2 Kings 9:10

And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and [there shall be] none to bury [her]. And he opened the door, and fled.

And the dogs {H3611} shall eat {H398} Jezebel {H348} in the portion {H2506} of Jezreel {H3157}, and there shall be none to bury {H6912} her. And he opened {H6605} the door {H1817}, and fled {H5127}.

Moreover, the dogs will eat Izevel in the dumping-ground of Yizre'el, and there will be no one to bury her.'" Then he opened the door and fled.

And on the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel, and there will be no one to bury her.’” Then the young prophet opened the door and ran.

And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 9:10

This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of God's judgment against the wicked house of Ahab and Jezebel in Israel. It immediately follows the anointing of Jehu by a young prophet sent by Elisha to be king over Israel. Jehu is given a divine commission to utterly destroy the lineage of Ahab, fulfilling long-standing prophecies. Specifically, this verse pronounces Jezebel's gruesome fate, directly referencing and confirming the prophecy originally delivered by Elijah in 1 Kings 21:23.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse highlights God's unwavering justice against persistent wickedness and idolatry. Jezebel, notorious for promoting Baal worship, persecuting God's prophets, and orchestrating Naboth's murder, finally faces the severe consequences of her actions.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This passage underscores the absolute certainty and reliability of God's word. The detailed nature of Elijah's prophecy—that dogs would devour Jezebel in Jezreel and she would have no burial—is brought to pass precisely as declared, demonstrating God's sovereignty over history.
  • Consequences of Persistent Sin: Jezebel's end serves as a stark warning about the ultimate outcome of unrepentant rebellion against God. Her ignominious death and lack of burial were a profound disgrace in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying complete rejection and dishonor.

Linguistic Insights

  • "the portion of Jezreel": This phrase refers to a specific, identifiable area within the city or region of Jezreel, where Jezebel had exercised much of her influence and wickedness. It emphasizes the precise nature of the fulfillment.
  • "the dogs shall eat Jezebel": In ancient Israel, dogs were often scavengers, and to be eaten by them was considered a deeply humiliating and disgraceful end, denying the body the respect of a proper burial. This was a common fate for those under divine curse or severe judgment.
  • "none to bury [her]": This is a crucial detail. A proper burial was extremely important in ancient cultures, signifying dignity and a peaceful rest. To be left unburied, or to have one's body desecrated, was the ultimate indignity and a sign of utter rejection, not just by society but by God. It marked an ignominious end.

Practical Application

2 Kings 9:10 reminds believers today of several enduring truths. Firstly, God is a God of justice who will ultimately bring accountability for sin and rebellion, even if it seems delayed. Secondly, it reinforces the truthfulness and reliability of God's prophetic word; what He declares will surely come to pass. Finally, the tragic end of Jezebel serves as a powerful cautionary tale against persistent wickedness, idolatry, and the persecution of the righteous. It encourages a life lived in reverence and obedience to God, understanding that actions have eternal consequences.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:35 (5 votes)

    And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.

  • 2 Kings 9:36 (5 votes)

    Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This [is] the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

  • 1 Kings 21:23 (5 votes)

    And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.

  • Jeremiah 22:19 (3 votes)

    He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

  • 2 Kings 9:3 (2 votes)

    Then take the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

  • Judges 3:26 (2 votes)

    And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.