2 Kings 10:24

KJV

And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, [If] any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, [he that letteth him go], his life [shall be] for the life of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they went in {H935} to offer {H6213} sacrifices {H2077} and burnt offerings {H5930}, Jehu {H3058} appointed {H7760} fourscore {H8084} men {H376} without {H2351}, and said {H559}, If any {H376} of the men {H582} whom I have brought {H935} into your hands {H3027} escape {H4422}, he that letteth him go, his life {H5315} shall be for the life {H5315} of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. But Yehu had chosen eighty men to remain outside. He said, "If any of the men I am about to put in your hands escapes, it will be your life for his."

Berean Standard Bible

And they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and warned them, “If anyone allows one of the men I am delivering into your hands to escape, he will forfeit his life for theirs.”

American Standard Version

And they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt-offerings. Now Jehu had appointed him fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I bring into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 10:24 captures a pivotal moment in Jehu's divinely commissioned purge of Baal worship from Israel. Under the pretense of a grand sacrifice to Baal, Jehu strategically positions eighty trusted men outside the temple. His command to these guards is absolute: if any Baal worshiper escapes their custody, the guard responsible will forfeit his own life in exchange for the life of the escapee. This verse powerfully underscores Jehu's ruthless efficiency, unwavering resolve, and the extreme stakes involved in his mission to eradicate idolatry, reflecting the severity of God's judgment against those who lead His people astray.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jehu's violent but divinely sanctioned coup and purge. Following his anointing by a prophet sent by Elisha in [2 Kings 9:1-10](/2_kings/9-1 "2 Kings 9:1-10 - Jehu Anointed King"), Jehu swiftly executes King Joram and King Ahaziah, then orchestrates the death of Jezebel. His next target is the extensive family of Ahab in Samaria, which he systematically eliminates in [2 Kings 10:1-11](/2_kings/10-1 "2 Kings 10:1-11 - Jehu Kills Ahab's Descendants"). After this, he encounters and kills the relatives of Ahaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 10:12-14](/2_kings/10-12 "2 Kings 10:12-14 - Jehu Kills Ahaziah's Relatives")), and then joins forces with Jehonadab the Rechabite, signaling his commitment to true Yahweh worship. The immediate context of [2 Kings 10:18-28](/2_kings/10-18 "2 Kings 10:18-28 - Jehu Destroys Baal Worship") describes Jehu's masterful deception to gather all Baal worshipers into one place for a decisive strike, with verse 24 detailing the critical security measure he puts in place to ensure no one escapes. This entire sequence demonstrates Jehu's methodical approach to fulfilling his prophetic mandate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehu's reign (c. 841–814 BC) was marked by deep religious syncretism and political instability in Israel, largely due to the influence of Ahab and Jezebel, who aggressively promoted Baal worship. Baalism, a Canaanite fertility religion, involved practices abhorrent to Yahwism, including ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. The anointing of Jehu was a direct divine response to this widespread apostasy, intended to restore exclusive worship of Yahweh. The "great sacrifice" mentioned in the text was a common religious practice in the ancient Near East, used here by Jehu as a deceptive ruse. The concept of "life for a life" (lex talionis) was a well-established legal principle in the ancient world, including Israelite law ([Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Lex Talionis")), emphasizing proportionate justice and the gravity of human life. Jehu's command leverages this cultural understanding of severe consequence to ensure absolute compliance from his guards.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by this verse is **Divine Judgment Against Idolatry**. Jehu's actions, though brutal, are presented as the execution of God's righteous wrath against the egregious sin of Baal worship, which had corrupted the nation and violated the covenant with Yahweh. This aligns with the repeated warnings in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") regarding the consequences of apostasy. Another prominent theme is **Zeal for the Lord**, albeit a ruthless and deceptive zeal. Jehu's unwavering commitment to his mission, even employing cunning and violence, highlights his single-minded focus on purging Israel of its spiritual enemies. This zeal, while commended in its purpose, is later critiqued for its methods ([Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Judgment on Jehu's House")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Consequences of Disobedience and the Imperative of Complete Obedience**. The severe penalty for allowing an escapee emphasizes the gravity of the task and the dire consequences for failing to fully carry out God's will, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative where partial obedience often leads to negative outcomes, as seen in [1 Samuel 15:1-23](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1-23 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fourscore (Hebrew, _shmonim'_):** This term, common in the King James Version, simply means "eighty." The Hebrew word שְׁמֹנִים (_shmonim_) denotes the number eighty. The specific number of men appointed by Jehu underscores the careful planning and significant manpower dedicated to this critical phase of the purge. It was a sufficient force to control the exits of the temple and ensure the complete containment of the Baal worshipers.
* **Without (Hebrew, _michutz'_):** The Hebrew word מִחוּץ (_michutz_) means "outside" or "without." This seemingly simple detail is crucial to understanding Jehu's strategy. By positioning the guards *outside* the temple, he ensured that once the slaughter began inside, there would be no escape route for the trapped worshipers. This strategic placement highlights Jehu's meticulous and ruthless planning to achieve total annihilation of the Baal adherents.
* **His life shall be for the life of him (Hebrew, _nafsho tachat nafsho'_):** This powerful idiom literally translates to "his soul/life under his soul/life," signifying a direct, one-for-one substitutionary penalty. It is an application of the ancient Near Eastern legal principle of *lex talionis*, or "law of retribution," famously articulated in Israelite law as "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" ([Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Lex Talionis")). In this context, it underscores the extreme seriousness of Jehu's command and the dire, inescapable consequences for any failure in guarding the Baal worshipers. It communicates an absolute, non-negotiable demand for obedience, where the cost of failure is personal death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings,"**: This clause sets the scene, describing the Baal worshipers entering the temple, believing they are participating in a legitimate religious ceremony for their deity. This highlights Jehu's cunning deception, as he had publicly declared a "great sacrifice to Baal" ([2 Kings 10:19](/2_kings/10-19 "2 Kings 10:19 - Jehu's Deception")) to gather all adherents in one place, effectively luring them into a trap.
* **"Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said,"**: This details Jehu's strategic preparation. He positions eighty men, a significant and well-organized force, *outside* the temple. This positioning is critical, as it ensures that once the purge begins inside, no worshiper can escape the confines of the temple. The phrase "and said" introduces Jehu's explicit and severe command to these guards, emphasizing the directness and gravity of his orders.
* **"[If] any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape,"**: This establishes the condition for the severe penalty. Jehu makes it clear that the responsibility for containment rests entirely with these eighty guards. The phrase "whom I have brought into your hands" highlights Jehu's role in delivering the Baal worshipers to their fate, emphasizing his control and the divine hand guiding his actions.
* **"[he that letteth him go], his life [shall be] for the life of him."**: This is the core of Jehu's ruthless command, stating the absolute and non-negotiable consequence for failure. Any guard who allows a single Baal worshiper to escape will forfeit his own life in exchange. This extreme penalty underscores Jehu's unwavering determination to achieve a complete and total eradication of Baal worship, leaving no room for error or leniency. It reflects the gravity of the divine judgment being executed.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as the reader is fully aware of Jehu's true intentions for the Baal worshipers, while the worshipers themselves remain oblivious, believing they are attending a sacred festival. This creates tension and highlights the cunning nature of Jehu's plan. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the severity of Jehu's command to the guards; the "life for a life" decree strongly hints at the coming, uncompromising slaughter within the temple. The phrase itself, "his life shall be for the life of him," is an example of **Lex Talionis**, a legal principle used here to emphasize the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command and the high stakes involved. Furthermore, the meticulous planning and the sheer number of guards (fourscore men) contribute to a sense of **Suspense** and the inevitable, devastating outcome of Jehu's purge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's unyielding opposition to idolatry and His readiness to execute judgment upon those who lead His people astray. Jehu's actions, though violent, are presented as a fulfillment of divine decree, demonstrating that God takes the purity of worship and the integrity of His covenant with Israel with utmost seriousness. The severity of the "life for a life" command reflects the gravity of the sin of idolatry, which is spiritual adultery against the one true God. It underscores that God's justice is absolute and that there are severe consequences for rebellion against His commands and for corrupting His people with false worship.

* [Deuteronomy 13:12-18](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-18 - Destroying Idolatrous Cities")
* [Numbers 25:1-13](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-13 - Phinehas' Zeal Against Idolatry")
* [Psalm 106:34-43](/psalms/106-34 "Psalm 106:34-43 - Israel's Idolatry and God's Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Jehu's context was unique—a divinely appointed agent of judgment in a specific historical period—the underlying principles of God's character and the nature of idolatry remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any "idols" in our own lives. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our affections, trust, or pursuit—be it wealth, career, relationships, comfort, self-image, or even spiritual practices performed without true devotion to Christ. Just as Jehu was uncompromising in his mission, we are called to be vigilant and zealous in purging sin and anything that competes for God's rightful supremacy in our hearts. This requires spiritual discipline, discernment, and a willingness to confront areas of compromise. The "life for a life" principle, while not applied literally to us, serves as a stark reminder of the serious spiritual consequences of allowing sin or false doctrines to take root or escape our diligent efforts to live a life wholly devoted to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" might be subtly competing for God's rightful place in my life today, and how can I actively dismantle them?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual walk might I be showing complacency, and how can I cultivate a greater zeal for God's purity and truth?**
* **How does the severity of Jehu's command inform my understanding of the seriousness of sin and the importance of spiritual vigilance?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu's deception and violence morally justifiable from a biblical perspective?**

Answer: From the perspective of the biblical narrative, Jehu's actions, though violent and deceptive, are presented as divinely commissioned and therefore justified within the specific context of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and the pervasive Baal worship in Israel. The text portrays Jehu as an instrument of God's wrath, fulfilling prophecies delivered through Elijah and Elisha ([1 Kings 19:16-17](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16-17 - Elijah Anoints Jehu") and [2 Kings 9:6-10](/2_kings/9-6 "2 Kings 9:6-10 - Elisha's Prophet Anoints Jehu")). God had given Israel clear commands regarding the destruction of idolatry ([Deuteronomy 13:12-18](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-18 - Destroying Idolatrous Cities")), and the severity of Baal worship warranted a severe response. However, it's important to note that later, the prophet Hosea pronounces judgment on the "blood of Jezreel" upon Jehu's house ([Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Judgment on Jehu's House")), which some scholars interpret as a critique not of the *purpose* of Jehu's purge (which was God's will), but perhaps of the excessive zeal, the cruel methods, or the fact that Jehu did not fully turn from the sins of Jeroboam I ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Failure to Depart from Jeroboam's Sins")). This suggests that while the divine commission was fulfilled, human motives and methods can still be imperfect or exceed God's intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu's actions represent a historical, temporal judgment against physical idolatry, they powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and spiritual judgment executed by Christ. Jesus, the true Son of David, comes not to destroy physical temples or execute physical purges, but to cleanse the human heart of its deepest idolatry—sin itself. His zeal for God's house, dramatically displayed in the cleansing of the temple ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), reveals a divine fervor for the purity of worship that far surpasses Jehu's. The "life for a life" principle, so starkly enforced by Jehu, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Christ's substitutionary atonement. He, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly gave His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), taking upon Himself the penalty for our spiritual idolatry and rebellion. Through His sacrifice, He purges us from the dominion of sin and false gods, liberating us to worship the Father in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Thus, Jehu's bloody purge points forward to the infinitely more profound spiritual deliverance and cleansing accomplished by our Savior, who not only judges sin but also provides the means of escape from its eternal consequences.

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 20:30

But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and [there] a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men [that were] left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

1 Kings 20:42

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.