2 Kings 10:20
New International Version
Jehu said, “Call an assembly in honor of Baal.” So they proclaimed it.

New Living Translation
Then Jehu ordered, “Prepare a solemn assembly to worship Baal!” So they did.

English Standard Version
And Jehu ordered, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it.

Berean Standard Bible
And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it.

King James Bible
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

New King James Version
And Jehu said, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it.

New American Standard Bible
And Jehu said, “Proclaim a holy assembly for Baal.” And they proclaimed it.

NASB 1995
And Jehu said, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” And they proclaimed it.

NASB 1977
And Jehu said, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” And they proclaimed it.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jehu said, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” And they summoned them.

Amplified Bible
Jehu said, “Consecrate a festive assembly (celebration) for Baal.” And they proclaimed it.

Christian Standard Bible
Jehu commanded, “Consecrate a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they called one.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jehu commanded, “Consecrate a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they called one.

American Standard Version
And Jehu said, Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

Contemporary English Version
He said, "Announce a day of worship for Baal!" After the day had been announced,

English Revised Version
And Jehu said, Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jehu said, "Call a holy assembly to honor Baal." So they did.

Good News Translation
Then Jehu ordered, "Proclaim a day of worship in honor of Baal!" The proclamation was made,

International Standard Version
Jehu ordered, "Set aside a solemn assembly for Baal!" And so they proclaimed it.

Majority Standard Bible
And Jehu commanded, ?Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.? So they announced it.

NET Bible
Then Jehu ordered, "Make arrangements for a celebration for Baal." So they announced it.

New Heart English Bible
Jehu said, "Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal." They proclaimed it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

World English Bible
Jehu said, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal!” So they proclaimed it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jehu says, “Sanctify a restraint for Ba‘al”; and they proclaim [it].

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehu saith, 'Sanctify a restraint for Baal;' and they proclaim it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehu will say, Consecrate an assembly to Baal, and they will call.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Proclaim a festival for Baal. And he called,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said: “Sanctify a day of solemnity for Baal.” And he summoned

New American Bible
Jehu said further, “Proclaim a solemn assembly in honor of Baal.” They did so,

New Revised Standard Version
Jehu decreed, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jehu said, Invite all the assembly to come to Baal. And they invited them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yahu said: “Summon all the multitude to Baala!” And they summoned them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jehu said: 'Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.' And they proclaimed it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Ju said, Sanctify a solemn festival to Baal, and they made a proclamation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehu Kills the Priests of Baal
19Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal. 20And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it. 21Then Jehu sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; there was not a man who failed to show. They entered the temple of Baal, and it was filled from end to end.…

Cross References
1 Kings 18:19
Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

2 Chronicles 23:16-17
Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. / So all the people went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.

Exodus 32:5-6
When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” / So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

1 Kings 12:28-33
After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. ...

2 Kings 17:16-18
They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. / So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained,

Jeremiah 32:29
And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in, set it on fire, and burn it, along with the houses of those who provoked Me to anger by burning incense to Baal on their rooftops and by pouring out drink offerings to other gods.

Hosea 2:8
For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold—which they crafted for Baal.

Hosea 13:1-2
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died. / Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!”

1 Corinthians 10:7
Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”

Galatians 5:20
idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,

Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

1 Kings 16:31-32
And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. / First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.

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 11:18
So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. And Jehoiada the priest posted guards for the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 34:33
And Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required everyone in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.

Proclaim [heb] Sanctify

1 Kings 18:19,20
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table…

1 Kings 21:12
They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

Joel 1:14
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

Jump to Previous
Assembly Baal Ba'al Hallow Holy Honor Jehu Meeting Ordered Proclaim Proclaimed Public Restraint Sanctify Solemn Special Statement Worship
Jump to Next
Assembly Baal Ba'al Hallow Holy Honor Jehu Meeting Ordered Proclaim Proclaimed Public Restraint Sanctify Solemn Special Statement Worship
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














And Jehu commanded
Jehu, the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, was anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. His command here reflects his authority and determination to eradicate Baal worship from Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-17). Jehu's actions are part of a broader divine judgment against idolatry and apostasy in Israel.

Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.
A solemn assembly was typically a sacred gathering, often associated with religious festivals or significant events (Leviticus 23:36). However, Jehu's proclamation was a strategic deception to gather all the worshipers of Baal in one place. Baal was a Canaanite deity whose worship had been introduced into Israel by Jezebel, Ahab's wife. This false god's worship involved rituals that were abominable to the God of Israel, including idolatry and immorality. Jehu's proclamation was a cunning plan to eliminate Baal worshipers, aligning with God's command to destroy idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:12-18).

So they announced it.
The announcement indicates the compliance of the people or officials with Jehu's command, showing his influence and authority. This also reflects the widespread acceptance of Baal worship at the time, as the people were willing to gather for what they believed was a legitimate religious assembly. The announcement set the stage for Jehu's subsequent actions, which would lead to the destruction of Baal worshipers and the temple of Baal, as recorded later in the chapter (2 Kings 10:25-28). This event underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's word against idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
The king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. His actions were both politically and religiously motivated.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity whose worship was prevalent in Israel, often associated with idolatry and apostasy from the worship of Yahweh.

3. Solemn Assembly
A gathering that Jehu commanded under the pretense of worshiping Baal, which was actually a strategic move to eliminate Baal worshipers.

4. Israel
The Northern Kingdom where Jehu reigned and where Baal worship had become widespread due to the influence of previous kings like Ahab.

5. Prophets of Baal
The religious leaders and followers of Baal who were targeted by Jehu in his campaign to purify Israel from idolatry.
Teaching Points
Zeal for the Lord's Honor
Jehu's actions, though extreme, reflect a zeal for purifying Israel from idolatry. Believers today are called to have a similar zeal for God's honor, though expressed through love and truth.

Discernment in Leadership
Jehu's strategy involved deception, which raises questions about the ethics of his methods. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and wisdom, seeking God's guidance in all decisions.

The Dangers of Idolatry
The prevalence of Baal worship in Israel serves as a warning against allowing anything to take precedence over God in our lives. Modern idolatry can take many forms, such as materialism or self-worship.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
Jehu's actions were part of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and Baal worship. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and the reality of His judgment against sin.

The Importance of True Worship
The false worship of Baal contrasts with the true worship of Yahweh. Believers are encouraged to worship God in spirit and truth, as emphasized in John 4:24.(20) Proclaim a solemn assembly.--Rather, Sanctify a solemn meeting (Isaiah 1:13). Every person who wished to attend would have to "sanctify," or purify, himself in due form.

They proclaimed--i.e., gave notice of the festival by criers "through all Israel" (2Kings 10:21).

Verse 20. - And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. The word translated "solemn assembly" is the same which is applied to the great feasts of Jehovah among the Israelites in Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35; Deuteronomy 16:8; 2 Chronicles 7:9; Nehemiah 8:18; Isaiah 1:13; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:15; and Amos 5:21. Originally, it signified a time of repression, or abstention from worldly business; but it had probably grown to mean a day when worldly business was suspended for the sake of a religious gathering. Such gatherings had no doubt been held from time to time in honor of Baal; and Jehu's proclamation consequently excited no distrust. And they proclaimed it. No opposition was made to the king's wish. No Jehovist party showed itself. The "solemn assembly" was proclaimed for some day in the near future, when all the people had been apprised of it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Jehu
יֵה֗וּא (yê·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3058: Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelites

commanded,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Proclaim
קַדְּשׁ֧וּ (qad·də·šū)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

a solemn assembly
עֲצָרָ֛ה (‘ă·ṣā·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6116: An assembly, on a, festival, holiday

for Baal.”
לַבַּ֖עַל (lab·ba·‘al)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1168: Baal -- a heathen god

So they called one.
וַיִּקְרָֽאוּ׃ (way·yiq·rā·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read


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OT History: 2 Kings 10:20 Jehu said Sanctify a solemn assembly (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
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