And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

2 KINGS 10:23KJV
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2 Kings 10:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:23 mean?

2 Kings 10:23 describes how Jehu and Jehonadab entered the temple of Baal and instructed the worshippers of Baal to make sure that only Baal’s followers were present, and that none of the LORD’s servants were among them. This was part of Jehu’s plan to separate the worshippers of Baal from those loyal to the LORD.

Jehu, who had become king of Israel, was working with Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, to eliminate Baal worship from Israel. In this verse, Jehu is speaking directly to the worshippers of Baal, telling them to carefully check that only true Baal worshippers are inside the temple. This careful separation set the stage for Jehu’s later actions against Baal worship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:23

  • The word for “worshippers” is עֹבְדֵי (ʿovdei), from a root meaning “to serve” or “to work.” Here, it refers specifically to those who serve Baal, highlighting their active role in Baal worship.
  • The word for “servants” is עֶבֶד (ʿeved), which often means a servant or slave. In this verse, it refers to those who serve the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), making a clear distinction between the two groups.
  • The command “Search” uses the word פָּקַד (paqad), which can mean to inspect or take account. Jehu is telling the Baal worshippers to be thorough in making sure only their own group is present.

Why 2 Kings 10:23 matters

  • This verse shows Jehu’s strategy: he is not just attacking Baal worship openly, but carefully making sure no followers of the LORD are caught up in what is about to happen.
  • The distinction between Baal worshippers and the LORD’s servants is emphasized, showing the seriousness of the divide in Israel at the time.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the following events, where Jehu destroys the worshippers of Baal, fulfilling his mission to remove Baal worship from Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Jehonadab” Hebrew H3082 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • Jeremiah 35:8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;
  • Jeremiah 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

“Rechab” Hebrew H7394 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin:(for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:
  • 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
  • Jeremiah 35:8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

“Search” Hebrew H2664 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.
  • 1 Kings 22:30 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
  • Proverbs 2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

“Jehu” Hebrew H3058 · used in 54 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
  • 2 Kings 10:31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.