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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 10 - Verse 18

10:18
And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.

Meaning

When Jehu gathered all the people together and proclaimed that Ahab served Baal a little, but he would serve him much, he was declaring his intention to eradicate the worship of Baal from Israel. Ahab, the previous king, had allowed the worship of Baal to continue alongside the worship of the God of Israel. Jehu, in contrast, was determined to completely stamp out the worship of Baal in the land. By serving Baal "much," Jehu was indicating that he would be relentless and committed in his efforts to rid the nation of this idolatrous practice. This verse reflects Jehu's zeal and determination to restore the worship of the one true God and cleanse the land of false gods. It marks a turning point in the spiritual life of Israel, as Jehu takes drastic measures to uphold the worship of the Lord and eliminate all forms of idolatry.

Theological Overview

In the verse from 2 Kings 10:18, Jehu is addressing the people of Israel, proclaiming his commitment to serving the god Baal with more fervor than King Ahab. This statement by Jehu reflects the complex religious and political landscape of ancient Israel, where worship of Yahweh clashed with the worship of other gods, including Baal. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the contrast between the faithfulness of Yahweh and the idolatry of Baal. Jehu's declaration to serve Baal "much" may symbolize his intention to remove all traces of Baal worship from the land, demonstrating his dedication to purifying the nation and upholding the commandments of Yahweh. This verse also emphasizes the importance of proper worship and loyalty to God, as deviation from the true faith can lead to moral and spiritual decay. Through word studies, scholars can explore the nuances of the original Hebrew text, uncovering deeper meanings and shedding light on the context in which this verse was spoken.

American Standard Version

And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu will serve him much.
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