Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 10 - Verse 7

In this verse from 2 Kings 10:7, we witness a brutal act of vengeance carried out by Jehu, who had recently been anointed as king of Israel. Upon receiving a letter instructing him to eliminate any supporters of the previous ruler, Jehu wasted no time in carrying out the gruesome task. He ordered the slaughter of seventy sons of King Ahab, and their heads were placed in baskets and sent to Jezreel as a message of his complete obedience to the new regime. This violent act was meant to demonstrate Jehu's commitment to eradicating any remnants of the previous dynasty and solidify his own power as the new ruler of Israel. It serves as a stark reminder of the ruthlessness often displayed in the pursuit and maintenance of political power during ancient times.

The theological interpretation of the verse 'And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.', reveals a dark and violent aspect of the biblical narrative. This verse highlights the brutal and vengeful actions taken by Jehu, who was anointed king by God to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. The killing of the king's sons and the sending of their heads in baskets symbolize Jehu's ruthless pursuit of power and his determination to eliminate any potential rivals. The use of the number seventy in this verse is significant, as it symbolizes completion or fullness, indicating that Jehu's actions were thorough and decisive in carrying out God's will. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the severity of God's judgment upon those who rebel against Him.