2 Kings 10:5

5 So the overseer of the palace, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent [a message] to Jehu: "We are your servants, and we will do whatever you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever you think is right." ^[a]

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 select the most qualified of your master's sons, set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.

4 However, they were terrified and reasoned, "Look, two kings couldn't stand against him; how can we?"

5 So the overseer of the palace, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent [a message] to Jehu: "We are your servants, and we will do whatever you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever you think is right."

6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying: If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, bring me the heads of your master's sons at this time tomorrow at Jezreel. All 70 of the king's sons were being cared for by the city's prominent men.

7 When the letter came to them, they took the king's sons and slaughtered all 70, put their heads in baskets, and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit Do what is good in your eyes