's Anointing")). He swiftly executed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 9:21-27](/2_kings/9-21 "2 Kings 9:21-27 - Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah")), followed by the infamous Jezebel ([2 Kings 9:30-37](/2_kings/9-30 "2 Kings 9:30-37 - Jehu Kills Jezebel")). Immediately prior to this verse, Jehu orchestrated the brutal slaughter of Ahab's seventy sons in Jezreel, sending their heads to Samaria ([2 Kings 10:1-10](/2_kings/10-1 "2 Kings 10:1-10 - Ahab's Seventy Sons Killed")). Upon arriving in Samaria, he encountered and killed forty-two relatives of Ahaziah, King of Judah, who were also connected to Ahab's lineage ([2 Kings 10:12-14](/2_kings/10-12 "2 Kings 10:12-14 - Jehu Kills Relatives of Ahaziah")). Verse 17, therefore, describes the final, comprehensive sweep within the capital city to ensure no remnant of Ahab's direct influence or lineage remained, setting the stage for Jehu's subsequent purge of Baal worship from the land ([2 Kings 10:18-28](/2_kings/10-18 "2 Kings 10:18-28 - Jehu Destroys Baal Worship")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, had plunged into deep apostasy, actively promoting the worship of Baal and Asherah, and persecuting the prophets of the LORD. This period was marked by profound moral decay, including acts of injustice like the murder of Naboth for his vineyard ([1 Kings 21:1-16](/1_kings/21-1 "1 Kings 21:1-16 - Naboth's Vineyard")). The prophet Elijah had pronounced a severe and detailed judgment against Ahab and his descendants, foretelling their utter destruction ([1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). Jehu's coup was not merely a political power struggle but a divinely ordained instrument of judgment, intended to cleanse Israel of the pervasive idolatry and corruption introduced by the Omride dynasty. Samaria, as the capital city, was the heart of Ahab's power and influence, making its purification essential for the complete eradication of the dynasty's legacy. The violent nature of the purge, though jarring to modern sensibilities, was consistent with the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare and divine judgment against covenant-breaking nations, often involving the complete eradication of a ruling house to prevent future challenges.

* **Key Themes:** The events of 2 Kings 10, culminating in verse 17, powerfully illustrate several core themes. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, explicitly stated by the phrase "according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah." This highlights God's absolute faithfulness to His word, demonstrating that His declared judgments, though sometimes delayed, are always brought to pass. Another prominent theme is **Divine Judgment on Persistent Sin**. The destruction of Ahab's house serves as a stark testament to the severe consequences of unrepentant idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God, particularly when led by those in authority who lead a nation astray. Ahab's reign had led Israel into profound apostasy, and this episode illustrates the ultimate reckoning for such defiance. Finally, the narrative underscores **God's Sovereignty** over human affairs. Despite the violent political upheaval and Jehu's own ambition, the text consistently frames his actions as divinely orchestrated, emphasizing that God uses human agents, even flawed ones, to accomplish His purposes and maintain His covenant with Israel. This demonstrates that no human power can ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty, as seen throughout the narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Fall of Israel and Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _hikkah'_):** The verb used here is הִכָּה (_hikkah_), the Hiphil (causative) form of the root נָכָה (_nakah_), meaning "to strike, smite, beat, kill." In its Hiphil form, it often implies a decisive, forceful, and often lethal blow. Here, it denotes Jehu's direct and active role in the killing, emphasizing the deliberate and comprehensive nature of the purge. It's not a passive observation but an active, violent eradication.
* **Destroyed him (Hebrew, _hishmido'_):** The phrase "till he had destroyed him" translates עַד הִשְׁמִדוֹ אֹתוֹ (_'ad hishmido 'oto_), using the Hiphil form of the verb שָׁמַד (_shamadh_), meaning "to annihilate, utterly destroy, exterminate." This word signifies a complete and total eradication, leaving no remnant. Its use here reinforces the idea that Jehu's mission was to utterly wipe out Ahab's lineage and influence, fulfilling the prophecy of complete obliteration.
* **Saying of the LORD (Hebrew, _devar YHWH'_):** This crucial phrase, דְּבַר יְהוָה (_devar YHWH_), refers to the spoken word or decree of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It highlights the divine origin and authority behind Jehu's actions. It is not merely a human political coup but a direct execution of God's predetermined will, emphasizing the reliability and power of God's prophetic word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came to Samaria":** This clause signifies Jehu's arrival at the very heart of Ahab's power and influence—the capital city of the Northern Kingdom. His journey to Samaria was strategic, following the elimination of key figures outside the city, indicating a methodical and thorough execution of his commission.
* **"he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria":** This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the purge. "All that remained" implies that Jehu was not content with merely eliminating the immediate royal family but extended his judgment to any and all individuals connected to Ahab's house, including extended relatives, high-ranking officials, or powerful allies who might perpetuate the dynasty's legacy or idolatrous practices within the capital. This was a total cleansing.
* **"till he had destroyed him":** This phrase reiterates the totality of the destruction. The "him" here refers collectively to the house of Ahab, signifying that Jehu continued his work until the entire lineage and all associated power structures were utterly annihilated, leaving no one to carry on Ahab's name or influence.
* **"according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah":** This is the theological lynchpin of the verse. It explicitly links Jehu's violent actions to a prior divine decree. This is not arbitrary violence but the direct fulfillment of a specific prophecy delivered by God through His prophet Elijah, underscoring God's sovereignty, justice, and the unfailing nature of His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Fulfillment Motif**, explicitly stated by the phrase "according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah." This device serves to validate the narrative events as divinely ordained and to underscore God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to His prophetic word. The repeated emphasis on Jehu's comprehensive destruction of "all that remained" and "till he had destroyed him" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to stress the thoroughness and finality of the judgment, ensuring no vestige of Ahab's corrupt influence would endure. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that Samaria, the very capital and stronghold of Ahab's idolatrous reign, becomes the site of its complete and utter eradication, a place where the consequences of his sin are fully realized. Finally, the narrative employs **Divine Orchestration**, portraying Jehu not merely as a ruthless political actor but as a direct instrument in God's hands, highlighting the theological truth that even human actions, whether righteous or wicked, can serve God's overarching purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 10:17 stands as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's prophetic word and the certainty of His justice. It demonstrates that God is not passive in the face of persistent rebellion and idolatry, but actively intervenes in human history to uphold His covenant and purify His people. The utter destruction of Ahab's house serves as a severe warning against leading others into sin and defying the Lord, illustrating that sin, especially corporate and systemic sin, has dire consequences. Yet, even in judgment, God's faithfulness is evident, as He meticulously brings to pass what He has declared, ensuring that His purposes for Israel and His broader redemptive plan continue to unfold. This event is a stark reminder that God's character encompasses both immense mercy and unwavering righteousness, and that His ultimate aim is the establishment of His holy kingdom.

* [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab's House")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grim account of 2 Kings 10:17, while reflecting a historical period and divine judgment unique to ancient Israel, offers profound lessons for believers today. It powerfully reinforces the absolute reliability of God's word: what He declares, whether promises of blessing or warnings of judgment, will unfailingly come to pass. This should cultivate a deep trust in His faithfulness and a serious reverence for His decrees. Furthermore, the fate of Ahab's house serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of persistent sin, particularly idolatry and leading others astray. It calls us to examine our own lives and communities for any areas where we might be compromising with the world's values or neglecting God's commands, urging us towards repentance and holiness. Ultimately, this passage assures us that God is just and sovereign, even when evil seems to prevail. His justice may not always be swift by human standards, but it is certain and complete, providing hope that all wrongs will eventually be made right and that His kingdom will ultimately triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's entire Word?**
* **What does the severity of God's judgment against Ahab's house teach us about the seriousness of idolatry and rebellion in our own lives today?**
* **In what ways might we, like Ahab, be tempted to compromise with cultural norms that conflict with God's commands?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty, even in violent historical events, impact your trust in His control over current global and personal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu's violence justified, or is this a problematic passage for modern readers?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, Jehu's actions, though violent, are consistently presented as divinely commanded and justified as an act of judgment and purification. The text explicitly states that his actions were "according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah" ([2 Kings 10:17](/2_kings/10-17 "2 Kings 10:17 - Jehu Fulfills Prophecy")). This violence was not arbitrary but served as a specific, historical execution of God's covenant curses against a kingdom that had persistently rejected Him and embraced idolatry, leading the nation into deep apostasy. While the methods of ancient Near Eastern warfare and divine judgment are not normative for believers today, the passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His justice against sin, and His commitment to maintaining His covenant people. It is crucial to interpret such passages within their historical and theological context, recognizing that God's character is unchanging, but His methods of dealing with humanity have evolved through redemptive history, culminating in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 10:17 details a violent act of judgment in ancient Israel, its underlying themes point profoundly to Christ. The meticulous fulfillment of prophecy by Jehu, acting as God's instrument, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of all prophecy in Jesus Christ. Just as Jehu purged the physical lineage of Ahab to cleanse Israel from idolatry, Christ came to purge sin from humanity, not through physical violence, but through His sacrificial death on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The judgment on Ahab's house, a consequence of their rebellion and idolatry, points to the ultimate and final judgment of all sin and evil that will be executed by Christ at the end of the age ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Moreover, just as Jehu established a new, albeit imperfect, reign, Christ establishes a new and eternal kingdom, not of this world, where true righteousness and peace prevail ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He is the ultimate purifier, the one who truly destroys the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and offers complete salvation and cleansing to all who believe, ushering in a new covenant where sin is truly eradicated from the hearts of His people ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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

2 Kings 9:8

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

2 Chronicles 22:8

And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them.

1 Kings 21:21

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

2 Kings 9:25

Then said [Jehu] to Bidkar his captain, Take up, [and] cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

2 Kings 9:26

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.

Psalms 109:8

Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office.