2 Kings 10:4

4 But they panicked. They said, "If two kings couldn't stand up to him, how can we stand up to him?"

2 Kings 10:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:4

But they were exceedingly afraid
They were intimidated at once; for they saw the purport of those letters, that should they attempt anything of this kind, he would come upon them with his forces:

and said, behold, two kings stood not before him;
the kings of Israel and Judah, Joram and Ahaziah; but they were unarmed, and therefore how should they stand before an armed body of men Jehu had with him? this shows the pusillanimity of these men to make use of such an argument as this:

how then shall we stand?
that is, before Jehu; but they were in much better circumstances than the two kings, as they are truly represented in ( 2 Kings 10:2 ) .

2 Kings 10:4 In-Context

2 "Your master's heirs are with you, and you have chariots, horses, fortified cities, and weapons. As soon as this letter reaches you,

3 choose the best and most honest of your master's heirs, and put him on Ahab's throne. Fight for your master's family."

4 But they panicked. They said, "If two kings couldn't stand up to him, how can we stand up to him?"

5 So the official in charge of the palace, the mayor of the city, the respected leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: "We are your servants. We'll do everything you tell us. We won't make anyone king. Do what you think is best."

6 So he wrote them a second letter. It read, "If you are on my side and ready to listen to me, bring the heads of your master's heirs to me in Jezreel about this time tomorrow." The 70 male heirs were staying with the city's most powerful men. These men had raised them.