2 Kings 10:19

KJV

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 Baal.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore call {H7121} unto me all the prophets {H5030} of Baal {H1168}, all his servants {H5647}, and all his priests {H3548}; let none {H376} be wanting {H6485}: for I have a great {H1419} sacrifice {H2077} to do to Baal {H1168}; whosoever shall be wanting {H6485}, he shall not live {H2421}. But Jehu {H3058} did {H6213} it in subtilty {H6122}, to the intent that he might destroy {H6} the worshippers {H5647} of Baal {H1168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore summon all the prophets of Ba'al to me, all his worshippers and all his priests. None of them is to be missing, because I am going to offer a great sacrifice to Ba'al; whoever is missing will not remain alive." But Yehu was setting a trap, in order to destroy the worshippers of Ba'al.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.

American Standard Version

Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshippers, 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 subtlety, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jehu, recently enthroned as king of Israel, orchestrates a deceptive and cunning strategy to eradicate the deeply entrenched worship of Baal from the Northern Kingdom. Under the pretense of hosting a "great sacrifice" to Baal, he issues a summons to all the deity's prophets, servants, and priests, threatening death to any who fail to attend. This calculated ruse, explicitly described as Jehu's "subtilty," was meticulously designed to gather all adherents of the Baal cult in one location, thereby facilitating their comprehensive destruction and fulfilling his divinely commissioned mandate to purge Israel of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical turning point in Jehu's divinely appointed mission, following a series of swift and brutal executions. Having been anointed by a prophet of Elisha with the specific charge to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship ([2 Kings 9:6-10](/2_kings/9-6-10 "2 Kings 9:6-10 - Jehu Anointed King to Destroy Ahab's House")), Jehu has already eliminated King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 9:21-28](/2_kings/9-21-28 "2 Kings 9:21-28 - Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah")), overseen the gruesome death of Queen Jezebel ([2 Kings 9:30-37](/2_kings/9-30-37 "2 Kings 9:30-37 - Jezebel's Prophesied Death")), and systematically slaughtered Ahab's seventy sons, his remaining officials, and priests in Samaria ([2 Kings 10:1-17](/2_kings/10-1-17 "2 Kings 10:1-17 - Jehu Destroys Ahab's Descendants and Officials")). With the political and royal infrastructure of Baal worship dismantled, Jehu now shifts his focus to the religious apparatus itself. This verse details his strategic move to deliver a decisive and final blow against the cult, representing the culmination of his initial commission to root out all that belonged to Ahab and the pervasive idolatry he introduced to Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity, had become deeply ingrained in Israelite society, particularly since the reign of King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel ([1 Kings 16:31-33](/1_kings/16-31-33 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab's Idolatry and Marriage to Jezebel")). This foreign cult challenged the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and was characterized by elaborate rituals, often involving sacred prostitution, cultic feasts, and sometimes even child sacrifice, all intended to secure agricultural prosperity and fertility. Jehu's actions unfold during a period of intense religious and political upheaval in the Northern Kingdom, where the struggle between Yahwism and Baalism had reached its zenith. The mention of "prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests" indicates the organized religious hierarchy and widespread devotion to this foreign cult within Israel. Jehu's public declaration of a "great sacrifice" would have been a culturally recognizable and plausible event for the Baal worshippers, making his deceptive maneuver remarkably effective in gathering his unsuspecting targets.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several crucial themes central to the narrative of 2 Kings. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Eradication of Idolatry**. Jehu functions as God's instrument, executing a severe and comprehensive judgment against the corrupting influence of Baal worship, which had led Israel into profound spiritual apostasy from its covenant with Yahweh. The thoroughness of his purge, targeting every level of Baal's religious hierarchy, underscores the seriousness with which God regards idolatry and His demand for exclusive worship, a principle foundational to the [Torah](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel!"). Secondly, the narrative highlights **Subtlety and Cunning** as a means to achieve a divinely ordained end. Jehu's method is explicitly described as "subtilty" (deception), demonstrating his shrewdness and strategic thinking in fulfilling his mission. This calculated maneuver ensured that no one would escape his plan for utter destruction. Lastly, while complex and later critiqued for its incompleteness ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Partial Obedience")), Jehu's actions are initially driven by a fierce **Zeal for the Lord**, a theme explicitly mentioned earlier in his campaign ([2 Kings 10:16](/2_kings/10-16 "2 Kings 10:16 - Jehu's Zeal for the Lord")). This zeal, though ruthless, was commended by God for achieving the specific purpose of eradicating Baal worship ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Commendation of Jehu for Destroying Baal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **subtilty (Hebrew, _ʻoqbâh'_):** This term (בְּעָרְמָה, derived from H6122 _ʻoqbâh_) literally means "trickery" or "cunning." It describes Jehu's calculated and deceptive strategy to lure the Baal worshippers into a trap. While the broader concept of cunning in Hebrew (like _ʿormah_ H6195) can sometimes carry positive connotations of prudence, here, _ʻoqbâh_ distinctly emphasizes the element of trickery and deceit. In the context of 2 Kings 10:19, it highlights that Jehu's actions were not impulsive but a carefully planned and executed extermination, using a false religious pretense to achieve his objective of destroying the worshippers of Baal.
* **great sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach gadol'_):** The phrase (זֶבַח גָּדוֹל, combining H2077 _zebach_ and H1419 _gâdôwl_) literally translates to "a great slaughter" or "a great offering." While _zebach_ can refer to a religious offering, it also broadly means a slaughter of an animal, whether for food or other purposes. Here, the phrase is deeply imbued with **irony**. Jehu publicly declares a "great sacrifice to Baal," which the worshippers would understand as a grand religious festival or offering to their deity. However, the narrator immediately reveals Jehu's true intent: the "sacrifice" is not *to* Baal, but *of* Baal's worshippers, a massive slaughter of them, fulfilling his mission of eradication. This deceptive use of religious language underscores Jehu's profound cunning and the grim reality of his plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting:"** Jehu issues a sweeping and non-negotiable command. He specifically targets the entire organized structure and devoted following of Baal worship: "prophets" (those who claimed to speak for Baal), "servants" (devoted adherents or cultic administrators), and "priests" (those who officiated the rituals). The emphatic phrase "let none be wanting" underscores the meticulousness and comprehensiveness of his plan; he intends to leave no one involved in the cult alive, ensuring a complete purge. This command sets the stage for the gathering, highlighting the scale of the impending destruction.
* **"for I have a great sacrifice [to do] to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live."** This clause reveals the deceptive pretext Jehu employs and the severe consequence for non-compliance. The "great sacrifice" is the elaborate ruse, designed to appeal to the religious fervor and loyalty of Baal's followers, thereby ensuring their attendance. The explicit threat "whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live" emphasizes the deadly seriousness of the summons, leveraging Jehu's established reputation for ruthlessness to compel attendance and, tragically, seal their fate. This statement is the very core of Jehu's "subtilty."
* **"But Jehu did [it] in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal."** This concluding statement serves as the narrator's crucial interpretive comment, immediately clarifying Jehu's true motive and method to the reader. It explicitly states that Jehu's actions were not genuine devotion to Baal but a calculated act of "subtilty" or cunning trickery. His ultimate "intent" was the complete "destruction" of Baal's worshippers. This clause provides the divine perspective on Jehu's actions, confirming that his deceptive ruse was a strategic means to achieve the divinely mandated eradication of idolatry, aligning his method with his commission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its chilling narrative. The most prominent is **Irony**, specifically **Dramatic Irony**. The reader is fully aware of Jehu's sinister true intentions ("to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal"), while the Baal worshippers remain tragically oblivious, believing they are attending a genuine "great sacrifice" to their god. This disparity in knowledge creates a profound sense of foreboding and tension for the audience, who anticipate the impending doom that the characters do not. There is also evident **Verbal Irony** in Jehu's declaration of a "great sacrifice to Baal," which is in reality a great slaughter *of* Baal's followers. The narrative also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Jehu's preceding ruthless actions against Ahab's house ([2 Kings 10:1-17](/2_kings/10-1-17 "2 Kings 10:1-17 - Jehu Destroys Ahab's Descendants and Officials")) prepare the reader for the extreme and decisive measures he will take in this climactic moment. Finally, the explicit mention of "subtilty" serves as a direct **Narrative Commentary**, offering the reader immediate insight into Jehu's character and the calculated nature of his actions, thereby guiding the interpretation of this complex and morally ambiguous figure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage provides a stark illustration of God's unwavering opposition to idolatry and His sovereign use of human agents, even those employing ruthless and deceptive methods, to execute divine judgment. The severity and comprehensiveness of the purge underscore the gravity of spiritual rebellion and the breaking of the first commandment, which demands exclusive worship of Yahweh. For ancient Israel, idolatry was not merely a theological error but an act of covenant infidelity that invited divine wrath and threatened the nation's very existence. Jehu's actions, though brutal and ethically challenging from a modern perspective, represent a necessary cleansing, a surgical removal of a spiritual cancer that had deeply infected the nation. This narrative reminds us that God is holy and will not tolerate rivals for His glory, and that His judgment, though sometimes expressed through historical events and human instruments, is ultimately just and aimed at upholding His covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets and Idolatry")
* [Exodus 34:13-14](/exodus/34-13-14 "Exodus 34:13-14 - God's Jealousy for Exclusive Worship")
* [Romans 1:18-23](/romans/1-18-23 "Romans 1:18-23 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Jehu's actions are situated within a specific historical context of divine judgment against a physical manifestation of idolatry, the underlying principles offer enduring lessons for believers today. The passage compels us to examine our own lives for "Baals"—anything that subtly or overtly takes God's rightful place in our hearts, whether it be wealth, power, pleasure, self-image, intellectual pursuits, or even good causes that become ultimate concerns. God's demand for exclusive worship remains absolute and unchanging. We are called to a spiritual "purge" of idolatry, not through physical violence or deception, but through genuine repentance, diligent spiritual warfare against the idols of our age, and a renewed, wholehearted commitment to Christ. Our zeal for God should be fervent and passionate, but it must be tempered by love, truth, and the very character of Christ, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit rather than human cunning or ruthlessness. We are indeed to be shrewd as serpents in discerning spiritual dangers but innocent as doves in our conduct ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Shrewd and Innocent")), distinguishing carefully between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from above.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baals" or subtle idols might be vying for supremacy in my heart or in the culture around me today, diverting my ultimate allegiance from God?**
* **How can I cultivate a genuine and fervent zeal for God that is aligned with His character of love, truth, and justice, rather than resorting to worldly cunning or ungodly methods?**
* **In what ways am I called to "destroy" spiritual idolatry in my personal life and sphere of influence, and how does this spiritual battle differ from Jehu's physical purge?**

### FAQ

**Was Jehu's use of "subtilty" (deception) morally justifiable, given that he was fulfilling God's command?**

Answer: Jehu's actions present a complex ethical dilemma within the biblical narrative. On one hand, the text explicitly states that Jehu acted "to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal," directly fulfilling his divine commission to eradicate Baal worship, which was a profound abomination to God. God even commends Jehu for his zeal and for doing "what was right in My eyes" regarding the destruction of Ahab's house and Baalism ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Commendation of Jehu")). In the Old Testament, particularly in contexts of divine judgment against wicked nations or pervasive idolatrous practices, God sometimes used ruthless agents and methods that do not align with New Testament ethical standards for believers. However, the text's explicit mention of "subtilty" (a morally ambiguous term for trickery) rather than outright divine endorsement of the *method* itself, suggests that while the *outcome* was divinely purposed, the means were Jehu's own pragmatic, albeit brutal, choice. This passage is descriptive of historical events and divine judgment in a specific era, not necessarily prescriptive for all times or a model for Christian ethical behavior today. Believers are consistently called to truthfulness ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truthfully")) and to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), which fundamentally differs from Jehu's approach.

**What was the significance of calling for a "great sacrifice" to Baal?**

Answer: The call for a "great sacrifice" to Baal was a highly effective and culturally plausible deception on Jehu's part. Baal worship involved elaborate and often public rituals, festivals, and large-scale offerings designed to honor the deity and secure his favor, particularly for fertility and rain. A "great sacrifice" would have implied a significant, perhaps annual or special, religious event that would naturally draw all devoted followers, including prophets, priests, and servants, eager to participate and demonstrate their loyalty to Baal. By framing his true intent as a grand religious observance, Jehu skillfully exploited the existing religious practices and fervent devotion of the Baal worshippers. This ensured maximum attendance, allowing him to gather all the adherents in one place for their systematic destruction, making his purge comprehensive and exceptionally efficient. It was a masterstroke of strategic cunning to achieve his divinely mandated objective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu's actions constituted a physical purge of idolatry in ancient Israel, they ultimately point forward to the spiritual and definitive victory over sin and false worship achieved by Jesus Christ. Jehu, as an imperfect instrument of divine judgment, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate and perfect agent of God's will. However, the nature of their "sacrifice" and "zeal" differs profoundly. Jehu's "great sacrifice" was a deceptive ruse leading to the physical slaughter of idolaters, a temporary and localized cleansing. In stark contrast, Christ's "great sacrifice" was His own body offered on the cross, a genuine and ultimate act of self-giving love that atoned for sin once for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice for Sins")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ definitively disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers of darkness, including the very forces that empower idolatry and spiritual bondage ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His zeal for God's house led Him to cleanse the temple, not with a sword to kill people, but with a whip to drive out those who profaned God's worship, demonstrating a righteous anger tempered by holiness and a desire for true, uncorrupted worship ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). Unlike Jehu's cunning, Christ's victory over sin and idolatry is achieved through truth, self-sacrifice, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to turn from dead idols to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")). He came to destroy the works of the devil, not by physical annihilation of people, but by conquering sin and death, freeing humanity from spiritual bondage and the worship of anything other than God Himself ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

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 22:6

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king.

1 Kings 18:19

Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 12:16

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

2 Corinthians 12:18

I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?

Job 13:7

Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?