2 Kings 10:22

KJV

And he said unto him that [was] over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him that was over the vestry {H4458}, Bring forth {H3318} vestments {H3830} for all the worshippers {H5647} of Baal {H1168}. And he brought them forth {H3318} vestments {H4403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the man in charge of the wardrobe he said, "Bring out robes for all the worshippers of Ba'al"; and he brought them clothes.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehu said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring out garments for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out garments for them.

American Standard Version

And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 10:22 records Jehu's cunning command to the keeper of the vestry within the temple of Baal, instructing him to distribute special garments to all the worshippers gathered for what Jehu had proclaimed would be a "great sacrifice" to Baal. This seemingly devout act was, in reality, a meticulously planned deception designed to identify and isolate every devotee of the false god, ensuring none could escape the impending, divinely orchestrated slaughter that would eradicate Baal worship from Israel. The provision of these distinctive vestments served as a crucial step in Jehu's strategic purge, marking those aligned with idolatry for judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in Jehu's divinely appointed mission to purge Israel of the idolatrous influence of the house of Ahab and the widespread worship of Baal. Having already executed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 9:24-27](/2-kings/9-24 "2 Kings 9:24-27 - Jehu Executes Joram and Ahaziah")), and famously brought about the demise of Jezebel ([2 Kings 9:33](/2-kings/9-33 "2 Kings 9:33 - The Death of Jezebel")), Jehu now turns his attention to the systemic eradication of Baal worship. His method is one of calculated deception: he announces a grand assembly for a "great sacrifice" to Baal, feigning even greater devotion than Ahab himself ([2 Kings 10:19](/2-kings/10-19 "2 Kings 10:19 - Jehu's Deceptive Sacrifice")). The command to distribute vestments is a critical step in this elaborate trap, ensuring that all true worshippers of Baal are present and distinctly identifiable, thereby preventing any loyal worshipper of Yahweh from being caught in the subsequent massacre.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity, had deeply infiltrated Israelite society, particularly since the reign of King Ahab and the influence of his Phoenician wife, Jezebel ([1 Kings 16:31-33](/1-kings/16-31 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab's Idolatry and Baal Worship")). Baal worship often involved elaborate rituals, temple prostitution, and, at times, child sacrifice, standing in direct opposition to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultic practices, distinctive garments were commonly worn by priests and worshippers during religious ceremonies to signify their role, status, or allegiance. The presence of a "vestry" (a storage place for sacred garments) within Baal's temple indicates a highly organized and established cult, mirroring the structured worship of Yahweh in the Jerusalem Temple, but perverted for idolatrous purposes. Jehu's actions reflect a divinely sanctioned counter-movement against this entrenched religious apostasy, aiming to restore the covenant fidelity of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment Against Idolatry**. Jehu's ruthless purge, though carried out through human agency, represents God's uncompromising wrath against false worship and His commitment to maintaining the purity of His covenant people. Secondly, the passage highlights **Strategic Deception as a Means to an End**. Jehu's feigned devotion to Baal and his elaborate trap demonstrate a pragmatic, albeit morally ambiguous, strategy employed to achieve a divinely ordained purpose. This raises questions about the ethics of deception, even when serving God's will. Thirdly, the distribution of vestments emphasizes the **Distinction in Worship and Allegiance**. The garments served as a clear visual marker, separating the adherents of Baal from the true worshippers of Yahweh. This reinforces the biblical principle of separation between true and false worship, a recurring motif that calls for exclusive devotion to the one true God ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Exclusive Devotion to Yahweh")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vestry (Hebrew, _mishmeret'_):** This term refers to a "place of keeping," "guarding," or "storage." In a cultic context, as here, it specifically denotes a chamber or treasury where sacred or ceremonial objects, including priestly and worshipper attire, were stored and maintained. Its presence in the temple of Baal indicates a well-established and organized cultic infrastructure, complete with dedicated facilities for its rituals and personnel. This suggests the deep entrenchment of Baal worship in Israelite society at the time.
* **Vestments (Hebrew, _malbush'_):** These are specific, often ornate, garments worn for religious ceremonies or official functions. Their provision for all the worshippers signifies the formal, ritualistic, and public nature of the Baal worship Jehu was orchestrating. These were not everyday clothes but distinct attire that visually identified the wearer as a participant and devotee of Baal, mirroring the elaborate and prescribed garments worn by the priests and Levites in the worship of Yahweh ([Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments")). The command to bring forth these specific garments was crucial for Jehu's plan, as it ensured a clear distinction between Baal's followers and any potential observers or loyal Yahwists, allowing for precise identification during the subsequent purge.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Ba'al'_):** Meaning "lord" or "master," Baal was the chief male deity of the Canaanite pantheon, widely worshipped throughout the Levant. He was primarily associated with storms, rain, fertility, and kingship. His worship often involved ecstatic rituals, sacred prostitution, and, in some instances, child sacrifice. The eradication of Baal worship was a central theme in Israel's history, representing the nation's struggle to maintain exclusive covenant fidelity to Yahweh, who had delivered them from Egypt and given them the land ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Jehu's actions against Baal worship were a direct fulfillment of God's judgment against this pervasive idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him that [was] over the vestry":** This clause introduces Jehu's direct command to a specific official within the Baal temple's hierarchy. The phrase "him that was over the vestry" indicates a designated keeper or custodian responsible for the temple's ceremonial garments and possibly other cultic paraphernalia. This detail highlights Jehu's meticulous planning and his knowledge of the internal operations of the Baal cult, allowing him to issue precise instructions to the right person to facilitate his deceptive scheme.
* **"Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal":** This is Jehu's specific instruction, revealing the core of his strategy. By demanding that distinctive vestments be distributed to *all* worshippers, Jehu ensures that every individual participating in the "great sacrifice" will be visibly marked as a devotee of Baal. This serves two critical purposes: first, it guarantees that no true worshipper of Yahweh is mistakenly included in the assembly; and second, it provides an unmistakable means of identification for those targeted for judgment, preventing any of Baal's followers from escaping the impending slaughter by blending in with the general populace.
* **"And he brought them forth vestments":** This concluding clause confirms the immediate compliance with Jehu's command. The swift action of the vestry keeper underscores Jehu's authority and the effectiveness of his deception. The provision of the vestments sets the stage for the dramatic and bloody climax of Jehu's purge, where the identified worshippers of Baal would be trapped and executed within their own temple, fulfilling God's judgment against idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Irony** is central, as Jehu, a zealous destroyer of Baal worship, presents himself as its most fervent devotee, proclaiming a "great sacrifice" to the very deity he intends to annihilate. This feigned piety is a masterful deception, highlighting the cunning nature of Jehu's character and the lengths to which he goes to fulfill his divine mandate. **Symbolism** is evident in the "vestments" themselves; they are not merely clothing but powerful symbols of allegiance and identity. By wearing these garments, the worshippers unwittingly declare their devotion to Baal, marking themselves for judgment. The act of bringing forth the vestments also carries a sense of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending doom for those who don them. The meticulous preparation, from gathering all worshippers to distinguishing them with specific attire, builds a palpable tension, suggesting that this assembly is not for worship but for a far more sinister purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Kings 10:22, though depicting a brutal act of judgment, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering intolerance for idolatry and His demand for exclusive worship. The eradication of Baal worship signifies God's commitment to the purity of His covenant relationship with Israel, a relationship repeatedly jeopardized by the nation's syncretistic tendencies. While Jehu's methods are not prescriptive for believers today, the underlying principle remains: God will not share His glory with false gods, and His people are called to a singular, undivided devotion. This passage serves as a stark reminder that anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives—be it material possessions, power, or even self-worship—constitutes a form of idolatry that invites divine displeasure. The meticulous identification of Baal worshippers through their vestments underscores the clarity with which God distinguishes between those who serve Him and those who serve other gods, a distinction that has eternal implications.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Exclusive Devotion to Yahweh")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1-corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jehu's purge, particularly the detail of the vestments, offers a powerful, albeit challenging, lens through which to examine our own spiritual allegiances. While we are not called to physically eradicate idolaters, we are certainly called to a radical and exclusive devotion to God, purging any form of idolatry from our hearts and lives. The "vestments" in our contemporary context might not be physical garments, but rather subtle attitudes, priorities, or attachments that subtly compete for God's rightful place. These could be an inordinate love for money, an obsession with status, an addiction to comfort, or even a reliance on self rather than God. This passage compels us to honestly assess what we truly worship, what we "put on" in our daily lives that signifies our ultimate allegiance. It challenges us to discern and discard anything that compromises our devotion to the one true God, ensuring that our worship is pure, undivided, and truly Christ-centered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vestments" or outward signs in my life might indicate a divided allegiance or a subtle form of idolatry?**
* **How does God's uncompromising stance against idolatry, as seen in this passage, inform my understanding of His character and my call to exclusive devotion?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "blend in" with worldly values or practices, rather than standing out as a distinct worshipper of God?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu's deception morally justified, given his divine commission?**

Answer: This is a complex ethical question. From a purely human moral standpoint, Jehu's deception and the subsequent slaughter appear ruthless and morally ambiguous. However, within the biblical narrative, Jehu is presented as an instrument of God's judgment against the deeply entrenched and abominable idolatry of Baal, which had corrupted Israel for decades. God had explicitly commissioned him 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 Anointed King")). While the Bible records Jehu's actions without explicitly condemning his deceptive tactics, it also notes his own shortcomings later on, particularly his failure to walk in the law of the Lord with all his heart and his perpetuation of Jeroboam's calf worship ([2 Kings 10:29-31](/2-kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29-31 - Jehu's Incomplete Obedience")). This suggests that while God used Jehu to accomplish a specific part of His will, Jehu's character and methods were not entirely endorsed or presented as a model for all believers. The passage highlights God's sovereignty in using even flawed human agents to achieve His purposes, particularly in judgment against severe apostasy.

**What was the practical significance of the vestments in Jehu's plan?**

Answer: The vestments were absolutely crucial to Jehu's meticulously planned purge. Their practical significance lay in their ability to serve as unmistakable identifiers. By commanding the distribution of these specific ceremonial garments, Jehu ensured that every individual present for the "great sacrifice" was a genuine Baal worshipper. This allowed him to achieve two critical objectives: first, it prevented any loyal worshipper of Yahweh from being accidentally caught in the impending judgment, as they would not have worn such attire. Second, it provided a clear visual distinction, making it impossible for any Baal worshipper to escape identification or blend in with the general populace once the slaughter began. The vestments effectively "marked" those who were to be judged, making the execution of God's judgment precise and complete.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu's violent purge of Baal worship represents a necessary, if brutal, act of divine judgment in the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual application are found in Christ. Jesus, the true and perfect King, came not to destroy physical temples or execute physical enemies, but to purify the hearts of His people and establish a new covenant of true worship. He is the one who truly cleanses the "temple" of God, not with a sword, but with His own blood, casting out the spiritual idolatries that defile the human heart ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Where Jehu identified worshippers by their external "vestments" of false religion, Christ identifies His followers by their internal transformation and their new "garment" of righteousness, which is Himself ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ"); [Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Baptized into Christ, Clothed with Christ")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making reconciliation and pure worship possible. Through His sacrifice, Christ frees us from all forms of spiritual idolatry, enabling us to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created in God's likeness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New")). Thus, the radical call for exclusive worship of Yahweh in 2 Kings finds its ultimate expression and enablement in our union with Christ, who alone is worthy of all praise and devotion.

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

Matthew 22:11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

Matthew 22:12

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Exodus 28:2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.