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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 10:4 But they were terrified and reasoned, "If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/10-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/12_2Ki_10_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 10:4 - Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Family" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But they were terrified and reasoned, If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/10-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/10-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/10-3.htm" title="2 Kings 10:3">◄</a> 2 Kings 10:4 <a href="/2_kings/10-5.htm" title="2 Kings 10:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But they were terrified and said, &#8220If two kings could not resist him, how can we?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But they were paralyzed with fear and said, “We’ve seen that two kings couldn’t stand against this man! What can we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid and said, “Behold, the two kings could not stand before him. How then can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, “Look, two kings could not stand up to him; how then can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they feared greatly and said, “Behold, the two kings did not stand <i>firm</i> before him; how then can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But they feared greatly and said, &#8220Behold, the two kings did not stand before him; how then can we stand?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But they feared greatly and said, “Behold, the two kings did not stand before him; how then can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But they feared exceedingly greatly and said, “Behold, the two kings did not stand before him; how then can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But they were extremely afraid and said, “Look, the two kings did not stand before Jehu; so how can we stand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, they were terrified and reasoned, “Look, two kings couldn’t stand against him; how can we? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, they were terrified and reasoned, &#8220Look, two kings couldn&#8217t stand against him; how can we?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The officials and leaders read the letters and were very frightened. They said to each other, "Jehu has already killed King Joram and King Ahaziah! We have to do what he says." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But they panicked. They said, "If two kings couldn't stand up to him, how can we stand up to him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The rulers of Samaria were terrified. "How can we oppose Jehu," they said, "when neither King Joram nor King Ahaziah could?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were too terrified, and so they told one another, "Look! Two previous kings couldn't stand up to Jehu, so how can we?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were terrified and reasoned, ?If two kings could not stand against him, how can we??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They were absolutely terrified and said, "Look, two kings could not stop him! How can we?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, "Look, the two kings did not stand before him. How then shall we stand?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, “Behold, the two kings didn’t stand before him! How then shall we stand?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they fear very greatly, and say, “Behold, the two kings have not stood before him, and how do we stand—we?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they fear very greatly, and say, 'Lo, the two kings have not stood before him, and how do we stand -- we?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will fear greatly, greatly, and say, Behold, two kings stood not before him, and how shall we stand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said: Behold two kings could not stand before him, and how shall we be able to resist? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But they were vehemently afraid, and they said: “Behold, two kings were not able to stand before him. So how will we be able to withstand him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They were overcome with fright and said, “If the two kings could not withstand him, how can we?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were utterly terrified and said, “Look, two kings could not withstand him; how then can we stand?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But when they heard the letter, they were exceedingly afraid and said, Behold, two kings could not stand before Jehu; how then shall we stand before him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they were very afraid when they heard, and they said: “Behold, two Kings have not stood before him! How shall we stand before him?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But they were exceedingly afraid, and said: 'Behold, the two kings stood not before him; how then shall we stand?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they feared greatly, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: and how shall we stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/10-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=3357" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/10.htm">Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Family</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">But they were terrified</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and reasoned,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê (Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·mə·lā·ḵîm (Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">against him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: wə·’êḵ (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">how</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: na·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations."></a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·nā·ḥə·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">can we?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>So the palace administrator, 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 say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">1 Kings 21:25-26</a></span><br />(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. / He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-7.htm">2 Kings 9:7-10</a></span><br />And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. / The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel. / I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-31.htm">1 Kings 16:31-33</a></span><br />And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. / First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. / Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-22.htm">2 Kings 9:22</a></span><br />When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-30.htm">2 Kings 9:30-37</a></span><br />Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-17.htm">1 Kings 19:17</a></span><br />Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-1.htm">2 Kings 11:1-3</a></span><br />When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. / But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed. / And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20-24</a></span><br />When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. / I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-14.htm">2 Kings 9:14-16</a></span><br />Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” / Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a></span><br />And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Revelation 2:20-23</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. / Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. / Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Luke 11:51</a></span><br />from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-11</a></span><br />Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” / Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Mark 6:17-28</a></span><br />For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. / For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” / So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?</p><p class="hdg">behold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">2 Kings 9:24,27</a></b></br> And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot… </p><p class="hdg">how then shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/27-4.htm">Isaiah 27:4</a></b></br> Fury <i>is</i> not in me: who would set the briers <i>and</i> thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jeremiah 49:19</a></b></br> Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who <i>is</i> a chosen <i>man, that</i> I may appoint over her? for who <i>is</i> like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who <i>is</i> that shepherd that will stand before me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/1-6.htm">Nahum 1:6</a></b></br> Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-19.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-26.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-23.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-49.htm">Terrified</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/19-6.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-2.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-38.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-34.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-8.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-9.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Terrified</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-1.htm">Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's sons to be beheaded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-8.htm">He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elijah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-12.htm">At the shearing house he slays forty-two of Ahaziah's brothers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-15.htm">He takes Jehonadab into his company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-18.htm">By subtilty he destroys all the worshippers of Baal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-29.htm">Jehu follows Jeroboam's sins</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-32.htm">Hazael oppresses Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/10-34.htm">Jehoahaz succeeds Jehu</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But they were terrified and reasoned</b><br>The context of this passage is the aftermath of Jehu's anointing as king over Israel, tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab. The fear expressed here is a common reaction to divine judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy. Jehu's reputation for decisive and violent action, as seen in his previous encounters, instills fear. This fear is reminiscent of the fear of God seen throughout Scripture, where individuals recognize the power and authority of God's chosen instruments. The reasoning among the people reflects a moment of clarity and acknowledgment of their precarious situation, similar to the fear and reasoning seen in the hearts of the Egyptians during the plagues (<a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Exodus 9:20</a>).<p><b>“If two kings could not stand against him</b><br>This phrase refers to the recent deaths of King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, both of whom were unable to withstand Jehu's assault. This highlights Jehu's effectiveness and the divine mandate behind his actions. The inability of these two kings to stand against Jehu underscores the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy against the house of Ahab (<a href="/1_kings/21-21.htm">1 Kings 21:21-24</a>). It also serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will, as seen in other biblical narratives such as Pharaoh's resistance to Moses (Exodus 7-12).<p><b>how can we?”</b><br>The rhetorical question posed here reflects a sense of inevitability and submission to the unfolding events. It acknowledges the power and authority of Jehu, who acts as an instrument of God's judgment. This sentiment is echoed in other biblical accounts where individuals recognize their inability to resist God's chosen leaders, such as the Israelites' submission to Joshua (<a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a>). The phrase also points to the broader theme of divine sovereignty, where human efforts are ultimately subordinate to God's plans, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jehu.htm">Jehu</a></b><br>The newly anointed king of Israel, tasked by God to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_two_kings.htm">The Two Kings</a></b><br>Refers to Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, both of whom were defeated by Jehu.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the officials and elders were located, who were addressed in this verse.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab's_house.htm">Ahab's House</a></b><br>The royal family and descendants of Ahab, who were under threat from Jehu's divinely appointed mission.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders_and_guardians.htm">The Elders and Guardians</a></b><br>The officials and leaders in Samaria responsible for the care of Ahab's descendants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>Jehu's success against the two kings illustrates God's control over nations and leaders. Believers should trust in God's ultimate justice and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_man_vs._fear_of_god.htm">Fear of Man vs. Fear of God</a></b><br>The officials' fear of Jehu highlights the human tendency to fear earthly power more than divine authority. Christians are called to prioritize reverence for God above all else.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The downfall of Ahab's house serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God. Believers should examine their lives for areas of compromise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>The elders and guardians in Samaria faced a critical decision. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility to align with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Despite the chaos and fear, God's plan was unfolding. Believers can find peace in knowing that God's purposes will prevail, even in uncertain times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_events_are_described_in_2_kings.htm">What events are described in 2 Kings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ophir's_gold_in_psalm_45_9_proven.htm">Is there any conclusive archaeological proof for the specific 'gold of Ophir' mentioned in Psalm 45:9, and, if not, does this cast doubt on the psalm's accuracy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_debate_timing_in_micah_4_10.htm">If Micah 4:10 implies Babylonian captivity, why is there debate among scholars about the historical timing and references to Assyria in nearby verses?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_jehu's_purge_evidence.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence for Jehu's widespread purge and the destruction of the Baal temple in 2 Kings 10:27?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">But they were exceedingly afraid.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">And they feared mightily, mightily.</span> (Comp. <a href="/genesis/7-19.htm" title="And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.">Genesis 7:19</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Two kings.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">the two kings</span>. The word <span class= "ital">kings</span> is emphatic.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But they wore exceedingly afraid.</span> They were men of peace, not men of war - accustomed to discharge the duties of judges and magistrates, not of commandants and generals. They could not count on the obedience even of the troops in Samaria, much less on that of any others who might be in garrison elsewhere. They would naturally have been afraid of taking up arms under almost any circumstances. What, however, caused them now such excessive fear was probably the tone which Jehu had adopted - his "scornful challenge," as it has been called. He evidently entertained no fear himself. He dared them to do that which he pretended to recommend them to do. They must have felt that he was laughing at them in his sleeve. <span class="cmt_word">And said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?</span> The kings intended are Joram and Ahaziah, who had confronted Jehu, and had met their deaths. What were they that they should succeed where "two kings" had failed? The argument was fallacious, and a mere cloak for cowardice. The two kings had been taken by surprise, and treacherously murdered. Their fate could prove nothing concerning the probable issue of a civil war, had the "princes" ventured to commence it. It must be admitted, however, that the chance of success was but slight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/10-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But they were terrified</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and reasoned,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">two</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kings</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּלָכִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stand</span><br /><span class="heb">עָמְד֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·mə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against him,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֖יךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’êḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> </span><span class="str2">How?, how!, where</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can we?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nā·ḥə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/10-4.htm">2 Kings 10:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/10-4.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 10:4 But they were exceedingly afraid and said (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/10-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 10:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 10:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/10-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 10:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 10:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>