2 Kings 10:26

KJV

And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought forth {H3318} the images {H4676} out of the house {H1004} of Baal {H1168}, and burned {H8313} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

brought out the pillars in the temple of Ba'al and burned them.

Berean Standard Bible

They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it.

American Standard Version

And they brought forth the pillars that were in the house of Baal, and burned them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 10:26 chronicles a pivotal moment in Jehu's divinely sanctioned purge of Baal worship from Israel. Having systematically dismantled the royal house of Ahab and Jezebel, Jehu turned his attention to the core of the idolatrous cult that had deeply corrupted the northern kingdom. This verse describes the decisive act of publicly removing and burning the sacred pillars, or "images," from the central temple of Baal in Samaria, thereby symbolizing the complete defilement and eradication of this false worship system. It marks the culmination of Jehu's zealous, albeit imperfect, campaign to cleanse the land of the spiritual abomination introduced by King Ahab.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic and violent narrative of Jehu's anointing and subsequent purge, detailed extensively in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Initial Purge") and [2 Kings 10](/2_kings/10 "2 Kings 10 - Jehu's Continued Purge and Eradication of Baal"). Following his anointing by a prophet from Elisha's company, Jehu swiftly executes King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, fulfilling specific prophetic judgments. The most gruesome act against the house of Ahab is the killing of Jezebel and the seventy sons of Ahab, effectively decimating the royal lineage. With the political power of Ahab's dynasty crushed, Jehu then strategically turns to the religious core of Ahab's apostasy: the cult of Baal. He gathers all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of a "great sacrifice," trapping them within the temple. After slaughtering them, [2 Kings 10:26](/2_kings/10-26 "2 Kings 10:26 - Destruction of Baal's Images") describes the final, public act of physical destruction of the cult's most prominent symbols, solidifying the eradication of Baal worship from the land, at least for a time. This act serves as the climactic fulfillment of Jehu's mission to execute God's judgment against Ahab's house and its pervasive idolatry, as prophesied by Elijah in [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Baal worship was a pervasive Canaanite fertility religion that had deeply infiltrated Israel, particularly under the zealous patronage of King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, who actively promoted it in the northern kingdom ([1 Kings 16:31-33](/1_kings/16-31-33 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab's Idolatry and Promotion of Baal Worship")). The "house of Baal" in Samaria, built by Ahab, was the central hub for this cult, complete with priests, prophets, and various cultic objects. The "images" (Hebrew: _matstsevah_) were likely sacred pillars or standing stones, often unhewn and sometimes phallic in nature, representing the presence or power of Baal. These were distinct from carved idols, though both were forms of idolatry. The act of "burning them" was a deliberate and prescribed method of defilement and complete destruction for objects associated with idolatry, as repeatedly commanded in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols") and [Deuteronomy 12:3](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Deuteronomy 12:3 - Destroying Places of Idolatry")). This public act demonstrated a radical break from the past and ensured that these symbols could not be reused or revered, signifying a thorough and irreversible purge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings - History of the Kings of Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Cleansing**. God, through Jehu, actively intervenes to purge the egregious apostasy that had corrupted His people. The destruction of the Baal images is a direct fulfillment of God's wrath against idolatry and a testament to His jealousy for His own glory, refusing to share it with false gods ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Given to Another")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Zeal, its Power, and its Limitations**. Jehu's actions are characterized by an intense zeal for the Lord, fulfilling the prophetic word with ruthless efficiency. While effective in eradicating Baal worship, the narrative later reveals that Jehu's heart was not fully devoted to the Lord, as he failed to walk in the law of the Lord with all his heart ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Failure to Fully Obey")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Consequences of Idolatry**. The physical destruction of the cultic objects serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate impotence and destruction that awaits false gods and those who worship them, contrasting sharply with the enduring power and faithfulness of the one true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brought forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to go out" or, causatively, "to bring out." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, forceful, and public removal of the images from the temple's interior to an external location for destruction. It implies an act of desacralization, exposing what was once revered within the cultic space to public view and subsequent contempt.
* **Images (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** This feminine participle refers to something "stationed," specifically a column, memorial stone, or, by analogy, an idol. In the context of Baal worship, these were typically standing pillars or sacred stones, often unhewn, erected as cultic symbols or representations of the deity's presence or power. Their presence in the "house of Baal" indicates their central role in the cult's worship, making their public removal and destruction a profound act of spiritual warfare and defilement.
* **Burned (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." Here, it signifies a complete, irreversible, and often defiling destruction. In the Mosaic Law, burning was a prescribed method for dealing with objects deemed an abomination to the Lord, such as idols and cultic paraphernalia ([Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Burning Idols")). This act ensured that the "images" could not be salvaged, reused, or revered in any way, underscoring the absolute rejection and annihilation of Baal worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought forth the images":** "They" refers to Jehu's loyal men, acting under his direct and decisive command. The phrase "brought forth" emphasizes a deliberate, public, and forceful removal of these sacred objects from the inner sanctum of the temple. This was not a clandestine act but a bold, public declaration of the overthrow of Baal's perceived authority and presence in Israel, a reversal of the reverence they once commanded.
* **"out of the house of Baal":** This specifies the location as the grand temple dedicated to Baal in Samaria, which King Ahab had built as the central hub for the cult. The act of removing the images from this most significant place of worship signifies the cleansing of the very heart of the idolatrous system that had been established and promoted in the northern kingdom. It was a symbolic and literal purification of a space that had been defiled by false worship.
* **"and burned them":** This final action completes the process of destruction and defilement. The burning of the images was the ultimate act of contempt and rejection, rendering them inert, powerless, and ensuring their complete annihilation. It was a visual and visceral demonstration of God's righteous judgment against Baal and His unwavering demand for exclusive worship from His people, leaving no trace of the idolatry behind.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "images" are not merely inert stones but potent symbols of Baal's perceived power and presence among his worshipers. Their public destruction symbolizes the complete overthrow and impotence of Baal himself in the face of the one true God. There is also a strong element of **Fulfillment**, as Jehu's actions directly fulfill the prophecies of judgment against Ahab's house and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel. The swift and decisive nature of the act also conveys **Zeal** and **Ruthlessness**, reflecting Jehu's character as an instrument of divine judgment and the divine imperative behind his mission. The entire scene functions as a dramatic **Climax** to Jehu's purge, marking the definitive and public end of Baal's overt reign in Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This act of destroying the images of Baal stands as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and His uncompromising intolerance for idolatry. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly commands His people to have no other gods before Him, emphasizing His unique status as the Creator and Redeemer. The burning of these images is a visceral manifestation of God's jealous love for His people and His glory, refusing to share worship with impotent, man-made deities. It underscores the truth that idols are nothing but vanity, unable to see, hear, or save, and those who trust in them become like them, spiritually blind and deaf. This event serves as a stark reminder that true worship demands exclusive devotion to the one true God, and any attempt to mix His worship with that of false gods will incur His righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Given to Idols")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer face physical images of Baal in our societies, the spiritual principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. This verse calls believers to a radical spiritual cleansing, to identify and "burn" the "images" of modern idolatry in our own hearts and lives. These can manifest as anything that usurps God's rightful place: the relentless pursuit of wealth or possessions (materialism), the worship of self (pride, ambition, comfort), the elevation of relationships or human approval above divine command, or the insatiable chase for fame, power, or success. The zeal Jehu displayed, though flawed, challenges us to examine our own devotion. Are we wholeheartedly committed to the Lord, or are there hidden "images" in our lives that subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance? This passage urges us to engage in a continuous process of self-examination and repentance, ensuring that our worship is pure, undivided, and directed solely to the one true God. We are called to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to pursue holiness, knowing that God desires our complete devotion and that anything less is an affront to His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images" or idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise "zeal" to "burn" away what is not of God, even if it means discomfort or loss?**
* **How does the absolute nature of God's judgment against idolatry challenge my understanding of His holiness and my own commitment to Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and devotion remain solely focused on the Lord, resisting the pull of modern idols?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu's zeal truly righteous in God's eyes?**

Answer: Jehu's zeal was certainly effective in fulfilling God's immediate judgment against the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship, and the Lord commended him for doing "what was right in My eyes" in this specific task ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu")). However, the biblical narrative also presents a nuanced view. While Jehu was an instrument of divine judgment, his motives were not entirely pure, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord. [2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Failure to Fully Obey") explicitly states, "But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart; for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin." This indicates that while he purged Baalism, he maintained the calf worship established by Jeroboam, which was also a form of idolatry. Thus, his zeal was a tool God used for a specific purpose, but it was not synonymous with perfect, wholehearted obedience or a truly transformed heart.

**What was the significance of burning the images rather than simply breaking them?**

Answer: The act of burning the images held profound significance, rooted deeply in the Mosaic Law and ancient Near Eastern practices. Burning was a prescribed method for the complete and irreversible destruction of objects deemed an abomination to God, particularly idols and their associated cultic items ([Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Burning Idols") and [Exodus 32:20](/exodus/32-20 "Exodus 32:20 - Moses Burning the Golden Calf")). It ensured that the objects were utterly defiled and could not be salvaged, repaired, or reused for any purpose, thus preventing any lingering reverence or temptation for future worship. Unlike merely breaking, which might leave remnants, burning reduced the "images" to ashes, symbolizing their absolute impotence and the complete eradication of their perceived power. This public act served as a powerful visual declaration of God's triumph over Baal and His demand for exclusive worship, leaving no material trace of the false deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The zealous purging of Baal's images by Jehu, though a necessary act of divine judgment and cleansing in the Old Testament, ultimately foreshadows the perfect and complete spiritual cleansing brought about by Jesus Christ. While Jehu's actions were external, physical, and ultimately incomplete in addressing the root of Israel's spiritual infidelity, Christ's work provides an internal, comprehensive, and eternal liberation from all forms of idolatry. The New Testament reveals that true idolatry is not merely bowing to physical statues but elevating anything in creation above the Creator, including greed, self-worship, or anything that takes the place of God in our hearts ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Greed as Idolatry") and [Ephesians 5:5](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - No Idolater Has an Inheritance")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not to destroy physical temples but to cleanse the human heart, which is the true temple of the Holy Spirit for believers ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke the power of sin and spiritual bondage, including the pervasive grip of idolatry, enabling believers to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate object of our worship, and His finished work provides the means for us to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and live lives of undivided devotion to the one true God, who is perfectly revealed in Him and through whom we receive true spiritual freedom.

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 14:23

For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

2 Samuel 5:21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

2 Kings 3:2

And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.

2 Kings 19:18

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.