And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.

2 KINGS 10:5KJV
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2 Kings 10:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:5 mean?

2 Kings 10:5 describes how the leaders of Samaria—those in charge of the palace, the city, the elders, and those raising the royal children—send a message to Jehu, declaring themselves his servants and promising to obey him. They tell Jehu they will not appoint a new king and ask him to do whatever he thinks is best.

In this verse, the people in power in Samaria are responding to Jehu, who has just taken control after the fall of King Ahab’s family. They are trying to avoid conflict by quickly submitting to Jehu’s authority, making it clear they will not resist or try to set up another king. This shows their fear of Jehu’s power and their desire to protect themselves and the city.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:5

  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word refers to the palace or the household, meaning the official in charge of the royal residence. It highlights the involvement of those closest to the king’s administration.
  • "elders" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This term means the respected leaders or senior figures in the city, showing that the entire leadership structure is submitting to Jehu.
  • "bringers up" (אָמַן, 'aman): This word means those who raise or care for the royal children, pointing to the caretakers or tutors of the royal family. Their inclusion shows that even those responsible for the next generation of rulers are surrendering.
  • "do" (עָשָׂה, 'asah): This verb is used twice, emphasizing action and obedience. The leaders are saying they will do whatever Jehu commands, stressing their complete submission.

Why 2 Kings 10:5 matters

  • 2 Kings 10:5 shows how quickly the power structure in Israel can change, with leaders shifting their loyalty to the new ruler to avoid destruction.
  • The verse highlights the fear and pragmatism of the city’s leaders, who choose survival over loyalty to the previous royal family.
  • This response sets the stage for Jehu’s consolidation of power and the elimination of Ahab’s dynasty, a key turning point in the history described in 2 Kings.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“up” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: