2 Kings 10:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The account of Jehu's reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel concludes, stating its duration as twenty-eight years from his capital in Samaria. This concise regnal summary marks the end of a pivotal, albeit complex, period in Israel's history, characterized by a divinely mandated purge of Baal worship and the house of Ahab, yet simultaneously stained by Jehu's own failure to fully eradicate the idolatry introduced by Jeroboam. The verse serves as a chronological anchor, reflecting the Deuteronomistic Historian's pattern of evaluating kings based on their fidelity to the covenant, and subtly foreshadowing the continued spiritual decline of the Northern Kingdom despite moments of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary statement for Jehu's reign, a standard literary device employed by the Deuteronomistic Historian throughout the books of Kings. It immediately follows the detailed narrative of Jehu's zealous, yet often brutal, purge of the house of Ahab and the worshippers of Baal, as commanded by the Lord through Elisha's prophet in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu Anointed King"). The preceding verses ([2 Kings 10:32-33](/2_kings/10-32-33 "2 Kings 10:32-33 - Hazael Oppresses Israel")) already hint at the consequences of Jehu's partial obedience, noting the beginning of Aramaean oppression. Therefore, [2 Kings 10:36](/2_kings/10-36 "2 Kings 10:36 - Jehu's Reign Concludes") acts as a formal close to his individual story, setting the stage for the reigns of his successors, beginning with Jehoahaz in [2 Kings 13:1](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Reigns").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehu's ascent to the throne was a violent, divinely orchestrated coup, occurring during a period of significant political instability and deep religious apostasy in the Northern Kingdom. The dynasty of Ahab had plunged Israel into widespread Baal worship, championed by Jezebel and her prophets. Jehu's mission, as outlined in [2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7-10 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - God's Judgment on Ahab's House"), was to utterly destroy this idolatry and the royal house responsible for it. His reign in **Samaria**, the established capital of the Northern Kingdom since Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")), solidified his control over the central seat of power. Culturally, the struggle between Yahwism and Baalism was paramount, defining the spiritual health and political fortunes of the nation. Jehu's actions, while fulfilling a divine mandate, also reflect the ruthless political realities of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where regime change often involved the extermination of the previous ruling family.
* **Key Themes:** Jehu's reign powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the books of Kings. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** are paramount, as God uses Jehu as His instrument to execute judgment against the wickedness of Ahab's dynasty and the pervasive Baal worship ([2 Kings 10:11](/2_kings/10-11 "2 Kings 10:11 - Jehu's Purge")). Secondly, the theme of **Incomplete Obedience** is starkly highlighted; despite his initial zeal, Jehu failed to fully turn from the sins of Jeroboam I, who had established golden calves at Bethel and Dan ([1 Kings 12:28-29](/1_kings/12-28-29 "1 Kings 12:28-29 - Jeroboam's Sin")) to prevent worship in Jerusalem. This failure is explicitly noted in [2 Kings 10:29](/2_kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29 - Jehu's Failure to Remove the Golden Calves"). Thirdly, the **Consequences of Partial Faithfulness** are evident, as God allowed Israel to be oppressed by Hazael of Syria throughout Jehu's reign ([2 Kings 10:32](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32 - Hazael's Oppression")), illustrating that even divinely appointed leaders face repercussions for their unfaithfulness. Finally, Jehu's story contributes to the overarching **Cycle of Israel's History** in the Northern Kingdom: divine intervention, a king's initial (often partial) obedience, followed by a relapse into idolatry, leading to further decline and judgment. Despite Jehu's long reign, a divine promise for four generations ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty")), the underlying spiritual problem of Israel persisted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This verb (מָלַךְ, H4427) signifies the act of ruling or being king, and inceptively, to ascend the throne. In the context of the Deuteronomistic History, it carries significant theological weight, as the duration and nature of a king's reign are often presented as a reflection of God's blessing or judgment. While Jehu's reign was long—a blessing promised for his initial obedience—the verb here simply states the fact of his rule, inviting the reader to recall the complexities and moral ambiguities of his kingship as detailed in the preceding narrative.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** This noun (יִשְׂרָאֵל, H3478) refers specifically to the Northern Kingdom, distinct from the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This distinction is crucial in the books of Kings, as the two kingdoms often had separate political and religious trajectories. Jehu's reign was confined to the northern tribes, with Samaria as his capital, emphasizing the divided nature of the Israelite people during this period. The name itself, meaning "he will rule as God," also subtly underscores the divine authority under which Jehu operated, even if imperfectly.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shômᵉrôwn'_):** This proper noun (שֹׁמְרוֹן, H8111) designates the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, founded by Omri. Its mention here confirms the seat of Jehu's power and highlights the political and religious center of the northern tribes. Samaria was a strategically important city, and its association with Jehu's rule underscores his control over the heartland of Israel, even as it became a symbol of the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the time that Jehu reigned":** This opening clause functions as a standard chronological marker in the Deuteronomistic History, signaling the conclusion of a king's individual narrative segment. It transitions from the detailed account of Jehu's actions to a summary statement, placing his rule within the broader timeline of Israelite monarchy.
* **"over Israel in Samaria":** This phrase precisely defines the geographical and political scope of Jehu's authority. "Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, and "in Samaria" specifies his capital city, emphasizing that his rule was centralized and encompassed the territory of the ten northern tribes, as opposed to the kingdom of Judah.
* **"[was] twenty and eight years":** This numerical statement provides the exact duration of Jehu's reign. Twenty-eight years was a relatively long reign for a king of the Northern Kingdom, especially one who came to power through a violent coup. This longevity is explicitly attributed to God's promise in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty"), rewarding Jehu's zeal in destroying the house of Ahab and Baal worship, despite his subsequent failure to remove the golden calves.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History. The primary device is the **Regnal Formula**, a standardized concluding statement for each king's reign, typically including the king's name, the duration of his rule, and the city from which he reigned. This formula provides a consistent framework for the historical narrative, emphasizing the chronological progression of the monarchy. There is also an element of **Juxtaposition** in the broader narrative context surrounding this verse: Jehu's long reign (a sign of divine favor for his initial obedience) is juxtaposed with the immediate mention of God's judgment against Israel through Hazael due to Jehu's *incomplete* obedience ([2 Kings 10:32-33](/2_kings/10-32-33 "2 Kings 10:32-33 - Hazael Oppresses Israel")). This contrast highlights the Deuteronomistic theme that even partial faithfulness has consequences. Furthermore, the longevity of Jehu's reign, while a blessing, also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the continued spiritual decline of the Northern Kingdom, as the problem of idolatry (the golden calves) persisted beyond Jehu's purge of Baal, ultimately leading to Israel's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The conclusion of Jehu's reign in [2 Kings 10:36](/2_kings/10-36 "2 Kings 10:36 - Jehu's Reign Concludes") encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's dealings with His people: His unwavering commitment to justice and His patient, yet firm, response to human obedience and disobedience. Jehu was God's chosen instrument for a specific purpose—the eradication of the heinous Baal worship and the corrupt house of Ahab. God honored Jehu's zeal by granting him a long reign and a dynastic promise. However, Jehu's failure to fully commit to Yahweh, particularly his retention of Jeroboam's golden calves, demonstrates that partial obedience is still disobedience in God's eyes, and it carries severe consequences for both the individual and the nation. This narrative underscores that God's standards are absolute, and while He uses imperfect people, He still holds them accountable for their choices. It also highlights the persistent struggle in Israel between true worship and syncretism, a struggle that ultimately led to their exile.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehu's twenty-eight-year reign, summarized in this verse, offers a potent lesson for believers today: God's call to obedience is comprehensive, not selective. While Jehu was zealous in fulfilling the dramatic, visible aspects of his divine commission—purging Baal and the house of Ahab—he faltered in the more subtle, yet equally crucial, area of removing the long-standing idolatry of the golden calves. This illustrates the danger of "partial obedience," where we might enthusiastically tackle certain sins or ministries while neglecting others that are less convenient, less visible, or more deeply ingrained. Jehu's story reminds us that God desires wholehearted devotion, not just outward conformity or selective zeal. Our faithfulness is not measured by what we eliminate, but by what we fully embrace and live out—a complete turning away from all forms of idolatry and a steadfast commitment to God's revealed will in every area of life. The consequences of Jehu's partiality, leading to national oppression, serve as a sober warning that even seemingly minor compromises can have far-reaching negative effects on our spiritual lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehu's partial obedience challenge our understanding of "success" or "favor" in God's eyes?**
* **Where might we be tempted to be "partially obedient" in our own lives, and what are the potential consequences of such selective faithfulness?**
* **How does God's use of an imperfect and violent ruler like Jehu speak to His sovereignty and our role as instruments in His broader plans?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jehu's reign so long compared to other Northern Kingdom kings?**

Answer: Jehu's reign of twenty-eight years was indeed remarkably long for a king of the Northern Kingdom, especially given that he came to power through a violent coup. This longevity is explicitly explained as a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Jehu in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty"): "Because you have done well in executing what is right in My eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel." This was a divine reward for his zeal in eradicating the idolatrous house of Ahab and the worship of Baal, which was a significant act of obedience to God's command. Many other Northern Kingdom kings had much shorter, unstable reigns due to assassinations and coups, making Jehu's long tenure a testament to God's faithfulness to His word, even to an imperfect instrument.

**Did Jehu truly serve God, given his violent methods and partial obedience?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents a complex picture of Jehu. On one hand, his actions in destroying the house of Ahab and purging Baal worship were explicitly commanded and endorsed by God ([2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7-10 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - God's Judgment on Ahab's House"); [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty")). He was a divinely appointed instrument of judgment. On the other hand, the text is clear that Jehu did not fully turn to the Lord. He continued the sin of Jeroboam I by maintaining the golden calves at Bethel and Dan ([2 Kings 10:29](/2_kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29 - Jehu's Failure to Remove the Golden Calves")), indicating a pragmatic, rather than a wholehearted, commitment to Yahweh. His methods were ruthless, but in the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare and divine judgment against extreme wickedness, they were considered appropriate for the task. Thus, Jehu served God in a specific, limited capacity, fulfilling a critical part of God's judgment, but his personal faith and obedience were ultimately incomplete.

**What was the significance of Samaria as his capital?**

Answer: Samaria was the established capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by King Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")) decades before Jehu's reign. Its significance lies in its strategic location and its role as the political, economic, and often religious center of the northern tribes. By reigning "in Samaria," Jehu solidified his control over the heartland of Israel, demonstrating continuity with the previous Omride dynasty's administrative structure, even as he violently purged their lineage. Samaria represented the distinct identity and often the spiritual failings of the Northern Kingdom, setting it apart from Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and the divinely appointed center of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The twenty-eight-year reign of Jehu, concluded in [2 Kings 10:36](/2_kings/10-36 "2 Kings 10:36 - Jehu's Reign Concludes"), serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of earthly kings and the profound need for a perfect, eternal King. Jehu, despite being divinely appointed and achieving a significant, albeit partial, purge of idolatry, ultimately failed to bring true and lasting spiritual transformation to Israel. His reign, like all human reigns, was temporary, and his obedience was incomplete ([2 Kings 10:29](/2_kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29 - Jehu's Failure to Remove the Golden Calves")). This partiality and the subsequent decline of the Northern Kingdom underscore the inability of any human ruler to perfectly fulfill God's will or to fully redeem His people from the pervasive power of sin and idolatry. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate King. Unlike Jehu, who only partially cleansed Israel, Jesus perfectly fulfills all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and completely eradicates sin through His atoning sacrifice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His reign is not limited to a specific number of years or a geographical capital like Samaria, but is an [eternal kingdom](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom") that will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become Christ's")). Where Jehu's zeal was mixed with human ambition and compromise, Christ's obedience was perfect and His mission was fully accomplished on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). Thus, Jehu's temporary and flawed rule ultimately highlights the glorious and everlasting reign of Christ, who alone brings complete spiritual liberation and establishes a kingdom of perfect righteousness.

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.