2 Kings 10:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

2 KINGS CHAPTER 10 Jehu by his letters causeth seventy of Ahab's sons to be slain: the fact is excused by Elijah's prophecy, 2 Kings 10:1-11. Also forty-two of king Ahaziah's brethren, 2 Kings 10:12-14. By subtlety he slayeth all the priests and prophets of Ahab; breaketh down his images and temple, 2 Kings 10:18-28. He followeth the sin of Jeroboam, 2 Kings 10:29-31. Hazael oppresseth Israel: Jehoahaz suceeedeth Jehu, 2 Kings 10:32-36. Ahab had seventy sons; either, first, properly sons by several wives; or rather, secondly, grandsons are comprehended, who are oft called sons, and grandfathers fathers, in Scripture. In Samaria; either because they were bred up there, that being the chief city of the kingdom; or because upon the tidings of Joram's slaughter they fled thither, or were by their friends conveyed from several parts thither, as to the strongest place; in which it may seem by Jehu's message they intended to defend themselves and Ahab's children, and to set up one as king in Joram's stead; or rather, because they were left there by Joram when he went to Ramoth-gilead, that if the Syrians had prevailed against him, they might have safety in that very strong and great city, and he by their means succour from it. Unto the rulers of Jezreel, Heb. the princes of Jezreel, i.e. the great persons and officers of the court, which then was and had been for some time at Jezreel, who either had fled thither with Ahab's sons, upon the news of Jehu's actions and successes; or rather, had been sent by Joram with his sons to Samaria, to take care of them there. To the elders; either by age, or rather by office; the rulers or senators of Samaria. To them that brought up Ahab's children; that had a more particular care of the several children under the inspection of the princes or rulers here mentioned.