TRV
Translation
King James Version
And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
Complete Jewish Bible
Finally, they broke down Ba'al's standing-stone and demolished the temple of Ba'al, converting it into a latrine, which it still is today.
Berean Standard Bible
They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day.
American Standard Version
And they brake down the pillar of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught-house, unto this day.
World English Bible Messianic
They broke down the pillar of Baal, and broke down the house of Baal, and made it a latrine, to this day.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they destroyed the image of Baal, and threwe downe the house of Baal, and made a iakes of it vnto this day.
Young's Literal Translation
and break down the standing-pillar of Baal, and break down the house of Baal, and appoint it for a draught-house unto this day.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 9,821 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Kings 10 verses 15–28
15 ¶ And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
16 And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.
17 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.
18 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.
19 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.
20 And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.
21 And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another.
22 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.
23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.
24 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.
25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.
26 And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.
27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.
Jehu, pushing on his work, is here,
I. Courting the friendship of a good man, Jehonadab the son of Rechab, Kg2 10:15, Kg2 10:16. This Jehonadab, though mortified to the world and meddling little with the business of it (as appears by his charge to his posterity, which they religiously observed 300 years after, not to drink wine nor dwell in cities, Jer 35:6, etc.), yet, upon this occasion, went to meet Jehu, that he might encourage him in the work to which God had called him. The countenance of good men is a thing which great men, if they be wise, will value, and value themselves by. David prayed, Let those that fear thee turn to me, Psa 119:79. This Jehonadab, though no prophet, priest, or Levite, no prince or ruler, was, we may suppose, very eminent for prudence and piety, and generally respected for that life of self-denial and devotion which he lived: Jehu, though a soldier, knew him and honoured him. He did not indeed think of sending for him, but when he met him (though it is likely he drove now as furiously as ever) he stopped to speak to him; and we are here told what passed between them. 1. Jehu saluted him; he blessed him (so the word is), paid him the respect and showed him the good-will that were due to so great an example of serious godliness. 2. Jehonadab assured him that he was sincerely in his interest and a hearty well-wisher to his cause. Jehu professed that his heart was right with him, that he had a true affection for his person and a veneration for the crown of his Nazariteship, and desired to know whether he had the same affection for him and satisfaction in that crown of royal dignity which God had put upon his head: Is thy heart right? a question we should often put to ourselves. "I make a plausible profession, have gained a reputation among men, but is my heart right? Am I sincere and inward with God?" Jehonadab gave him his word (It is), and gave him his hand as a pledge of his heart, yielded to him (so giving the hand is rendered, Ch2 30:8), concurred and covenanted with him, and owned him in the work both of revenge and of reformation he was now about. 3. Jehu took him up into his chariot and took him along with him to Samaria. He put some honour upon him, by taking him into the chariot with him (Jehonadab was not accustomed to ride in a chariot, much less with a king); but he received more honour from him, and from the countenance he gave to his present work. All sober people would think the better of Jehu when they saw Jehonadab in the chariot with him. This was not the only time in which the piety of some has been made to serve the policy of others, and designing men have strengthened themselves by drawing good men into their interests. Jehonadab is a stranger to the arts of fleshly wisdom, and has his conversation in simplicity and godly sincerity; and therefore, if Jehu be a servant of God and an enemy to Ball, he will be his faithful friend. "Come then" (says Jehu), "come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord; and then thou wilt see reason to espouse my cause." This is commonly taken as not well said by Jehu, and as giving cause to suspect that his heart was not right with God in what he did, and that the zeal he pretended for the Lord was really zeal for himself and his own advancement. For, (1.) He boasted of it, and spoke as if God and man were mightily indebted to him for it. (2.) He desired it might be seen and taken notice of, like the Pharisees, who did all to be seen of men. An upright heart approves itself to God and covets no more than his acceptance. If we aim at the applause of men, and make their praise our highest end, we are upon a false bottom. Whether Jehu looked any further we cannot judge; however Jehonadab went with him, and, it is likely, animated and assisted him in the further execution of his commission (Kg2 10:17), destroying all Ahab's friends in Samaria. A man may hate cruelty and yet love justice, may be far from thirsting after blood and yet may wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, Psa 58:10.
II. Contriving the destruction of all the worshippers of Baal. The service of Baal was the crying sin of the house of Ahab: that root of this idolatry was plucked up, but multitudes yet remained that were infected with it, and would be in danger of infecting others. The law of God was express, that they were to be put to death; but they were so numerous, and so dispersed throughout all parts of the kingdom, and perhaps so alarmed with Jehu's beginnings, that it would be a hard matter to find them all out and an endless task to prosecute and execute them one by one. Jehu's project therefore is to cut them all off together. 1. By a wile, by a fraud, he brought them together to the temple of Baal. He pretended he would worship Baal more than ever Ahab had done, Kg2 10:18. Perhaps he spoke this ironically, or to try the body of the people whether they would oppose such a resolution as this, and would resent his threatening to increase his predecessor's exactions, and say, "If it be so, we have no part in Jehu, nor inheritance in the son of Nimshi." But it rather seems to have been spoken purposely to deceive the worshippers of Baal, and then it cannot be justified. The truth of God needs not any man's lie. He issued a proclamation, requiring the attendance of all the worshippers of Baal to join with him in a sacrifice to Baal (Kg2 10:19, Kg2 10:20), not only the prophets and priests, but all, throughout the kingdom, who worshipped Baal, who were not nearly so many as they had been in Elijah's time. Jehu's friends, we may suppose, were aware of what he designed, and were not offended at it; but the bigoted besotted Baalites began to think themselves very happy, and that now they should see golden days again. Joram had put away the image of Baal, Kg2 3:2. If Jehu will restore it, they have what they would have, and come up to Samaria with joy from all parts to celebrate the solemnity; and they are pleased to see the house of Baal crowded (Kg2 10:21), to see his priests in their vestments (Kg2 10:22), and themselves perhaps with some badges or other to notify their relation to Baal, for there were vestments for all his worshippers. 2. He took care that none of the servants of the Lord should be among them, Kg2 10:23. This they took as a provision to preserve the worship of Baal from being profaned by strangers; but it was a wonder that they did not, by this, see themselves brought into a snare and discern a design upon them. No marvel if those that suffer themselves to be deceived by Baal (as all idolaters were by their idols), are deceived by Jehu to their destruction. 3. He gave order for the cutting of them all off, and Jehonadab joined with him therein, Kg2 10:23. When a strict search was made lest any of the servants of God should, either for company or curiosity, have got among them - lest any wheat should be mixed with those tares, and when eighty men were set to stand guard at all the avenues to Baal's temple, that none might escape (Kg2 10:24), then the guards were sent in to put them all to the sword and to mingle their blood with their sacrifices, in a way of just revenge, as they themselves had sometimes done, when, in their blind devotion, they cut themselves with knives and lancets till the blood gushed out, Kg1 18:28. This was accordingly done, and the doing of it, though seemingly barbarous, was, considering the nature of their crime, really righteous. The Lord, whose name is jealous, is a jealous God. 4. The idolaters being thus destroyed, the idolatry itself was utterly abolished. The buildings about the house of Baal (which were so many and so stately that they are here called a city), where Baal's priests and their families lived, were destroyed; all the little images, statues, pictures, or shrines, which beautified Baal's temple, with the great image of Baal himself, were brought out and burnt (Kg2 10:26, Kg2 10:27), and the temple of Baal was broken down, and made a dunghill, the common sink, or sewer, of the city, that the remembrance of it might be blotted out or made infamous. Thus was the worship of Baal quite destroyed, at least for the present, out of Israel, though it had once prevailed so far that there were but 7000 of all the thousands of Israel that had not bowed the knee to Baal, and those concealed. Thus will God destroy all the gods of the heathen, and, sooner or later, triumph over them all.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–28. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Kings 10:27 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
This pivotal verse encapsulates the climactic culmination of Jehu's divinely ordained purge against Baal worship in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the systematic execution of Baal's prophets and adherents, Jehu's forces undertook the complete physical demolition of the idol and the temple dedicated to Baal, culminating in an act of profound desecration that rendered the site a permanent latrine, thereby symbolizing the utter contempt and irreversible eradication of this pervasive pagan cult from the land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The Repetition of "brake down" ("And they brake down... and brake down") emphasizes the thoroughness and decisiveness of Jehu's actions, highlighting the complete and systematic eradication of Baal worship. This repeated action builds a sense of finality. The transformation of a sacred temple into a "draught house" is a striking example of Irony and Symbolism. It is ironic that a place of supposed holiness becomes a place of utter filth, symbolizing the true nature of idolatry as an abomination to God. This act also functions as a powerful Symbolism of utter contempt and defilement, rendering the cult permanently impure and unfit for any future revival. The phrase "unto this day" serves as a Narrative Marker, indicating the lasting impact and historical veracity of Jehu's purge, reinforcing the thoroughness of the desecration.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The eradication of Baal worship in 2 Kings 10:27 powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His uncompromising intolerance for idolatry. This event serves as a stark reminder that the Lord God of Israel demands exclusive worship and will not share His glory with false gods. The defilement of Baal's temple signifies the utter nullity and powerlessness of pagan deities in the face of Yahweh's might and holiness. It reinforces the covenantal call for Israel to remain separate from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, demonstrating the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy. This act of judgment is not merely historical but carries timeless theological weight, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and the purity of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical idols of Baal no longer threaten believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in 2 Kings 10:27 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary application. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and thoroughly dismantle any "houses of Baal" within our own lives—anything that competes for God's rightful supremacy in our hearts and minds. Modern idolatry often manifests subtly as the worship of wealth, career, pleasure, power, comfort, or even self. Just as Jehu's purge was decisive and complete, believers are called to cultivate a similar zeal for the Lord, actively and intentionally removing anything that hinders true devotion and spiritual purity. This requires an ongoing process of repentance, self-denial, and a renewed commitment to worship God alone in spirit and truth, ensuring that our lives are not merely cleansed of overt sin but are utterly consecrated to Him, leaving no room for rival affections.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Jehu's violence justified, especially turning the temple into a latrine?
Answer: From a biblical perspective, Jehu's actions, including the violence and the desecration of Baal's temple, were divinely commanded and therefore justified within the narrative. He was anointed specifically to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship. The extreme act of turning the temple into a "draught house" was a culturally understood method of rendering a site utterly defiled and unusable for its original purpose, signifying the complete and irreversible rejection of Baal. It was a powerful symbolic act demonstrating God's absolute contempt for idolatry and His determination to purify His land. While the methods were brutal, they were consistent with the severity of God's judgment against the pervasive and corrupting influence of Baalism that had led Israel into deep apostasy.
What is the significance of the phrase "unto this day"?
Answer: The phrase "unto this day" (עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה, 'ad hayyom hazzeh) is a common literary device in the Old Testament. It signifies that the condition or state described persisted up to the time the biblical account was written or compiled. In 2 Kings 10:27, it emphasizes the lasting impact and thoroughness of Jehu's purge against Baal worship. It means that the site of Baal's temple remained a latrine, a symbol of its utter defilement and disgrace, for a considerable period, serving as a constant visible reminder of the eradication of this cult.
How is the destruction of Baal worship relevant to Christians today?
Answer: While Christians do not face physical Baal idols, the principle of exclusive worship of the one true God remains paramount. This event serves as a powerful reminder of God's uncompromising opposition to all forms of idolatry. For believers today, "idols" can be anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts or to which we give ultimate allegiance—such as money, power, possessions, relationships, or even self. The thoroughness of Jehu's purge calls Christians to a radical and complete spiritual cleansing, to flee from idolatry in all its subtle forms, and to worship God in spirit and truth, dedicating every aspect of their lives to Him alone.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu's actions in 2 Kings 10:27 represent a zealous, albeit imperfect, Old Testament purging of physical idolatry, they ultimately point forward to the perfect and complete eradication of spiritual idolatry accomplished by Jesus Christ. Jehu, as God's instrument, cleansed a physical temple; Jesus, the Son of God, came to cleanse the spiritual temple—His people—and eventually, the entire cosmos. Just as Jehu defiled Baal's temple, Jesus decisively defeated the spiritual powers of darkness and the idols they represent, as seen in His victory on the cross where He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. He is the one who truly cleanses the "house of God" (which is now His church, comprised of believers, as described in 1 Timothy 3:15), not with physical destruction, but by purifying hearts through His atoning sacrifice. The call for believers to put to death what is earthly in them: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry echoes Jehu's thoroughness, demonstrating that Christ's work empowers us to dismantle all forms of spiritual Baalism within our lives, leading us to worship God in spirit and truth and to live as temples of the Holy Spirit, free from the defilement of sin and false gods (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).