Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master’s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king’s sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up.
Then he wrote a second letter to them, saying, 'If you are on my side and will listen to me, take the heads of your master's sons and bring them to me in Jezreel by this time tomorrow.' Now there were seventy of the king's sons who were being raised by the important leaders of the city.
Jehu is demanding that the city leaders prove their loyalty to him by killing all seventy of King Ahab's descendants and bringing their heads as proof.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Jehu was a military commander anointed as king of Israel by the prophet Elisha to fulfill God's judgment on the wicked dynasty of Ahab, who had led the nation into idolatry and murder. This letter was part of Jehu's ruthless campaign to eliminate Ahab's descendants and secure his throne, as prophesied, by ordering the elders of Samaria to kill the royal sons. The great men of the city were influential figures responsible for raising these seventy sons, making them complicit in the political power struggles of the time.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.