2 Kings 10:21

21 and sent into all the terms of Israel; and all the servants of Baal came, none was left, and soothly not one was that came not. And they entered into the temple of Baal; and the house of Baal was [full-]filled, from one end till to the tother. (and Jehu sent into all the land of Israel; and all the servants of Baal came, and truly there was not one who did not come. And they entered into the temple of Baal; and the house of Baal was filled full, from one end unto the other.)

2 Kings 10:21 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:21

And Jehu sent through all Israel
Persons to proclaim this solemn assembly:

and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left
that came not;
some no doubt came cheerfully, having no suspicion of him, and the rather, as he might have been a worshipper of Baal in the times of Ahab; and as for what he had done to Baal's priests, they might consider that only as they were in connection with Ahab's family, whom to destroy was his political interest; and they were glad at heart their new king was so affected to Baal, and fond to see such a grand solemnity as they expected this to be; and others that might be suspicious of him, yet as they must die if they did not appear, and there was a possibility they might live, chose therefore to come:

and they came into the house of Baal;
the temple which Ahab had built for him in Samaria, ( 1 Kings 16:32 )

and the house of Baal was full from one end to the other;
not only the body of the temple, but all the outward court, every mouth, or corner, as in the original text: and this single house might be sufficient for all in the land; since the number of them might be greatly lessened by the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, as well as by the destruction the former made of the prophets of Baal; and by the schools of the prophets set up in various places, from whence prophets were sent out to instruct the people; and by Joram's putting away the image of Baal, which no doubt lessened the number of his worshippers.

2 Kings 10:21 In-Context

19 Now therefore call ye to me all the prophets of Baal, and all his servants, and all his priests; (let) none be that come not, for (a) great sacrifice is of me to Baal; whoever shall fail (to come), he shall not live. Forsooth Jehu did this by treason, that he should destroy all the worshippers of Baal. (And so now call unto me all the prophets of Baal, and all his servants, and all his priests; let there be no one who shall not come, for I shall make a great sacrifice to Baal; whoever shall fail to come, he shall not live. But Jehu did this to deceive them, so that he could destroy all the worshippers of Baal.)
20 And he said, Hallow ye a solemn day to Baal. And Jehu called, (And he said, Proclaim ye a sacred day for Baal. And they proclaimed it,)
21 and sent into all the terms of Israel; and all the servants of Baal came, none was left, and soothly not one was that came not. And they entered into the temple of Baal; and the house of Baal was [full-]filled, from one end till to the tother. (and Jehu sent into all the land of Israel; and all the servants of Baal came, and truly there was not one who did not come. And they entered into the temple of Baal; and the house of Baal was filled full, from one end unto the other.)
22 And Jehu said to them that were sovereigns over the priests? clothes, Bring ye forth [the] vestments to all the servants of Baal; and they brought forth [the] vestments to them. (And Jehu said to them who looked after the priests? clothing, Bring ye forth the vestments for all of Baal's servants; and they brought forth the vestments for them.)
23 And Jehu entered, and Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, into the temple of Baal. And Jehu said to the worshippers of Baal, Inquire ye, and see, lest peradventure any of the servants of the Lord be with you; but that the servants be alone of Baal. (And Jehu, and Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, entered into the temple of Baal. And Jehu said to the worshippers of Baal, Inquire ye, and see, lest perhaps any of the servants of the Lord be with you; make certain that only Baal's servants be here.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.