2 Kings 10:7

KJV

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him [them] to Jezreel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the letter {H5612} came {H935} to them, that they took {H3947} the king's {H4428} sons {H1121}, and slew {H7819} seventy {H7657} persons {H376}, and put {H7760} their heads {H7218} in baskets {H1731}, and sent {H7971} him them to Jezreel {H3157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the letter reached them, they seized the king's sons and killed them, all seventy of them, put their heads in baskets and sent them to Yehu in Yizre'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king’s sons, and slew them, even seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them unto him to Jezreel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 10:7 vividly recounts the brutal execution of King Ahab's seventy sons by the elders and guardians of Samaria, a direct and horrifying response to Jehu's challenging letter. This gruesome act, culminating in the delivery of their severed heads in baskets to Jehu at Jezreel, served as undeniable proof of the officials' allegiance to the new king, signified the complete and violent eradication of the Omride dynasty, and fulfilled divine prophecy, thereby consolidating Jehu's reign over Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the intensely dramatic and bloody narrative of Jehu's divinely ordained coup against the Omride dynasty in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The preceding chapter details Jehu's anointing by a prophet of Elisha, empowering him to destroy the house of Ahab ([2 Kings 9:1-10](/2_kings/9-1-10 "2 Kings 9:1-10 - Jehu Anointed King and Commissioned")). Immediately following this, Jehu swiftly executed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 9:21-27](/2_kings/9-21-27 "2 Kings 9:21-27 - Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah")), and famously orchestrated the death of Jezebel ([2 Kings 9:30-37](/2_kings/9-30-37 "2 Kings 9:30-37 - The Death of Jezebel")). With the immediate royal presence eliminated, Jehu turned his attention to the remaining male heirs of Ahab, who were residing in Samaria. He shrewdly challenged the city's officials and elders, who were responsible for the royal children, to choose their allegiance. Their response, as detailed in this verse, was a gruesome demonstration of their submission, ensuring the complete annihilation of Ahab's lineage as commanded by God. The subsequent verses describe Jehu's arrival in Jezreel and his further actions to eradicate all remnants of Ahab's house and Baal worship, demonstrating the thoroughness of the purge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehu's reign (c. 841-814 BCE) was a time of profound political instability and rampant religious apostasy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Omride dynasty, initiated by Omri and continued by Ahab and Jezebel, had aggressively promoted Baal worship, leading the nation into deep idolatry and moral corruption, which provoked the severe judgment of Yahweh, articulated through prophets like Elijah ([1 Kings 21:20-24](/1_kings/21-20-24 "1 Kings 21:20-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). In the ancient Near East, coups d'état were frequently accompanied by the systematic elimination of the previous ruling family to prevent future claims to the throne and secure the new king's authority. The public display of severed heads was a common, albeit horrifying, method of demonstrating power, instilling fear, and confirming the complete overthrow of a regime. The "seventy sons" likely refers to all male descendants and close relatives of Ahab who could potentially lay claim to the throne, not necessarily all biological sons. Their residence in Samaria, the capital, under the care of city officials, was typical for royal children. Jehu's letter was a shrewd tactic, forcing the officials to implicate themselves in the purge, thereby cementing their loyalty and making them complicit in the bloody transition of power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to punishing persistent idolatry and wickedness, particularly within leadership, as seen in the complete destruction of the Omride dynasty. It also highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically the pronouncements made by Elijah against Ahab's house ([1 Kings 21:21-22](/1_kings/21-21-22 "1 Kings 21:21-22 - Elijah's Prophecy of Ahab's Destruction")) and reiterated to Jehu ([2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7-10 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission")). Jehu, despite his own flawed character, serves as God's **Instrument of Justice**, carrying out a divinely ordained purge. The ruthlessness of the act underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that the rebellion of one generation can have devastating repercussions for subsequent ones and the entire nation. Finally, it speaks to the **Consolidation of Power** through violent means, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, yet here, it is framed within God's sovereign plan to cleanse Israel of Baal worship and restore a measure of fidelity to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"letter" (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** From H5612 (סֵפֶר), meaning "writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book." In this context, it refers to the written correspondence sent by Jehu to the officials and elders in Samaria. This "letter" was not merely an informative note but a direct challenge and a test of loyalty, demanding a decisive response from those entrusted with the care of Ahab's descendants. Its arrival marked the point of no return for the Omride dynasty.
* **"slew" (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** From H7819 (שָׁחַט), a primitive root meaning "to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)." This verb emphasizes a deliberate, violent, and systematic act of killing. It is a strong term that conveys the intentionality and finality of the execution, underscoring the brutal and calculated nature of the purge. The use of "slaughter" rather than a more general term for killing highlights the merciless efficiency with which the seventy persons were put to death.
* **"baskets" (Hebrew, _dûwd'_):** From H1731 (דּוּד), meaning "a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket." The use of "baskets" here for carrying the severed heads is a grim detail that adds to the horror of the scene. These were likely large, robust containers, perhaps even cooking pots, repurposed for this gruesome task. The image of heads in baskets, rather than simply severed, emphasizes the public display and the calculated presentation of the evidence of the purge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the letter came to them,"**: This opening clause establishes the pivotal moment of the narrative. The "letter" refers to Jehu's correspondence to the officials and elders of Samaria, challenging them to either choose one of Ahab's sons as king and fight him, or to submit by executing the royal heirs ([2 Kings 10:1-6](/2_kings/10-1-6 "2 Kings 10:1-6 - Jehu's Letter to Samaria")). The arrival of this letter forced the Samarian officials into a dire choice, setting the stage for the horrific events that follow.
* **"that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons,"**: This clause describes the immediate and decisive action taken by the officials in Samaria. In a desperate act of self-preservation and submission to Jehu's authority, they rounded up "the king's sons"—a term encompassing male descendants, grandsons, and perhaps other close male relatives of Ahab who could pose a threat to Jehu's claim—and brutally executed them. The number "seventy persons" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this slaughter, indicating that virtually all potential claimants from the Omride dynasty were eliminated, leaving no rival for Jehu.
* **"and put their heads in baskets,"**: This gruesome detail underscores the barbarity and public nature of the act. Severing the heads and placing them in baskets was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare and coups to confirm kills, demonstrate power, and publicly humiliate the defeated. It served as undeniable, tangible proof to Jehu that his command had been carried out and that the Omride dynasty had been utterly annihilated.
* **"and sent him [them] to Jezreel."**: The final action of the clause is the dispatch of the baskets of heads to Jezreel, where Jehu was residing. The KJV's "[them]" clarifies the pronoun "him" which, while singular in the Hebrew, refers collectively to the heads. Jezreel was a significant royal city for Ahab's dynasty, and the very place where Jezebel had recently met her end ([2 Kings 9:30-37](/2_kings/9-30-37 "2 Kings 9:30-37 - The Death of Jezebel")). Sending the heads to Jezreel was a highly symbolic act, completing the purge at the very heart of the Omride power base and publicly displaying the finality of their overthrow to Jehu and the populace.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 10:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message and impact the reader. The most prominent is **Graphic Imagery**, as the verse spares no detail in describing the brutal execution and the subsequent display of the seventy heads. This visceral description is intended to shock the reader, emphasize the severity of the judgment, and underscore the ruthlessness of Jehu's purge, leaving an indelible impression of the violence inherent in this divine judgment. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play; the heads in baskets are not merely proof of death but symbolize the complete and utter eradication of the Omride dynasty, leaving no trace or potential for resurgence, signifying the finality of God's judgment against Ahab's house. Furthermore, the act itself is a form of **Irony**, as the very officials entrusted with the care and protection of the royal heirs become their executioners, forced by fear and pragmatism to betray their former loyalty. This highlights the precariousness of power and the swift, often brutal, shifts in allegiance during times of political upheaval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while disturbing in its raw depiction of violence, is profoundly significant for understanding God's justice and the unwavering fulfillment of His word. It serves as a stark reminder that God is sovereign over human history and that He will ultimately bring judgment upon those who persistently defy Him and lead His people into idolatry. The complete eradication of Ahab's house, as prophesied by Elijah, demonstrates God's faithfulness to His pronouncements, even when their fulfillment involves shocking human actions. It underscores that God can use flawed human instruments, like Jehu, to accomplish His divine purposes, even if their methods are extreme and morally complex. The passage compels us to consider the far-reaching consequences of sin and rebellion, not only for individuals but for entire generations and nations. It is a powerful testament to the truth that God's patience has limits, and His justice, though sometimes slow, is always certain.

* [1 Kings 21:21-22](/1_kings/21-21-22 "1 Kings 21:21-22 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab's House")
* [2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7-10 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission to Destroy Ahab's House")
* [2 Kings 10:11](/2_kings/10-11 "2 Kings 10:11 - Jehu Completes the Purge of Ahab's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grim reality of 2 Kings 10:7 challenges us to grapple with the severity of divine judgment and the devastating consequences of systemic sin and idolatry. While the methods employed by Jehu are far removed from our contemporary ethical sensibilities and should not be emulated, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for all generations. This passage reminds us that God is not indifferent to injustice, idolatry, and the corruption of leadership. It underscores the truth that rebellion against God's commands, particularly the worship of false gods, carries devastating consequences, not only for the perpetrators but often for their descendants and the wider community. For believers, it should foster a deep reverence for God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It calls us to examine our own lives and societies for any form of idolatry or compromise that might provoke divine displeasure, encouraging repentance and a return to faithful obedience. It also prompts us to consider the weighty responsibility of leadership, both spiritual and secular, and the profound impact of our choices on those we influence, urging us to guide others in righteousness and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic nature of this judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His justice?**
* **What forms of "idolatry" or spiritual compromise might be present in our lives or society today that could invite God's displeasure or judgment?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm the reliability and ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic word, even through human instruments?**
* **What lessons can leaders, both spiritual and secular, draw from the devastating consequences of Ahab's reign as depicted here, regarding the impact of their choices?**

### FAQ
**Why were there "seventy persons" identified as the king's sons? Were they all biological children of Ahab?**

Answer: It is highly unlikely that all seventy were biological sons of King Ahab. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, the term "sons" (Hebrew: בָּנִים, _banim_) could refer more broadly to male descendants, including grandsons, nephews, or even close male relatives and prominent members of the royal household who could potentially lay claim to the throne. The number seventy often signifies a complete or comprehensive group in biblical numerology (e.g., the seventy nations in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), the seventy elders of Israel in [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Moses and the Elders Ascend Sinai")), emphasizing the thoroughness of the purge. By eliminating "seventy persons," Jehu ensured that virtually all potential male heirs and rivals from the Omride dynasty were annihilated, leaving no one to challenge his newly established reign or to continue the legacy of Baal worship. This was a common, albeit brutal, tactic in ancient coups to secure absolute power and prevent future rebellions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 10:7 depicts a brutal act of judgment and the violent end of a wicked dynasty, it points forward to Christ in profound ways, primarily through the themes of divine judgment, the eradication of sin's dominion, and the establishment of an eternal, righteous kingdom. The judgment against Ahab's house, though executed through Jehu's ruthless hand, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect judgment of God against sin and evil, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The violent end of Ahab's lineage, marked by pervasive idolatry and rebellion, anticipates the complete and final overthrow of spiritual wickedness and the powers of darkness through Christ's decisive victory ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Unlike Jehu, whose reign was still imperfect and eventually led to its own decline and the continued struggle with idolatry, Christ establishes a kingdom that is eternal, righteous, and unshakeable ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"); [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")). The fulfillment of prophecy against Ahab's house highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, a faithfulness ultimately and perfectly demonstrated in the countless prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, confirming Him as the promised Messiah and the true King who reigns forever ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture in Christ"); [Acts 3:18](/acts/3-18 "Acts 3:18 - God Fulfilled Prophecy Through Christ")). Thus, the gruesome scene in Jezreel, while a testament to God's severe justice against sin, ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and establishes a kingdom of peace, righteousness, and eternal life ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")).

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 21:21

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

2 Kings 11:1

¶ And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

2 Chronicles 21:4

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.

2 Kings 10:9

And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye [be] righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him: but who slew all these?

Judges 9:5

And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

Judges 9:57

And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

Matthew 14:8

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.