2 Kings 10:27

KJV

And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brake down {H5422} the image {H4676} of Baal {H1168}, and brake down {H5422} the house {H1004} of Baal {H1168}, and made {H7760} it a draught house {H4163}{H4280} unto this day {H3117}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to a dramatic and violent chapter, [2 Kings 10](/2_kings/10 "2 Kings 10 - Jehu's Purge of Baal"), which details Jehu's rise to power and his ruthless, yet divinely sanctioned, mission to eradicate the pervasive Baal worship introduced by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jehu's anointing by a prophet of Elisha specifically commissioned him to [destroy the house of Ahab and avenge the blood of God's servants](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7 - Jehu's Divine Commission"). Having already executed King Joram and Queen Jezebel, Jehu systematically eliminated Ahab's remaining descendants and then shrewdly orchestrated the massacre of all Baal worshippers by gathering them under the pretense of a great sacrifice, as described in [2 Kings 10:18-25](/2_kings/10-18 "2 Kings 10:18-25 - Jehu's Deception and Slaughter of Baal Worshippers"). [Verse 27](/2_kings/10-27 "2 Kings 10:27 - Destruction of Baal's Temple") marks the final, physical dismantling of the symbols and places of this idolatrous cult, representing the complete fulfillment of the divine mandate to [break down pagan altars and images](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Deuteronomy 12:3 - Command to Destroy Idols") upon entering the Promised Land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The worship of Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god, was aggressively introduced and promoted in Israel by King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, as detailed in [1 Kings 16:31-33](/1_kings/16-31 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab and Jezebel Introduce Baal Worship"). This cult involved fertility rites, sacred prostitution, and at times, child sacrifice, directly violating the covenant commands of Yahweh. By Jehu's time, Baal worship had deeply infiltrated the Northern Kingdom's religious and political structures, becoming the state religion. The act of tearing down the image and temple, and especially turning it into a "draught house," was a deliberate and profound act of desecration. In the ancient Near East, defiling a sacred site by associating it with human waste was the ultimate expression of contempt and a means of rendering it permanently unusable for its original purpose, ensuring its ritual impurity and preventing any future revival of the cult.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/10 "2 Kings - Jehu's Purge of Baal"). Primarily, it highlights **Divine Judgment and the Eradication of Idolatry**, demonstrating God's severe and decisive response to the pervasive and corrupting influence of Baal worship that had led Israel astray from their covenant with Yahweh. Secondly, the thoroughness implied by "brake down" and the ultimate act of making it a "draught house" emphasizes **Complete Desecration and Repudiation**. This act was designed to render the site permanently unclean and unfit for any future religious use, signifying the utter and irreversible rejection of Baal. Finally, Jehu's actions here exemplify **Zeal for the Lord**, though it's important to note that his obedience was often pragmatic and incomplete, as he later failed to remove the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, as seen in [2 Kings 10:29](/2_kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29 - Jehu's Partial Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brake down (Hebrew, _natats'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַץ (_natats'_) means "to pull down, break down, demolish, overthrow." Its repetition in the verse ("brake down... and brake down") emphasizes the thoroughness and violence of the destruction. It signifies a complete dismantling, not just a superficial removal, reflecting the absolute nature of God's judgment against idolatry.
* **Image of Baal (Hebrew, _matsebah'_):** The Hebrew word מַצֵּבָה (_matsebah'_) refers to a standing pillar or monument. While sometimes used for sacred pillars to Yahweh, it often denotes a pagan cultic pillar or idol, as it clearly does here for Baal. Its destruction was crucial because these pillars were tangible representations of the deity and focal points of worship, embodying the very essence of the idolatry.
* **Draught house (Hebrew, _machara'ah'_):** The archaic English "draught house" translates the Hebrew מַחֲרָאָה (_machara'ah'_), meaning "privy," "latrine," or "cesspool." This transformation of a sacred temple into a public toilet was the ultimate act of humiliation and defilement. It rendered the site ritually impure and permanently unfit for any religious purpose, ensuring that the memory of Baal worship would forever be associated with filth and disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brake down the image of Baal":** This clause describes the destruction of the physical idol or cultic pillar dedicated to Baal. The idol represented the false god itself and was a tangible object of worship, making its demolition a direct assault on the essence of Baalism. This act was a visible declaration of Yahweh's supremacy and the nullity of Baal.
* **"and brake down the house of Baal":** Following the destruction of the idol, Jehu's forces demolished the temple structure itself. This signifies the dismantling of the institutionalized worship of Baal, removing the physical space where rituals and sacrifices were performed. The destruction of the "house" symbolized the complete overthrow of the cult's infrastructure and its public presence.
* **"and made it a draught house unto this day":** This final clause details the profound act of desecration. By converting the temple site into a latrine, Jehu ensured its utter defilement and rendered it permanently unfit for any future religious use. The phrase "unto this day" emphasizes the lasting impact of this action, signifying that the site remained a place of ignominy for a considerable period, a constant reminder of the thoroughness of Baal's eradication and the contempt in which his worship was held.

#### 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](/2_kings/10-27 "2 Kings 10:27 - Destruction of Baal's Temple") 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.

* [Deuteronomy 7:25-26](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25-26 - Destroy Idols and Abhor Them")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - Folly of Idolatry")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical idols of Baal no longer threaten believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in [2 Kings 10:27](/2_kings/10-27 "2 Kings 10:27 - Destruction of Baal's Temple") 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
* **What "images" or "houses of Baal" might exist in my life today, subtly competing for my ultimate allegiance and devotion to God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise Jehu-like decisiveness in dismantling ungodly patterns or attachments?**
* **How can I cultivate a more thorough and consistent zeal for God's holiness and His exclusive claim on my worship?**

### 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](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7 - Jehu's Commission"). 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](/2_kings/10-27 "2 Kings 10:27 - Destruction of Baal's Temple"), 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](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry") in all its subtle forms, and to [worship God in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship 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](/2_kings/10-27 "2 Kings 10:27 - Destruction of Baal's Temple") 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). 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](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as God's Household")), 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](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") 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](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship 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](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Ezra 6:11

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Daniel 3:29

Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

Daniel 2:5

The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

1 Kings 16:32

And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.

Deuteronomy 7:5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

2 Kings 18:4

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.