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2 Kings 10:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 10:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
2 Kings 10:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and unto them that brought up [the sons of] Ahab, saying,
2And 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 fortified city also, and armor;
3look ye out the best and meetest of your master`s sons, and set him on his father`s throne, and fight for your master`s house.
4But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
5And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and they that brought up [the children], sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any man king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
6Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be on my side, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master`s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to-morrow this time. Now the king`s sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up.
7And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king`s sons, and slew them, even seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them unto him to Jezreel.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But they were exceedingly afraid, etc.] 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 (<121002>2 Kings 10:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Two kings - literally, “the two kings,” i. e., Jehoram and Ahaziah 2 Kings 9:21-28. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Behold: Kg2 9:24, Kg2 9:27 how then shall: Isa 27:4; Jer 49:19; Nah 1:6; Luk 14:31 4 Kings (2 Kings) 10:5”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“This ruse had the desired result. The recipients of the letter were in great fear, and said, Two kings could not stand before him, how shall we? and sent messengers to announce their submission, and to say that they were willing to carry out his commands, and had no desire to appoint a king. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 10:6”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification