What does 2 Kings 10:34 mean?
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" - 2 Kings 10:34
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
The verse 2 Kings 10:34 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" This verse is part of the historical narrative found in the book of 2 Kings, which recounts the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah as well as the prophets and events that occurred during that time.
To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to first provide some background information on the character of Jehu and the political and religious climate in ancient Israel during his reign. Jehu was a king of Israel who ruled during the 9th century BCE, and his reign is notable for his zealous efforts to rid the kingdom of the worship of Baal. In order to achieve this goal, Jehu carried out a massacre of all the priests and worshippers of Baal, as well as the royal family of the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28).
The verse in question serves as a brief summary of Jehu's rule, acknowledging his actions and achievements, and refers to the fact that a more detailed account of his reign can be found in the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." This verse also alludes to the historical and literary context of the time, as the chronicling of the kings and their deeds was a common practice in ancient Israel, and the author of 2 Kings makes reference to these sources throughout the narrative.
The verse also ties into larger themes found within the book of 2 Kings, including the religious and political struggles that characterized the history of Israel and Judah. Jehu's actions in particular reflect the ongoing tension between the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the foreign gods and idols that were introduced and embraced by the Israelites. By purging the land of Baal worship, Jehu sought to reaffirm the exclusive worship of Yahweh and to rid the kingdom of influences that led the people away from their covenant with God.
At the same time, Jehu's methods and the aftermath of his reign raise important ethical and moral questions about the use of violence and the abuse of power in the name of religious zeal. His massacre, while carried out in the name of Yahweh, is a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of religious fanaticism and the potential for power to corrupt even those who claim to act in the service of God. This serves as a cautionary tale for future leaders and for the people of Israel and Judah about the dangers of straying from the principles of justice, mercy, and righteousness that God requires.
In terms of symbolism, the book of 2 Kings and the specific verse 2 Kings 10:34 can be seen as symbolic of the larger narrative of the history of Israel and Judah, and the ongoing struggle to maintain faithfulness to God in the face of political and social challenges. The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" can be seen as a symbol of the importance of preserving and passing down the historical and spiritual legacy of the Israelite people, and the need to remember and learn from the successes and failures of the past. It also emphasizes the significance of documenting and preserving the deeds and impact of leaders, both for the people of the time and for future generations.
Overall, 2 Kings 10:34 is a verse that encapsulates the larger themes and historical context of the book of 2 Kings, and serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between religion, power, and ethics in the history of Israel and Judah. It invites readers to reflect on the consequences of human actions, the role of leadership in shaping the faith and destiny of a nation, and the enduring relevance of history as a source of wisdom and guidance.
2 Kings 10:34 Artwork
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 10:28 - "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."
2 Kings 19:34 - "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
2 Kings 21:10 - "¶ And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,"
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
2 Kings 3:10 - "And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!"
2 Kings 18:34 - "Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?"
2 Kings 15:34 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done."
2 Kings 10:26 - "And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them."
2 Chronicles 34:11 - "Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed."
1 Kings 2:10 - "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David."
2 Kings 10:36 - "And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years."
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
Ezra 10:34 - "Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,"
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 9:34 - "And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter."
2 Chronicles 34:10 - "And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:"
Psalms 2:10 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."
1 Kings 2:34 - "So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 24:10 - "¶ At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged."
2 Kings 10:32 - "¶ In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;"
2 Kings 10:35 - "And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 11:10 - "And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD."
1 Kings 4:34 - "And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom."
2 Kings 23:34 - "And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there."
2 Kings 10:16 - "And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot."
2 Kings 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"
2 Kings 25:10 - "And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about."
2 Kings 10:2 - "Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;"