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2 Kings 10
Jehu Kills the House of Ahab
1 Since Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria,(C1) Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the rulers of Jezreel,(C2) to the elders, and to the guardians of Ahab’s sons,(F1) saying:
1 Now Ach'av had seventy sons in Shomron. Yehu wrote letters, and sent to Shomron, to the rulers of Yizre`el, even the Zakenim, and to those who brought up [the sons of] Ach'av, saying,
1 And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,
Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Descendants
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in (a)Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of the city,[a] to the elders, and to (b)the guardians of the sons[b] of Ahab, saying,
Families of Ahab and Ahaziah Killed
1 Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officers and elders of Jezreel and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab. Jehu said,
Jehu Wipes Out Ahab's Family
1 Ahab had seventy sons living in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the leading officials of Jezreel and to the guardians of Ahab's dynasty. This is what the letters said,
Judgment upon Ahab's House
1 Ahab had seventy sons and grandsons in (C1)Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the children of Ahab, saying,
Judgment upon Ahab's House
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in (C1)Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the officials of Jezreel, the elders, and to the guardians of the children of Ahab, saying,
1 Ahab had nowe seuentie sonnes in Samaria. And Iehu wrote letters, & sent to Samaria vnto the rulers of Izreel, and to the Elders, and to ye bringers vp of Ahabs children, to this effect,
The Heads of Ahab's Sons Sent to Jehu
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in (C1)Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, the elders, and to the guardians of the children of Ahab, saying,
Jehu Kills All of Ahab's Descendants
1 Ahab still had seventy descendants living in Samaria. So Jehu wrote a letter to each of the important leaders and officials of the town,[a] and to those who supported Ahab. In the letters he wrote:
1 There were seventy descendants of Ach'av in Shomron. Yehu wrote letters and sent them to Shomron to the rulers of Yizre‘el, to the leaders, and to the guardians of Ach'av's sons. The letters said,
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the princes of Jizreel, to the elders, and to Ahab's guardians, saying,
Jehu Writes the Leaders of Samaria
1 Ahab had 70 sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the rulers and leaders of Jezreel.[a] He also sent the letters to the people who raised Ahab's sons saying,
1 AND Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And they were brought up by the nobles of the city. And Jehu wrote a letter and sent it to Samaria, to the princes of Jezreel, to the elders, and to those who brought up Ahabs children, saying,
The Descendants of Ahab Are Killed
1 There were seventy descendants of King Ahab living in the city of Samaria. Jehu wrote a letter and sent copies to the rulers of the city,[a] to the leading citizens, and to the guardians of Ahab's descendants. The letter read:
Jehu Continues Purging the House of Ahab
1 Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria, and Jehu wrote letters, and he sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders and to the guardians of Ahab, saying,
1 And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, the elders, and to the supporters of Ahab, saying,
1 Achab had thre score and ten sonnes at Samaria. And Iehu wrote a letter, and sent it to Samaria, vnto the rulers of the cite Iesrael, euen vnto the Elders, & to Achabs tuters, sayenge these wordes:
1 Now 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,
1 Now there were in Samaria seventy of Ahab's sons. And Jehu sent letters to Samaria, to the rulers of the town, and to the responsible men, and to those who had the care of the sons of Ahab, saying,
1 Ahab had threescore & ten sonnes in Samaria: And Iehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, vnto the rulers of Iezrahel, to the elders, and to them that brought vp Ahabs children, saying:
1 Now 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:
1 And Ahab had seuentie sonnes in Samaria: and Iehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria vnto the rulers of Iezreel, to the Elders, and to them that brought vp Ahabs children, saying,
1 And Achaab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Ju wrote a letter, and sent it into Samaria to the rulers of Samaria, and to the elders, and to the guardians of the children of Achaab, saying.
1 Now 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,
Jehu Slaughters Ahab’s Family
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel(a), to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons(a) of Ahab, saying:
1 Forsothe seuenti sones in Samarie weren to Achab. Therfor Hieu wroot lettris, and sente in to Samarie to the beste men of the citee, and to the gretter men in birthe, and to alle the nurschis of Achab, and seide,
1 And Ahab hath seventy sons in Samaria, and Jehu writeth letters, and sendeth to Samaria, unto the heads of Jezreel, the elders, and unto the supporters of Ahab, saying,
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters to the rulers of Samaria, to the elders of Jezreel, and to the tutors [appointed by] Ahab, saying,
1 And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's [children], saying,
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up [the sons of] Ahab, saying,
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote and sent letters to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, [fn] to the elders, and to those who reared Ahab's sons, saying:
Jehu Kills Ahab's Family
1 Ahab had seventy sons living in the city of Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the elders and officials of the city,[a] and to the guardians of King Ahab's sons. He said,
Ahab's Seventy Sons Are Killed
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters. He sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the leaders, and to those who took care of Ahab's children. He said,
Massacre of Ahab's Descendants
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel,[a] to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of[b] Ahab, saying,
1 Now, Ahab, had seventy sons in Samaria, - so Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel - the elders, and unto them who had been foster-parents for Ahab, saying:
1 And Achab had seventy sons in Samaria: so Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the chief men of the city, and to the ancients, and to them that brought up Achab’s children, saying:
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Sama'ria. So Jehu wrote letters, and sent them to Sama'ria, to the rulers of the city, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying,
1 And Ahab has seventy sons in Samaria, and Jehu writes letters, and sends [them] to Samaria, to the heads of Jezreel, the elderly, and to those supporting Ahab, saying,1-2 Ahab had seventy sons still living in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters addressed to the officers of Jezreel, the city elders, and those in charge of Ahab's sons, and posted them to Samaria. The letters read:
2-3 This letter is fair warning. You're in charge of your master's children, chariots, horses, fortifications, and weapons. Pick the best and most capable of your master's sons and put him on the throne. Prepare to fight for your master's position.
4 They were absolutely terrified at the letter. They said, "Two kings have already been wiped out by him; what hope do we have?"
5 So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: "We are your servants. Whatever you say, we'll do. We're not making anyone king here. You're in charge—do what you think best."
6-7 Then Jehu wrote a second letter:
If you are on my side and are willing to follow my orders, here's what you do: Decapitate the sons of your master and bring the heads to me by this time tomorrow in Jezreel.
The king's sons numbered seventy. The leaders of the city had taken responsibility for them. When they got the letter, they took the king's sons and killed all seventy. Then they put the heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel.
8 A messenger reported to Jehu: "They've delivered the heads of the king's sons."
He said, "Stack them in two piles at the city gate until morning."
9-10 In the morning Jehu came out, stood before the people, and addressed them formally: "Do you realize that this very day you are participants in God's righteous workings? True, I am the one who conspired against my master and assassinated him. But who, do you suppose, is responsible for this pile of skulls? Know this for certain: Not a single syllable that God spoke in judgment on the family of Ahab is canceled; you're seeing it with your own eyes—God doing what, through Elijah, he said he'd do."
11 Then Jehu proceeded to kill everyone who had anything to do with Ahab's family in Jezreel—leaders, friends, priests. He wiped out the entire lot.
12-13 That done, he brushed himself off and set out for Samaria. Along the way, at Beth Eked (Binding House) of the Shepherds, he met up with some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah.
Jehu said, "Who are you?"
They said, "We're relatives of Ahaziah and we've come down to a reunion of the royal family."
14 "Grab them!" ordered Jehu. They were taken and then massacred at the well of Beth Eked. Forty-two of them—no survivors.
15 He went on from there and came upon Jehonadab the Recabite who was on his way to meet him. Greeting him, he said, "Are we together and of one mind in this?"
Jehonadab said, "We are—count on me."
"Then give me your hand," said Jehu.
They shook hands on it and Jehonadab stepped up into the chariot with Jehu.
16 "Come along with me," said Jehu, "and witness my zeal for God."Together they proceeded in the chariot.
17 When they arrived in Samaria, Jehu massacred everyone left in Samaria who was in any way connected with Ahab—a mass execution, just as God had told Elijah.
18-19 Next, Jehu got all the people together and addressed them:
Ahab served Baal small-time;
Jehu will serve him big-time.
"Get all the prophets of Baal here—everyone who served him, all his priests. Get everyone here; don't leave anyone out. I have a great sacrifice to offer Baal. If you don't show up, you won't live to tell about it." (Jehu was lying, of course. He planned to destroy all the worshipers of Baal.)
20 Jehu ordered, "Make preparation for a holy convocation for Baal." They did and posted the date.
21 Jehu then summoned everyone in Israel. They came in droves—every worshiper of Baal in the country. Nobody stayed home. They came and packed the temple of Baal to capacity.
22 Jehu directed the keeper of the wardrobe, "Get robes for all the servants of Baal." He brought out their robes.
23-24 Jehu and Jehonadab the Recabite now entered the temple of Baal and said, "Double-check and make sure that there are no worshipers of God in here; only Baal-worshipers are allowed." Then they launched the worship, making the sacrifices and burnt offerings.
Meanwhile, Jehu had stationed eighty men outside with orders: "Don't let a single person escape; if you do, it's your life for his life."
25-27 When Jehu had finished with the sacrificial solemnities, he signaled to the officers and guards, "Enter and kill! No survivors!"
And the bloody slaughter began. The officers and guards threw the corpses outside and cleared the way to enter the inner shrine of Baal. They hauled out the sacred phallic stone from the temple of Baal and pulverized it. They smashed the Baal altars and tore down the Baal temple. It's been a public toilet ever since.
28 And that's the story of Jehu's wasting of Baal in Israel.
29 But for all that, Jehu didn't turn back from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, the sins that had dragged Israel into a life of sin—the golden calves in Bethel and Dan stayed.
Judgment upon Ahab's House
1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in (C1)Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, the elders, and to the guardians of the children of Ahab, saying,
2 Your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weaponry, so when this letter(C1) arrives 2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;
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; 2 "Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons, 2 "You have your master's sons with you, and you have chariots, horses, a city with strong walls, and weapons. When you get this letter, 2 "You have with you the sons of your master, chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons. So when this letter arrives, 2 "Now (C1)as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master's sons (male descendants) are with you, as well as chariots and horses and a fortified city and weapons,2 "And now, (C1)when this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, (F1)as well as the chariots and horses, and a fortified city and the weapons,2 Nowe when this letter commeth to you, (for ye haue wt you your masters sonnes, yee haue with you both charets and horses, and a defenced citie, and armour)2 "So now, (C1)when this letter comes to you, (F1)since your master's sons are with you, (F2)as well as the chariots and horses and a fortified city and the weapons,
2 Your town is strong, and you're protected by chariots and an armed cavalry. And I know that King Ahab's descendants live there with you. So as soon as you read this letter, 2 "You have with you your master's sons, also chariots and horses, as well as fortified cities and armor. So, as soon as this letter reaches you,
2 And now, when this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots, and horses, and a fortified city, and armour,2-3 "As soon as you get this letter, choose the one who is the best and most worthy among your master's sons. You have chariots and horses. And you are living in a strong city. You also have weapons. Put the son you choose on his father's throne. Then fight for your master's family."2 Now as soon as this letter reaches you, seeing your masters sons are with you and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons; 2 "You are in charge of the king's descendants, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, weapons, and fortified cities. So then, as soon as you receive this letter, 2 "Now, when this letter comes to you and your master's sons are with you, the chariots are with you, the horses, a fortified city, and weapons, 2 And now when this letter comes to you, and you have with you the sons of your lord, and chariots and horses are with you, and a fortified city, and armor;2 Whan this letter commeth vnto you wt whom are youre lordes sonnes, charetes, horses, stronge cities, & ordynaunce, 2 And 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; 2 Straight away, when you get this letter, seeing that your master's sons are with you, and that you have carriages and horses and a walled town and arms;2 Nowe when this letter commeth to you (ye that haue with you your maisters sonnes, ye haue with you both charets and horses, a strong citie haue ye also, and harnesse)2 'And 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, fortified cities also, and armour;2 Now assoone as this letter commeth to you, seeing your masters sons are with you, and there are with you charets and horses, a fenced citie also, and armour: 2 Now then, as soon as this letter shall have reached you, whereas there are with you the sons of your master, and with you chariots and horses, and strong cities, and arms, 2 And 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; 2 “When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,2 Anoon as ye han take these lettris, ye that han the sones of youre lord, and the charis, and horsis, and stronge citees, and armeris,2 `And now, at the coming in of this letter unto you, and with you [are] sons of your lord, and with you [are] the chariots and the horses, and a fenced city, and the armour,2 And now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, and a fortified city, and armor;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 fortified city also, and armor;2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor; 2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and weapons, 2 "The king's sons are with you, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weapons. As soon as you receive this letter, 2 "Now your owner's sons are with you. And you have war-wagons, and horses, and a strong city, and things to fight with. When this letter comes to you, 2 "Since your master's sons are with you and you have at your disposal chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons, 2 Now, therefore, when this letter cometh in unto you, there being, with you, the sons of your lord, - and, with you, the chariots and the homes, and a fortified city, and the armour,2 As soon as you receive these letters, ye that have your master’s sons, and chariots, and horses, and fenced cities, and armour,2 "Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons,2 "And now, at the coming in of this letter to you, and sons of your lord [are] with you, and the chariots and the horses, and a fortified city, and the armor, [are] with you,2 "Now, (C1)when this letter comes to you, since your master's sons are with you, (F1)as well as the chariots and horses and a fortified city and the weapons,3 select the most qualified(F1) of your master’s sons, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.
3 look you out the best and meet of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.3 Look even 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. 3 select the best and fittest of your master's sons and set him on his father's throne and fight for your master's house." 3 choose the best and most worthy person among your master's sons, and make him king. Then fight for your master's family." 3 pick the best and most capable of your master's sons, place him on his father's throne, and defend your master's dynasty."3 select the best and most capable of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's royal house."3 select the best and most capable of your master's sons and seat him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house."3 Consider therefore which of your masters sonnes is best and most meete, and set him on his fathers throne, and fight for your masters house.3 look for the best and (F1)fittest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house." 3 choose the best person for the job and make him the next king. Then be prepared to defend Ahab's family. 3 choose the best and most suitable of your master's sons, set him on his father's throne and fight for your master's dynasty."
3 look out the best and worthiest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.3 Whichever seems to you good and best of your masters sons, set him on his fathers throne and fight for your masters house. 3 you are to choose the best qualified of the king's descendants, make him king, and fight to defend him." 3 then you must select the best and the most suitable from the sons of your master, and you must place him on the throne of his father, and they must fight for the house of your masters." 3 and you shall look out the best and the most upright of the sons of your lord, and you shall set him on the throne of his father. And you shall fight for the house of your lord.3 loke which is the best and most righteous amonge youre lordes sonnes, & set him vpon his fathers seate, and fighte for youre lordes house. 3 look 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. 3 Take the best and most upright of your master's sons, and make him king in his father's place, and put up a fight for your master's family.3 Loke which of your maisters sonnes is best and most meete, and set him on his fathers seate, and fight for your lordes house.3 look 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.'3 Looke euen out the best and meetest of your masters sonnes, and set him on his fathers throne, and fight for your masters house. 3 do ye accordingly look out the best and fittest among your master’s sons, and set him on the throne of his father, and fight for the house of your master. 3 look 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. 3 select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.”3 chese the beste, and hym that plesith to you of the sones of youre lord, and sette ye him on the trone of his fadir, and fiyte ye for the hows of youre lord.3 and ye have seen the best and the uprightest of the sons of your lord, and have set [him] on the throne of his father, and fight ye for the house of your lord.'3 look for the best and meet of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.3 Look 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.3 look you out the best and meet of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house. 3 choose the best qualified of your master's sons, set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house. 3 select the best qualified of your master's sons to be your king, and prepare to fight for Ahab's dynasty." 3 choose the best of your owner's sons. Put him on his father's throne. And fight for your owner's house." 3 select the son of your master who is the best qualified, set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house." 3 ye shall look out the goodliest and fittest of the sons of your lord, and set on the throne of his father, and ye shall do battle for the house of your lord.3 Choose the best, and him that shall please you most of your master’s sons, and set him on his father’s throne, and fight for the house of your master.3 select the best and fittest of your master's sons and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house."3 that you have seen the best and the most upright of the sons of your lord, and have set [him] on the throne of his father, and fight for the house of your lord."
30 God commended Jehu: "You did well to do what I saw was best. You did what I ordered against the family of Ahab. As reward, your sons will occupy the throne of Israel for four generations."
31 Even then, though, Jehu wasn't careful to walk in God's ways and honor the God of Israel from an undivided heart. He didn't turn back from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into a life of sin.
32-33 It was about this time that God began to shrink Israel. Hazael hacked away at the borders of Israel from the Jordan to the east—all the territory of Gilead, Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh from Aroer near the Brook Arnon. In effect, all Gilead and Bashan.
34-36 The rest of the life and times of Jehu, his accomplishments and fame, are written in The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. Jehu died and was buried in the family plot in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz was the next king. Jehu ruled Israel from Samaria for twenty-eight years.
3 select the best and (F1)fittest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house."4 However, they were terrified and reasoned, “Look, two kings(C1) couldn’t stand against him; how can we?”
4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings didn't stand before him: how then shall we stand?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand? 4 But they were exceedingly afraid and said, "Behold, the two kings could not stand before him. How then can we stand?"
4 But the officers and leaders of Jezreel were frightened. They said, "Two kings could not stand up to Jehu, so how can we?"
4 They were absolutely terrified and said, "Look, two kings could not stop him! How can we?" 4 But they were extremely afraid and said, "(C1)Look, the two kings did not stand before Jehu; so how can we stand?"4 But they feared greatly and said, "Behold, (C1)the two kings did not stand firm before him; how then can we stand?"4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and saide, Behold two Kings coulde not stande before him, how shall we then stand?4 But they feared exceedingly greatly and said, "Behold, (C1)the two kings did not stand before him; how then can we stand?"
4 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." 4 They were panic-stricken and said, "If the other two kings couldn't withstand him, how will we?"
4 And they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him; and how shall we stand?
4 But the rulers and leaders of Jezreel were very afraid. They said, "The two kings could not stop Jehu. So we cannot stop him either!"4 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?
4 The rulers of Samaria were terrified. "How can we oppose Jehu," they said, "when neither King Joram nor King Ahaziah could?" 4 But they were very afraid, and they said, "Look, two kings could not stand before him; how can we stand?" 4 And they were greatly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings have not stood before him, and how shall we stand?4 Neuertheles they were sore afrayed, and sayde: Beholde, two kynges were not able to stonde before him, how wyl we then endure? 4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand? 4 But they were full of fear, and said, The two kings have gone down before him: how may we keep our place?4 But they were exceedingly afrayde, & sayde: See, two kinges were not able to stande before him: howe shall we then be able to stande?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said: 'Behold, the two kings stood not before him; how then shall we stand?'4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand? 4 And they feared greatly, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: and how shall we stand? 4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand? 4 But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”4 And thei dredden greetli, and seiden, Lo! twei kyngis myyten not stonde bifor hym, and how schulen we mowe ayenstonde hym?4 And they fear very greatly, and say, `Lo, the two kings have not stood before him, and how do we stand -- we?'4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Look, the two kings didn't stand before him: how then shall we stand?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings didn't stand before him: how then shall we stand? 4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, "Look, two kings could not stand up to him; how then can we stand?"
4 But they were paralyzed with fear and said, "We've seen that two kings couldn't stand against this man! What can we do?" 4 But they were filled with fear, and said, "See, the two kings could not stand in front of him. How can we stand?" 4 But they were utterly terrified and said, "Look, two kings could not withstand him; how then can we stand?" 4 Then feared they very greatly, and said, Lo! two kings, stood not before him; how then, should, we, stand?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said: Behold two kings could not stand before him, and how shall we be able to resist?4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, "Behold, the two kings could not stand before him; how then can we stand?"4 And they fear very greatly, and say, "Behold, the two kings have not stood before him, and how do we stand—we?"
4 They were absolutely terrified at the letter. They said, "Two kings have already been wiped out by him; what hope do we have?"4 But they feared greatly and said, "Behold, (C1)the two kings did not stand before him; how then can we stand?"
5 So the overseer of the palace, 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 tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever you think is right.”(F1)(C1)
5 He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the Zakenim also, and those who brought up [the children], sent to Yehu, saying, We are your servants, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king: you do that which is good in your eyes.5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes. 5 So he who was over the palace, and he who was over the city, together with the elders and the guardians, sent to Jehu, saying, (c)"We are your servants, and we will do all that you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your eyes."
5 The palace manager, the city governor, the leaders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu. "We are your servants," they said. "We will do everything you tell us to do. We won't make any man king, so do whatever you think is best." 5 So the palace supervisor, the city commissioner, the leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu, "We are your subjects! Whatever you say, we will do. We will not make anyone king. Do what you consider proper."5 And the one who was in charge of the household, and the one who was overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children sent word to Jehu, saying, "(C1)We are your servants and we will do whatever you tell us, but we will not make any man king; do what is good in your eyes."5 And the one who was in charge of the household, and the one who was in charge of the city, and the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, "(C1)We are your servants, and everything that you tell us we will do. We will not appoint any man king; do what is good in your sight."5 And he yt was gouernour of Ahabs house, and he that ruled the citie, and the Elders, & the bringers vp of the children sent to Iehu, saying, We are thy seruants, and will doe all that thou shalt bid vs: we will make no King: do what seemeth good to thee.5 And the one who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, "(C1)We are your servants, all that you say to us we will do, we will not make any man king; do what is good in your sight." 5 The prime minister, the mayor of the city, as well as the other leaders and Ahab's supporters, sent this answer to Jehu, "We are your servants, Your Majesty, and we will do whatever you tell us. But it's not our place to choose someone to be king. You do what you think is best." 5 So the administrator of the palace, the governor of the city, the leaders and the children's guardians sent this message to Yehu: "We are your servants. We will do everything you ask us to; we won't appoint anyone king. Do as you see fit."
5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, and the elders, and the guardians sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any one king; do what is good in thy sight.
5 The palace manager, the official in charge of the city, the elders, and the people who raised the king's children sent a message to Jehu. "We are your servants and we will do whatever you tell us. We will not make anyone king; you may do whatever you think is best."5 So the overseer of the royal household, the governor of the city, the elders, and those who brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king over us; do whatever is good in your eyes. 5 So the officer in charge of the palace and the official in charge of the city, together with the leading citizens and the guardians, sent this message to Jehu: "We are your servants, and we are ready to do anything you say. But we will not make anyone king; do whatever you think best." 5 So whoever was over the house, and whoever was over the city, and the elders and the guardians sent to Jehu, saying, "We are your servants; all that you say to us, we shall do. We shall not make anyone a king. Do what is good in your eyes."5 And he who was over the house, and he over the city, and the elders, and the supporters, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants, and all that you say to us we will do. We will notmake anyone king. Do what is good in youreyes.5 And they that were ouer the house and ouer the cite, and the Elders and tuters sent vnto Iehu, sayege: We are thy seruauntes, we wyll do all that thou sayest vnto vs: We wil make no man kynge, do thou what pleaseth the. 5 And 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. 5 So the controller of the king's house, with the ruler of the town, and the responsible men, and those who had the care of Ahab's sons, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants and will do all your orders; we will not make any man king; do whatever seems best to you.5 And he that was gouernour of Ahabs house, & he that ruled the citie, the elders also, & the tutours, sent to Iehu, saying: We are thy seruauntes, & will do all that thou shalt byd vs, we wil make no man king: therefore do thou what seemeth good in thyne eyes.5 And 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.'5 And he that was ouer the house, and he that was ouer the citie, the elders also, and the bringers vp of the children, sent to Iehu, saying, Wee are thy seruants, and will doe all that thou shalt bid vs, we will not make any king: doe thou that which is good in thine eyes. 5 So they that were over the house, and they that were over the city, and the elders and the guardians, sent to Ju, saying, We also are thy servants, and whatsoever thou shalt say to us we will do; we will not make any man king: we will do that which is right in thine eyes. 5 And 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. 5 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.”5 Therfor the souereyns of the hows, and the prefect of the citee, and the grettere men in birthe, and the nurchis senten to Hieu, and seiden, We ben thi seruauntis; what euer thingis thou comaundist, we schulen do, and we schulen not make a kyng to vs; do thou what euer thing plesith thee.5 And he who [is] over the house, and he who [is] over the city, and the elders, and the supporters, send unto Jehu, saying, `Thy servants we [are], and all that thou sayest unto us we do; we do not make any one king -- that which [is] good in thine eyes do.'5 And he that was over the household, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and those that brought up [the children], sent to Jehu, saying, We are your slaves, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king: do that which is good in your eyes.5 And he that [was] over the house, and he that [was] over the city, the elders also, and those who 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 king: do thou [that which is] good in thy eyes.5 He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders also, and those who brought up [the children], sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any man king: you do that which is good in your eyes. 5 And he who was in charge of the house, and he who was in charge of the city, the elders also, and those who reared the sons, sent to Jehu, saying, "We are your servants, we will do all you tell us; but we will not make anyone king. Do what is good in your sight."
5 So the palace and city administrators, together with the elders and the guardians of the king's sons, sent this message to Jehu: "We are your servants and will do anything you tell us. We will not make anyone king; do whatever you think is best." 5 So the head man of the house, the head man of the city, the leaders, and those who took care of the children, sent word to Jehu. They said, "We are your servants. We will do all that you say. We will not make any man king. Do what is good in your eyes." 5 So the steward of the palace, and the governor of the city, along with the elders and the guardians, sent word to Jehu: "We are your servants; we will do anything you say. We will not make anyone king; do whatever you think right." 5 So he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, and the elders, and the foster-parents sent unto Jehu, saying - Thy servants, we are! and, all that thou shalt say unto us, will we do, - we will make no man king, whatsoever is good in thine own eyes, do!5 Therefore they that were over the king’s house, and the rulers of the city, and the ancients, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying: We are thy servants: whatsoever thou shalt command us we will do; we will not make us any king: do thou all that pleaseth thee.5 So he who was over the palace, and he who was over the city, together with the elders and the guardians, sent to Jehu, saying, "We are your servants, and we will do all that you bid us. We will not make any one king; do whatever is good in your eyes."5 And he who [is] over the house, and he who [is] over the city, and the elderly, and those supporting, send to Jehu, saying, "We [are] your servants, and all that you say to us we do; we do not make anyone king—do that which [is] good in your eyes."
5 So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: "We are your servants. Whatever you say, we'll do. We're not making anyone king here. You're in charge—do what you think best."5 And the one who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders, and the guardians of the children, sent word to Jehu, saying, "(C1)We are your servants, all that you say to us we will do, we will not make any man king; do what is good in your sight."
6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter, saying:
6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If you be on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Yizre`el by tomorrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up.6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, 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, which brought them up. 6 Then he wrote to them a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side, and if you are ready to obey me, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow at this time." Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, (d)who were bringing them up.
6 Then Jehu wrote a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side and will obey me, cut off the heads of your master's sons and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow about this time."
Now the seventy sons of the king's family were with the leading men of the city who were their guardians.
6 He wrote them a second letter, saying, "If you are really on my side and are willing to obey me, then take the heads of your master's sons and come to me in Jezreel at this time tomorrow." Now the king had seventy sons, and the prominent men of the city were raising them. 6 Then Jehu wrote a second letter to them, saying, "If you are with me and will obey me, take the heads of your master's (F1)sons, and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow about this time." Now the dead king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were rearing them.6 Then he wrote them a letter a second time, saying, "If you are on my side, and will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men, your master's sons, and come to me at Jezreel about this time tomorrow." Now the king's sons, seventy men, were with the great people of the city, who were raising them.6 Then he wrote another letter to them, saying, If ye be mine, & wil obey my voyce, take the heads of ye men that are your masters sonnes, & come to me to Izreel by to morowe this time. (Nowe the Kings sonnes, euen seuentie persons were with the great men of the citie, which brought them vp)6 Then he wrote a letter to them a second time saying, "If you are on my side, and you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men, your master's sons, and come to me about this time tomorrow at Jezreel." Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were rearing them.
6 Jehu then wrote another letter which said, "If you are on my side and will obey me, then prove it. Bring me the heads of the descendants of Ahab! And be here in Jezreel by this time tomorrow."
The seventy descendants of King Ahab were living with some of the most important people of the city.
6 He wrote a second letter to them, which said, "If you are on my side, and if you are ready to obey my orders, then bring the heads of your master's sons to me in Yizre‘el by this time tomorrow." Now the seventy sons of the king were with the prominent men who had raised them.
6 And he wrote a letter the second time to them saying, If ye are mine, and will hearken to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jizreel to-morrow at this time. Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up.
Leaders of Samaria Kill Ahab's Children
6 Then Jehu wrote a second letter to these leaders. He said, "If you support me and obey me, cut off the heads of Ahab's sons. Bring them to me at Jezreel about this time tomorrow."
Ahab had 70 sons. They were with the leaders of the city who raised them.6 Then he wrote to them a second letter, saying, If you are mine, and if you will hearken to my voice, then take the heads of your masters sons and bring them to me to Jezreel by this time tomorrow. Now the kings sons were seventy persons, and the nobles of the city brought them up.
6 Jehu wrote them another letter: "If you are with me and are ready to follow my orders, bring the heads of King Ahab's descendants to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow."
The seventy descendants of King Ahab were under the care of the leading citizens of Samaria, who were bringing them up.
6 Then he wrote to them a second letter, saying, "If you are for me, and you are listening to my voice, take the heads of the men of the sons of your master and come to me at this time tomorrow at Jezreel." Now the sons of the king, seventy men, were with the leaders of the city who were raising them. 6 And he wrote a letter to them a second time, saying, If you are for me, and are listening to my voice, take the heads of the men, the sons of your lord, and come to me about this time tomorrow,to Jezreel. And the king's sons, seventypersons, were with the great men of the city, who reared them.6 Then wrote he the seconde letter vnto them with these wordes: Yf ye be myne, and herken vnto my voyce, then take the heades of the men youre lordes sonnes, and brynge me them tomorow by this tyme vnto Iesrael. The kynges sonnes were thre score men and ten, and ye chefemen of the cite broughte the vp. 6 Then 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. 6 Then he sent them a second letter, saying, If you are on my side, and if you will do my orders, come to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow, with the heads of your master's sons. Now the king's seventy sons were with the great men of the town, who had the care of them.6 Then he wrote another letter to them, saying: If ye be myne, and wil hearken vnto my voyce, then take the heades of the men that are your maisters sonnes, and come to me to Iezrahel by to morowe this time: (And the kinges sonnes were threescore and ten persons, and they were with the great men of the citie which brought them vp.)6 Then 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.6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If yee be mine, and if ye will hearken vnto my voyce, take ye the heads of the men your masters sonnes, and come to me to Iezreel by to morow this time: (now the kings sonnes being seuenty persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them vp.) 6 And Ju wrote them a second letter, saying, If ye are for me, and hearken to my voice, take the heads of the men your master’s sons, and bring them to me at this time to-morrow in Jezrael. Now the sons of the king were seventy men; these great men of the city brought them up. 6 Then 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 tomorrow this time. Now the king’s sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up. 6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the king’s sons, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city.6 Forsothe he wroot ayen to hem lettris the secunde tyme, and seide, If ye ben myne, and obeien to me, take ye the heedis of the sones of youre lord, and come ye to me in this same our to morewe in to Jezrael. Sotheli the sones of the kyng, seuenti men, weren nurschid at the beste men of the citee.6 And he writeth unto them a letter a second time, saying, `If ye [are] for me, and to my voice are hearkening, take the heads of the men -- the sons of your lord, and come unto me about this time to-morrow, to Jezreel;' and the sons of the king [are] seventy men, with the great ones of the city those bringing them up.6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If you are on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by tomorrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up.6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, if ye [are] mine, and [if] ye will hearken to 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.6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If you be on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by tomorrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up. 6 Then he wrote a second letter to them, saying: 4 If you are for me and will obey my voice, take the heads of the men, your master's sons, and come to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow. Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were rearing them.
6 Jehu responded with a second letter: "If you are on my side and are going to obey me, bring the heads of your master's sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow." Now the seventy sons of the king were being cared for by the leaders of Samaria, where they had been raised since childhood. 6 Then Jehu wrote a letter to them a second time. He said, "If you are on my side and will obey me, bring the heads of your owner's sons to me. Meet me in Jezreel about this time tomorrow." Now the king's seventy sons were with the important men of the city who were taking care of them. 6 Then he wrote them a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side, and if you are ready to obey me, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow at this time." Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the leaders of the city, who were charged with their upbringing. 6 Then wrote he unto them a second letter, saying - If, mine, ye are, and, unto my voice, ye intend to hearken, take ye the heads of the men who are sons of your lord, and come in unto me about this time to-morrow, in Jezreel. Now, the sons of the king, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who had been bringing them up.6 And he wrote letters the second time to them, saying: If you be mine, and will obey me, take the heads of the sons of your master, and come to me to Jezrahel by tomorrow at this time. Now the king’s sons, being seventy men, were brought up with the chief men of the city.6 Then he wrote to them a second letter, saying, "If you are on my side, and if you are ready to obey me, take the heads of your master's sons, and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow at this time." Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were bringing them up.6 And he writes a letter to them a second time, saying, "If you [are] for me, and are listening to my voice, take the heads of the men—the sons of your lord, and come to me about this time tomorrow, to Jezreel"; and the sons of the king [are] seventy men, with the great ones of the city—those bringing them up.6-7 Then Jehu wrote a second letter:
If you are on my side and are willing to follow my orders, here's what you do: Decapitate the sons of your master and bring the heads to me by this time tomorrow in Jezreel.