2 Kings 10:2
New International Version
“You have your master’s sons with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weapons. Now as soon as this letter reaches you,

New Living Translation
“The king’s sons are with you, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weapons. As soon as you receive this letter,

English Standard Version
“Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master’s sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons,

Berean Standard Bible
“When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,

King James Bible
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;

New King James Version
Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and weapons,

New American Standard Bible
“And now, when this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, as well as the chariots and horses, and a fortified city and the weapons,

NASB 1995
“Now, when this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, as well as the chariots and horses and a fortified city and the weapons,

NASB 1977
“And now, when this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, as well as the chariots and horses and a fortified city and the weapons,

Legacy Standard Bible
“So now, when this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, as well as the chariots and horses and a fortified city and the weapons,

Amplified Bible
“Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons (male descendants) are with you, as well as chariots and horses and a fortified city and weapons,

Christian Standard Bible
Your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weaponry, so when this letter arrives

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weaponry,

American Standard Version
And now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;

Contemporary English Version
Your town is strong, and you're protected by chariots and an armed cavalry. And I know that King Ahab's descendants live there with you. So as soon as you read this letter,

English Revised Version
And now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Your master's heirs are with you, and you have chariots, horses, fortified cities, and weapons. As soon as this letter reaches you,

Good News Translation
"You are in charge of the king's descendants, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, weapons, and fortified cities. So then, as soon as you receive this letter,

International Standard Version
"As soon as you receive this letter (since your master's children are with you, you have chariots and horses there with you, and you are protected by a walled city and weaponry),

Majority Standard Bible
?When this letter arrives, since your master?s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,

NET Bible
"You have with you the sons of your master, chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons. So when this letter arrives,

New Heart English Bible
"Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;

World English Bible
“Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And now, at the coming in of this letter to you, and sons of your lord [are] with you, and the chariots and the horses, and a fortified city, and the armor, [are] with you,

Young's Literal Translation
And now, at the coming in of this letter unto you, and with you are sons of your lord, and with you are the chariots and the horses, and a fenced city, and the armour,

Smith's Literal Translation
And now when this letter comes to you, and with you your lord's sons, and with you chariots and horses, and a fortified city, and weapons;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As soon as you receive these letters, ye that have your master's sons, and chariots, and horses, and fenced cities, and armour,

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Immediately when you receive these letters, you who have your lord’s sons, and chariots, and horses, and reinforced cities, and weapons,

New American Bible
“Since your master’s sons are with you, as well as his chariots, horses, fortified city, and weaponry, when this letter reaches you

New Revised Standard Version
“Since your master’s sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now as soon as this letter reaches you, seeing your master's sons are with you and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“In the moment that this letter has come to you and the sons of your Master with you, and chariots and horses with you, and the fortified cities and a supply of arms
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and armour;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now then, as soon as this letter shall have reached you, whereas there are with you the sons of your master, and with you chariots and horses, and strong cities, and arms,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Family
1Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying: 2“When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry, 3select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 21:21
This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free.

1 Kings 21:24
Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.”

1 Kings 21:29
“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”

2 Kings 9:7
And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.

2 Kings 9:8
The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel.

2 Kings 9:9
I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah.

2 Kings 9:10
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.

2 Kings 9:22
When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”

2 Kings 9:30-37
Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. ...

2 Kings 11:1
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.

2 Chronicles 22:8
So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them.

Hosea 1:4
Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:51
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

Romans 11:4
And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”


Treasury of Scripture

Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armor;

as soon

2 Kings 5:6
And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.

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Armor Armour Arms Carriages Chariots Cities City Fenced Fortified Horses Letter Master's Reaches Soon Straight Walled Weapons
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Armor Armour Arms Carriages Chariots Cities City Fenced Fortified Horses Letter Master's Reaches Soon Straight Walled Weapons
2 Kings 10
1. Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's sons to be beheaded
8. He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elijah
12. At the shearing house he slays forty-two of Ahaziah's brothers
15. He takes Jehonadab into his company
18. By subtilty he destroys all the worshippers of Baal
29. Jehu follows Jeroboam's sins
32. Hazael oppresses Israel
34. Jehoahaz succeeds Jehu














When this letter arrives
This phrase indicates the use of written communication, which was common in the ancient Near East for official and royal correspondence. Letters were often delivered by messengers and could carry significant authority. In the context of 2 Kings, Jehu's letter is a strategic move in his campaign to consolidate power and eliminate the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24).

since your master’s sons are with you
The "master's sons" refers to the sons of Ahab, the former king of Israel. Jehu is addressing the leaders of Samaria, where Ahab's descendants were being raised. This phrase highlights the political tension, as these sons were potential claimants to the throne, posing a threat to Jehu's rule. The presence of these royal heirs in Samaria underscores the city's importance as a political and military center.

and you have chariots and horses
Chariots and horses were symbols of military strength and power in ancient Israel and its surrounding regions. They were crucial for warfare, providing speed and mobility. The mention of these assets suggests that the leaders of Samaria had the means to defend the city and support a rival king, making Jehu's challenge more formidable. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of reliance on military might versus trust in God (Psalm 20:7).

a fortified city
Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a well-fortified city, strategically located on a hill, making it difficult to besiege. Its fortifications would have included walls, gates, and towers, providing a strong defense against attackers. The city's fortification is significant in the narrative, as it represents the last stronghold of Ahab's dynasty, which Jehu is determined to overthrow.

and weaponry
The mention of weaponry indicates the preparedness for conflict and the potential for resistance against Jehu's coup. Weapons in ancient Israel included swords, spears, bows, and shields. The presence of such armaments in Samaria suggests that the city was ready for battle, emphasizing the challenge Jehu faced in securing his rule. This also ties into the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over human conflicts and the futility of opposing His will (Isaiah 54:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
The newly anointed king of Israel, tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab as part of God's judgment.

2. Ahab's Sons
The seventy sons of Ahab, representing the continuation of Ahab's dynasty, which Jehu is commanded to destroy.

3. Samaria
The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ahab's sons are located.

4. Chariots and Horses
Symbols of military strength and power, indicating the resources available to Ahab's sons.

5. Fortified City
Represents the stronghold and defense mechanisms in place to protect Ahab's lineage.
Teaching Points
Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy
God's word is always fulfilled, as seen in the judgment against Ahab's house. Believers can trust in the certainty of God's promises and warnings.

The Futility of Human Strength
Despite having chariots, horses, and fortified cities, Ahab's sons could not escape God's judgment. This teaches us to rely on God rather than human resources.

Obedience to God's Commands
Jehu's actions, though violent, were in obedience to God's specific command. This challenges us to discern and obey God's will, even when it is difficult.

The Consequences of Sin
Ahab's family faced destruction due to their idolatry and sin. This serves as a warning about the serious consequences of turning away from God.(2) Now as soon as this letter cometh.--Rather, And now when this letter cometh. Only the conclusion of the letter, containing the gist of it, is reported here. (Comp. 2Kings 5:6.)

Seeing your master's sons . . . look even out (2Kings 10:3).--Rather, there are with you both your master's sons, and the chariots and the horses,and a fenced city, and the armoury: so look out the best, &c.

A fenced city.--All the versions but the Arabic have "fenced cities;" and so Josephus. There is a tone of mocking irony in Jehu's challenge to the nobles of Samaria, who were probably as luxurious and cowardly now as in the days of Amos, a few years later (Amos 3:12; Amos 6:3-6). (Comp. also Isaiah 28:1-10.) By his careful enumeration of their resources, he as good as says that his defiance is not the fruit of ignorance. . . .

Verse 2. - Now as soon as this letter cometh to you. In the East at this time, and in most parts of it to the present day, letters can only be sent by special messengers. There is no public post. Kings and private individuals must equally find persons who will undertake to carry and deliver their despatches. Even the post organized by Darius Hystaspis was not one that went daily, but only one kept ready for the king to use when he had occasion for it. Seeing your master's sons are with you. "Your master's sons" must mean Joram's sons; by which we learn that, unlike his brother Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:17), Joram had male offspring who survived him, and were now with the rest of Ahab's descendants, at Samaria. And there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armor; literally, the chariots, and the horses, a fenced city also, and the armor. The main chariot force of the country, and the chief arsenal, containing both armor and arms, were naturally at Samaria, the capital, and might thus be regarded as at the disposition of the Samaritan municipality. Jehu scornfully challenges them to make use of their resources against him. He is quite ready for a contest. Let them do their worst. The LXX. have "fenced cities" (πόλεις ὀχυραί) instead of "a fenced city;" but the existing Hebrew text is probably right Samaria was the only fortified town in their possession.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“When this
הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

letter
הַסֵּ֤פֶר (has·sê·p̄er)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

arrives,
כְּבֹ֨א (kə·ḇō)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

since
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

your master’s
אֲדֹנֵיכֶ֑ם (’ă·ḏō·nê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

are with you
וְאִתְּכֶ֖ם (wə·’it·tə·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

and you have
וְאִתְּכֶם֙ (wə·’it·tə·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

chariots
הָרֶ֣כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

and horses,
וְהַסּוּסִ֔ים (wə·has·sū·sîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

a fortified
מִבְצָ֖ר (miḇ·ṣār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

city
וְעִ֥יר (wə·‘îr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and weaponry,
וְהַנָּֽשֶׁק׃ (wə·han·nā·šeq)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5402: Military equipment, arms, an arsenal


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OT History: 2 Kings 10:2 Now as soon as this letter comes (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 10:1
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