2 Kings 9:26

KJV

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely I have seen {H7200} yesterday {H570} the blood {H1818} of Naboth {H5022}, and the blood {H1818} of his sons {H1121}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; and I will requite {H7999} thee in this plat {H2513}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}. Now therefore take {H5375} and cast {H7993} him into the plat {H2513} of ground, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'ADONAI says: "Yesterday I saw the blood of Navot and the blood of his sons." ADONAI also says: "I will pay you back in this field."' Therefore, pick him up; and throw him into the field, in keeping with what ADONAI said."

Berean Standard Bible

‘As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, so will I repay you on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.”

American Standard Version

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith Jehovah; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith Jehovah. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:26 records the Lord's declaration of judgment against the house of Ahab, delivered through Jehu, who has just executed King Joram, Ahab's son. This verse directly links Joram's demise to the unpunished murder of Naboth and his sons, prophesied decades earlier. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that He sees, remembers, and will ultimately requite every act of injustice, often in a manner that perfectly mirrors the original transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in Jehu's divinely appointed mission to eradicate the Omride dynasty. The narrative begins with Jehu's anointing by a prophet of Elisha, explicitly commissioned to "strike down the house of Ahab" for their idolatry and bloodshed, particularly the blood of God's servants and Naboth [2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission"). Jehu immediately sets out with his company, encountering King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah at Naboth's vineyard [2 Kings 9:21](/2_kings/9-21 "2 Kings 9:21 - Joram and Ahaziah Meet Jehu"). After a brief exchange, Jehu shoots Joram through the heart [2 Kings 9:24](/2_kings/9-24 "2 Kings 9:24 - Joram is Struck Down"). It is immediately after Joram falls that Jehu turns to Bidkar, his aide, and gives the command found in this verse, explicitly recalling the prophecy of Elijah. The act of casting Joram's body into Naboth's field is the physical manifestation of this divine judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent execution of Jezebel and the rest of Ahab's descendants.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Omride dynasty, particularly King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, were notorious for introducing and promoting Baal worship in Israel, leading to widespread idolatry and persecution of Yahweh's prophets. The incident of Naboth's vineyard, recounted in [1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"), serves as the foundational injustice that precipitates the judgment in 2 Kings 9. Ahab coveted Naboth's ancestral inheritance, and when Naboth refused to sell, Jezebel orchestrated a scheme involving false witnesses and a rigged trial to have Naboth and his sons stoned to death for blasphemy, thereby allowing Ahab to seize the vineyard. This act was a profound violation of Israelite law and covenant principles, particularly the sanctity of ancestral land and the prohibition against covetousness and murder. The concept of "requital" or divine retribution was a powerful theological principle in ancient Israel, often manifesting as a "measure for measure" justice, where the punishment mirrored the crime, sometimes even in the same location.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within the Deuteronomistic History and the prophetic books. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's active involvement in human affairs and His unwavering commitment to judging injustice. The phrase "I will requite thee in this plat" highlights the principle of poetic justice, where the punishment directly relates to the crime and its location. Secondly, it demonstrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically Elijah's pronouncement against Ahab's house in [1 Kings 21:19-24](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab and Jezebel"), proving that God's word is certain and will not return void, regardless of the passage of time. Thirdly, it underscores the **Consequences of Unrepentant Sin**, particularly those involving covetousness, murder, and idolatry, showing that the effects of sin can extend across generations and lead to severe, even generational, judgment. Finally, it illustrates God's **Sovereignty**, as He uses human agents like Jehu to execute His righteous decrees and bring about His purposes in history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **requite (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a broad semantic range, meaning "to visit," "to attend to," "to appoint," but also "to punish" or "to hold accountable." In this context, it signifies divine vengeance or just recompense for the evil committed by Ahab and Jezebel. It implies God's active intervention to settle accounts and ensure justice is served. It is not merely a passive observation but an active, decisive act of judgment.
* **plat (Hebrew, _ḥelqah'_):** This noun refers to a "portion," "field," or "plot of ground." Its specificity here is crucial. It is not just any field, but the very "plat" of Naboth's vineyard, the scene of the original crime. This precise geographical detail emphasizes the "measure for measure" nature of God's justice, where the place of transgression becomes the place of retribution, making the judgment undeniably clear and symbolic.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dam'_):** In ancient Israelite thought, "blood" was synonymous with life, and the shedding of innocent blood was a heinous crime that "cried out" for justice [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - The Voice of Abel's Blood"). The repeated mention of "the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons" highlights the severity of the original sin, emphasizing the complete destruction of Naboth's lineage and the profound guilt incurred by Ahab and Jezebel. It signifies the life unjustly taken and the lasting stain of that injustice in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD":** This opening clause is a powerful divine declaration. The phrase "yesterday" from God's perspective does not imply a recent event in human time, but rather that the injustice is perpetually fresh and present in God's memory. God's omniscience means no crime goes unseen, and His perfect memory ensures no injustice is forgotten. The specific mention of "Naboth, and the blood of his sons" underscores the comprehensive nature of the original crime—not just Naboth, but his entire lineage was wiped out to seize his inheritance, intensifying the guilt and the subsequent divine wrath. This is God's direct testimony, affirming His knowledge and righteous indignation.
* **"and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD":** This is the core of the divine judgment. "Requite" signifies God's active repayment or vengeance. The pronoun "thee" refers to Joram, representing the house of Ahab, indicating that the judgment for the sins of the parents is now falling upon the offspring. The critical phrase "in this plat" directly links the punishment to the scene of the original crime, Naboth's vineyard. This is a vivid demonstration of poetic justice, where the very ground defiled by injustice becomes the ground of retribution, ensuring a clear and undeniable connection between sin and its consequence.
* **"Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.":** This is Jehu's direct command to Bidkar, his captain, to execute the divine judgment. The imperative "take and cast him" emphasizes the immediate and physical fulfillment of the prophecy. Joram's body, representing the culmination of Ahab's wicked lineage, is to be desecrated by being left unburied in the very field that was unjustly acquired. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" explicitly states that Jehu is merely an instrument in God's hands, carrying out a preordained divine decree, underscoring God's sovereignty and the certainty of His prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Poetic Justice**, as the punishment for Ahab's house occurs precisely in the location of their heinous crime. Joram's body is cast into Naboth's vineyard, where Naboth's blood was shed, creating a powerful and undeniable link between the sin and its consequence. This serves as a stark **Fulfillment** of Elijah's prophecy against Ahab in [1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Elijah's Prophecy"). The narrative demonstrates **Irony** in that the very land Ahab coveted and acquired through murder now becomes the site of his son's ignominious end. The "plat" itself functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing not only the specific location of the crime but also the enduring memory of injustice in God's sight and the certainty of His impending judgment. The recurring mention of "blood" also serves as **Symbolism**, representing life unjustly taken and the indelible guilt that cries out for divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 9:26 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine justice, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to human suffering or wrongdoing. He is a righteous judge who sees, remembers, and will ultimately bring about recompense for every injustice. This passage reminds us that while God may be patient, His word is sure, and His judgments are certain, even if they are delayed across generations. It underscores the gravity of sin, particularly those involving covetousness, violence, and the oppression of the innocent, showing that such actions have severe and lasting consequences. For the believer, this truth provides both comfort—knowing that God will ultimately right all wrongs—and a sober warning about accountability, motivating a pursuit of righteousness and justice in our own lives and in society.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Will Not Go Unpunished")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient narrative of divine retribution holds profound relevance for believers today. It calls us to a deep trust in God's sovereign justice, even when the world around us seems rife with unpunished evil. We are reminded that God sees every hidden injustice, hears every cry of the oppressed, and will, in His perfect timing, bring about His righteous judgment. This should stir within us a renewed commitment to personal holiness, understanding the serious consequences of sin, and to actively pursuing justice and mercy in our communities, reflecting the very character of God. While we are not called to take vengeance into our own hands, we are called to be agents of righteousness, advocating for the vulnerable and standing against oppression, knowing that our God is ultimately the one who "requites."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's justice in this passage comfort you when you witness injustice in the world today?**
* **What specific actions can you take to advocate for justice and mercy in your own sphere of influence, reflecting God's character?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge your understanding of the long-term consequences of sin, both personally and corporately?**

### FAQ

**Why did God wait so long to bring judgment upon Ahab's house for Naboth's murder?**

Answer: God's timing is often not our timing, but it is always perfect. While the immediate prophecy against Ahab for Naboth's murder was given in [1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Elijah's Prophecy"), Ahab's temporary repentance led God to defer the full judgment until his son's generation [1 Kings 21:29](/1_kings/21-29 "1 Kings 21:29 - Judgment Deferred"). This demonstrates God's patience and long-suffering, offering opportunity for repentance. However, it also underscores the certainty of His word; though delayed, the judgment was not denied. God's justice is unwavering, and His promises, both of blessing and judgment, will ultimately be fulfilled.

**Was Jehu justified in his brutal actions, or was he merely a ruthless opportunist?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents Jehu as God's chosen instrument to execute a specific divine judgment against the house of Ahab. He was anointed by a prophet of Elisha with the explicit commission to "strike down the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the Lord" [2 Kings 9:7](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7 - Jehu's Commission"). While his methods were indeed brutal, they were carried out "according to the word of the LORD" [2 Kings 9:26](/2_kings/9-26 "2 Kings 9:26 - Jehu's Fulfillment of Prophecy"). The text does not portray him as acting out of personal ambition but as fulfilling a divine mandate, even though later in his reign, Jehu himself fell short of fully following the Lord [2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Failure").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 9:26 depicts a severe act of Old Testament judgment, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of divine justice in Jesus Christ. The "blood of Naboth and his sons" crying out for justice finds its ultimate answer not in human retribution, but in the innocent blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world. On the cross, Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, becoming the ultimate "requital" for humanity's rebellion [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). He did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save"). Yet, He is also the one appointed by God to be the final judge of the living and the dead [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment"). Thus, the certainty of God's justice, so vividly displayed in Jehu's actions, finds its perfect expression in Christ's atoning sacrifice for those who believe, and in His future return to execute righteous judgment upon all unrighteousness, ensuring that every injustice will ultimately be addressed and every wrong made right in His perfect timing [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

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

Ezekiel 18:19

Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, [and] hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

Deuteronomy 5:9

Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 24:16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

2 Chronicles 24:25

And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

2 Chronicles 25:4

But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.