2 Kings 10:18

Jehu Kills the Baal Worshipers

18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said to them, "Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot.

2 Kings 10:18 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:18

And Jehu gathered all the people together
The people of Samaria, at least the principal of them:

and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little, [but] Jehu shall serve
him much;
which some understand as spoken ironically; but the words seem to be spoken with a design to deceive the idolatrous inhabitants of Samaria, making them to believe that he was hearty in the worship of Baal, and should show a greater respect to it, and more constantly attend it, than Ahab had done; and this he said with a view to draw them to the temple of Baal, and there destroy them, as the sequel shows; and in which he is not to be justified, however good his intention was; for evil is not to be done that good may come.

2 Kings 10:18 In-Context

16 Then he said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord!" So he let him ride with him in his chariot.
17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down all who remained from [the house of] Ahab in Samaria until he had annihilated his house, according to the word of the Lord spoken to Elijah.
18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said to them, "Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot.
19 Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. None must be missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live." However, Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.
20 Jehu commanded, "Consecrate a solemn assembly for Baal." So they called one.
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