Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 10
Jehu was killing the friends of Ahab (verse 11). These powerful and evil men were the chief advisers in the governments of Ahab and then his sons. So, of course, Jehu would need new advisers in his new government. He knew that they would have to be powerful and capable leaders.
Jehu was looking for men with similar attitudes to him, with whom he could establish a strong friendship. He already had the support of the army commanders (9:11-13). Then Jehu met Jehonadab. Jehonadab was a wise man whom Jehu respected deeply. Importantly, Jehonadab hated the religion of the false god Baal as much as Jehu did. Jehu gave him the honour to ride with him in his chariot (a military vehicle that horses pulled). It seems that he became one of Jehu’s chief advisers.
We read more about Jehonadab and his rules for his family in Jeremiah chapter 35. At the time of Ahab, Israel’s people had a great desire for comfort, luxury and pleasure. Jehonadab believed that this desire was causing them to turn away from the true God. They were building new cities with splendid temples (the houses of false gods). They loved to drink much wine, both for their own pleasure, and as part of their false religions.
Jehonadab ordered his family, called the Recabites, that they must not live like that. Instead, they should live in a simpler way, in tents, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had done. They should refuse wine, as the holy people called Nazirites did (Numbers chapter 6). Then, God would help them, Jehonadab taught. They would be able to remain in their country for a long time (Jeremiah 35:7; compare Deuteronomy 11:18-21).
Next part: Jehu in Samaria (2 Kings 10:17)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2025, Keith Simons.