2 Kings 10:36

And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria [was] twenty and eight years.

And the time {H3117} that Jehu {H3058} reigned {H4427} over Israel {H3478} in Samaria {H8111} was twenty {H6242} and eight {H8083} years {H8141}.

Yehu ruled over Isra'el in Shomron for twenty-eight years.

So the duration of Jehu’s reign over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years.

And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.

Commentary

2 Kings 10:36 marks the conclusion of Jehu's reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel, stating its duration as twenty-eight years. This verse serves as a summary statement, characteristic of the historical books, providing a chronological anchor for understanding the period.

Context

Jehu ascended to the throne through a divinely orchestrated, bloody coup, anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha (2 Kings 9:6). His primary mission was to eradicate the idolatrous house of Ahab and Jezebel and to destroy Baal worship in Israel (2 Kings 10:11). He carried out this task with zealous, albeit ruthless, efficiency, eliminating all who were connected to Ahab and executing the prophets and worshippers of Baal. His reign was centered in Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: Jehu's rise and actions were a direct fulfillment of God's judgment against the wickedness of Ahab's dynasty and the widespread Baal worship that had corrupted Israel. God used Jehu as an instrument of His will, even granting a promise that his descendants would reign for four generations because of his obedience in eradicating Baal (2 Kings 10:30).
  • Incomplete Obedience: Despite his initial zeal for the Lord, Jehu failed to fully turn from the sins of Jeroboam I, who had set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from worshipping in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28-29). This continued idolatry meant that while he purged Baal, he did not fully restore pure worship of the Lord in Israel (2 Kings 10:29).
  • Consequences of Partial Faithfulness: Because of Jehu's incomplete obedience, God allowed Israel to be oppressed by Hazael, king of Syria, throughout Jehu's reign (2 Kings 10:32). This illustrates that even when some aspects of God's will are fulfilled, persistent sin brings consequences.
  • The Cycle of Israel's History: Jehu's reign, like many others in the Northern Kingdom, highlights the recurring pattern of initial divine intervention, followed by a king's failure to maintain full fidelity to the covenant, leading to further decline and judgment for the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrasing "reigned over Israel in Samaria" is a straightforward historical statement, indicating the extent and seat of Jehu's rule. There are no complex Hebrew linguistic nuances in this particular verse that require deep exploration beyond its factual presentation of his long tenure as king.

Practical Application

Jehu's story, summarized by this verse, offers a powerful reminder that God uses individuals to accomplish His purposes, even those with flaws. However, it also underscores the vital importance of complete obedience to God's commands. Partial obedience, while seemingly effective in some areas, can still lead to long-term spiritual and national decline. Believers today are called to a wholehearted devotion, seeking to follow God's will in all areas of life, not just those that are convenient or visible.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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