Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 10
The people in Jezreel were in a state of shock after the deaths of the 70 young princes. They knew many of the boys and the young men who had died. One of Israel’s royal palaces was in that city. There, the boys had played, and the young men had joined the processions through the city. Ahab had been a cruel and evil king – but nothing like this had happened during his rule. The people had hoped that Jehu would be a better king.
Jehu gave a speech to them on the next day. He told them that he alone was responsible for the death of Joram. However, the people should remember who had killed these 70 princes. It was their own teachers, together with the leaders of Samaria and the palace officials. They were responsible for the care of the princes, and they had chosen to kill them.
So, Jehu spoke as if he was not responsible for their deaths. However, the truth was that he had encouraged this terrible act. Still, Jehu reminded the people that this was an act of God’s judgment. God had said, by the prophet (holy man) Elijah, that this would happen (1 Kings 21:21-24).
That statement was true – but it does not mean that Jehu acted in a right and proper manner. God had promised Israel to David, and Rechab and Baanah killed Ish-Bosheth to make it happen. David punished them as murderers (2 Samuel chapter 4). When Zimri killed Elah and his whole family, he was carrying out God’s judgment against them. However, God still considered Zimri to be an evil man (1 Kings 16:9-19).
Next part: Jehu's cruelty against Ahab's friends and advisers (2 Kings 10:11-14)
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