2 Kings 10:5

5 So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: "We are your servants. Whatever you say, we'll do. We're not making anyone king here. You're in charge - do what you think best."

2 Kings 10:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:5

And he that was over the house
The king's palace in Samaria, who had the custody, care, and government of it:

and he that was over the city;
the commander and governor of it, that had the highest post in it under the king;

the elders also
all other subordinate officers and magistrates:

and the bringers up of the children;
who had the education of the king's sons committed to them:

sent to Jehu, saying, we are thy servants, and will do all that thou
shall bid us.
They were ready to do homage, and swear allegiance to him as their king, and obey all his commands as faithful subjects:

we will not make any king;
or set up any on the throne, no, not any of the sons or grandsons of Ahab:

do thou that which is good in thine eyes,
we will never oppose thee.

2 Kings 10:5 In-Context

3 Pick the best and most capable of your master's sons and put him on the throne. Prepare to fight for your master's position.
4 They were absolutely terrified at the letter. They said, "Two kings have already been wiped out by him; what hope do we have?"
5 So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: "We are your servants. Whatever you say, we'll do. We're not making anyone king here. You're in charge - do what you think best."
6 Then Jehu wrote a second letter: If you are on my side and are willing to follow my orders, here's what you do: Decapitate the sons of your master and bring the heads to me by this time tomorrow in Jezreel.
7 When they got the letter, they took the king's sons and killed all seventy. Then they put the heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.