2 Kings 10:1-11
The Voice
10 Ahab had many sons in Samaria—70 in all. This is how Jehu got the best of them:
Jehu wrote many letters to Samaria—to the leaders in Jezreel, the elders, as well as the caretakers of Ahab’s children.
Jehu’s Letter: 2 When you receive this letter, you will be in the company of Ahab’s sons; and at your fingertips, you will have all the force you need—chariots, horses, weapons, and a fortified city. 3 So choose the best and strongest son of your late master to inherit the throne, and then go fight with honor for your master’s household.
4 The leaders of Jezreel became immensely afraid because of Jehu’s letter.
Leaders of Jezreel: If two mighty kings cannot survive this man, is it possible for us to survive him?
5 All the leading citizens of Jezreel—leader of the city, house managers, elders, and the children’s guardians—sent a letter back to Jehu.
Leaders’ Letter: Mighty Jehu, consider us all your servants. We will do anything you ask. But know this, we are not going to give the throne to one of Ahab’s sons. We hand this matter over to you and wish only for you to do what you think is best.
Jehu’s Reply: 6 Prove yourselves. If you have truly given yourselves over to my service and will do as I say, then I command you to behead Ahab’s sons and bring the heads to me at Jezreel this time tomorrow.
All 70 of Ahab’s sons lived with the chief men in the city, who were their guardians. 7 After the leaders of Jezreel read Jehu’s second letter, they beheaded all 70 of Ahab’s sons. It was a horrific slaughter! They then placed all the heads in baskets and transported the blood-drenched baskets to Jezreel, so that Jehu would have proof of their obedience to him.
Servant (to Jehu): 8 The heads of the late king’s sons have arrived.
Jehu: Make two piles of them at the gate entrance, and leave them there until dawn.
9 Dawn arrived, and Jehu addressed everyone.
Jehu: I speak to you who are innocent! I am responsible for slaughtering my king, but who is responsible for this slaughter? 10 The word of the Eternal One is unbreakable. All that He has said would happen to Ahab’s household has happened. His servant Elijah the prophet was His true messenger, a true man of God!
11 Jehu slaughtered everyone who belonged to Ahab’s household in Jezreel. He slaughtered all who knew Ahab—the mighty men of the city, the priests, and even mere acquaintances. There was not a single person left alive who knew Ahab.
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