Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 9:26
Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.
26. the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons ] It appears from this that Jezebel in order that she might put all claimants out of the way, had caused the family of Naboth to be killed as well as himself. So Ahab’s son pays the penalty of his father’s wrongdoing, and both father and son are brought at death into the field which they had gained with so much crime, and as Elijah had foretold, dogs lick the blood of both.
saith the Lord ] The phrase is not the usual Hebrew, but a more solemn form of expression, used in the prophets and especially in Jeremiah. Cf. Jer 1:8; Jer 1:15; Jer 1:19, &c.
I will requite thee in this plat ] Jehu gives the sense but not the words of 1Ki 21:19.
take and cast him ] i.e. Lift his dead body out of the chariot and carry it and throw it forth into the ground which was taken from Naboth.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The passage from Surely I have seen to Saith the Lord, is exegetical of 2Ki 9:25, containing the burden there spoken of.
And the blood of his sons – The murder of Naboths sons is here for the first time mentioned; but as the removal of the sons was necessary, if the vineyard was to pass to Ahab, we can well understand that Jezebel would take care to clear them out of the way.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 26. The blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons] We are not informed in 1 Kings 21 that any of Naboth’s family was slain but himself: but as the object both of Ahab and Jezebel was to have Naboth’s vineyard entirely, and for ever, it is not likely that they would leave any of his posterity, who might at a future time reclaim it as their inheritance. Again, to secure this point, Jezebel had Naboth convicted of treason and atheism; in order that his whole family might be involved in his ruin.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The blood of his sons; who, as it seems, were killed with their father by Jezebels advice, to make the possession of the vineyard more sure to Ahab, though it be not mentioned in its proper place, 1Ki 21:13; for it is not unusual to bring in such fragments of history in succeeding writings which were neglected in the history of those matters. Thus we read of the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, Amo 1:1, which was not recorded in his history, in the Books of the Kings or Chronicles. Although he might well be charged with taking away the lives of his sons, because he took away the necessary supports of their lives. I will requite thee in this plat; of which See Poole “1Ki 21:19“.
Cast him into the plat of ground; where he shall lie unburied, and be a prey to the dogs or fowls, according to the prediction, 1Ki 21:24.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
26. the blood of Naboth, and theblood of his sons, saith the LordAlthough their death is notexpressly mentioned, it is plainly implied in the confiscation of hisproperty (see 1Ki 21:16).
2Ki9:27-35. AHAZIAH ISSLAIN.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth,…. These are the words of the Lord to Elijah the day after Naboth was put to death:
and the blood of his sons, said the Lord; who were put to death with him, that there might be no heirs to the estate:
and I will requite thee in this place: take vengeance here, as he now did on his son:
now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the Lord; whereby it would be fulfilled, see
1Ki 21:19, more is here recited than there, which Jehu well remembered.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(26) Surely.Literally, if not; a formula of emphatic asseveration, which originally must have run somewhat as follows: If I have not seen, may I perish. The inappropriateness of such an expression in the mouth of the Deity is obvious; but that only shows how completely the original meaning of the formula was forgotten in everyday usage.
Yesterday.So that Ahab seized the vineyard the day after the murder of Naboth, a detail not exactly specified in 1Ki. 21:16.
The blood.The plural (margin) implies death by violence (Gen. 4:10).
And the blood of his sons.The murder of the sons of Naboth is neither stated nor implied in 1 Kings 21, an omission which has needlessly troubled the minds of commentators. As to the fact, it would be quite in accordance with ancient practice to slay the sons of one accused of blasphemy along with their father (comp. Jos. 7:24-25); and the crafty Jezebel would not be likely to spare persons whose wrongs might one day prove dangerous. The difference in the two narratives is accounted for by the circumstance that the present is the exact version of an eye-witness, viz., Jehu himself, while the former was probably derived from a less direct source.
Saith the Lord.Literally, is the thing uttered of Jehovah. This phrase, which is uncommon except in the writings of the prophets, and the word rendered burden in the last verse, which also belongs to prophetic terminology, together establish the historical authenticity of the short oracle of Elijah, recorded in this verse. Its brevity and the solemnity with which it was pronounced would, we may be sure, stamp it ineffaceably upon the memory of those who heard it. (Comp. 1Sa. 2:30; and 2Ki. 19:33, infra.)
I will requite thee in this plat.Another important detail not given in the former account.
Plat.Portion, as in 2Ki. 9:25 (twice).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2Ki 9:26. The blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons It is to be observed, that in the history of Naboth, recorded 1 Kings 21 we find no mention made of the death of his sons; but it is no unusual thing for the Scripture to supply in one place that which has been omitted in another. It is not improbable therefore that, as Naboth was accused of high-treason, all his family was involved in his ruin, and all his estate confiscated to the king’s exchequer; and what seems to confirm this opinion is, that we find Elijah never once putting the king in mind to restore the vineyard to Naboth’s children, nor the king in the time of his repentance ever once thinking to do it, because, to all human appearance, there were no heirs left. Notwithstanding this, Grotius and other learned men have observed, that these words may signify no more than the extreme poverty to which Naboth’s family was reduced, by the death of the father and the confiscation of his goods. For among the Hebrews, say they, all punishments and miseries are called blood. Lev 17:4. And to take away their estate, upon which they would have lived, was in effect to take away the blood, which is the life of every creature. But this, I think, is a little forced. See Le Clerc and Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.As success depended upon the swiftness of their march, we have Jehu, his chariots and horsemen, with eager haste pressing toward Jezreel.
1. The watchman on the tower descries at a distance the approaching company, and Joram, desirous to know the cause, sends out repeated messengers, whom Jehu detains. As he drew nearer, the watchman, by his furious driving, concludes that it was Jehu, and the host from Rammoth-gilead. Note; It is too late to inquire, Is it peace? when the sword is unsheathed, and Jesus with his host appears, coming in the clouds of heaven to judge.
2. Unable, through impatience, to wait, or rather through divine infatuation hurried to his ruin, Joram orders his chariot, and hastes to meet Jehu, and Ahaziah accompanies him; and where should they meet but in the very spot of Naboth’s vineyard. Joram, unsuspicious of danger, seems only concerned to know, whether they came victors over the Syrians in triumph, or in flight as vanquished; till Jehu’s answer undeceived him, and the charge of his mother’s idolatry and whoredoms, which he encouraged and copied, bid him despair of peace, and expect the sword of an avenging God. Note; (1.) Providence, in many instances, by strange events makes God’s justice appear glorious in the eyes of men. (2.) Peace is still the sinner’s cry, when ruin is at his very heels. (3.) The whoredoms which now are the sinner’s pleasure, will shortly produce his everlasting pain.
3. Too late the treachery is discovered, and Joram attempts to escape; but the arrow from Jehu’s bow stops his flight; and, as the executioner of the divine vengeance, Jehu commands his captain to throw his dead corpse into the vineyard of Naboth, according to the prophesy, 1Ki 21:19. Nor must Ahaziah be spared: since he is found in such bad company, he must fall with them. Note; (1.) When judgment overtakes the sinner, it is then too late to fly. (2.) They who are found companions of fools, will be destroyed with them.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ki 9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.
Ver. 26. Surely I have seen yesterday. ] It was but yesterday. Murder ever bleedeth fresh in the eye of God. To him many years, yea, that eternity that is past, is but yesterday.
And the blood of his sons.
And I will requite thee in this plat.
Now therefore take and cast him.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the blood of his sons. Additional information here given to that in 1Ki 21:13.
saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah’s oracle.
plat = portion. Compare 2Ki 9:21.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
blood of Naboth: Heb. bloods of Naboth
of his sons: Deu 24:16, 2Ch 24:25, 2Ch 25:4
I will requite: Exo 20:5, Deu 5:9, Eze 18:19
plat: or, portion
Reciprocal: Gen 4:10 – crieth 1Ki 2:31 – that thou 1Ki 21:13 – they carried him 1Ki 21:19 – In the place 1Ki 21:29 – in his son’s days 2Ki 9:33 – and he trode 2Ki 10:17 – according 2Ki 15:12 – And so 2Ch 6:23 – requiting Job 12:21 – poureth Psa 10:14 – to requite Pro 28:17 – General Jer 32:18 – recompensest Mic 2:2 – so Hab 2:10 – consulted
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
DIVINE RETRIBUTION
I will requite thee in this plat, saith the Lord.
2Ki 9:26
One object of the inspired records of events told in the Old Testament is the hidden reason of Gods dealings with people. They tell us, for instance, the true causes of things. In secular history we can only guess at the true causes. The Bible, speaking to us by the Holy Spirit of God, does reveal to us true religion. We learn how the wicked Ahab and his still more wicked wife had murdered Naboth, and taken possession of his property. He has just taken possession when the prophet Elijah comes and dashes all his hopes to the ground, and utters that terrible prophecy that in the portion of Jezreel shall dogs lick Jezebels blood. I dont think after that Ahab enjoyed Naboths vineyard much. But he showed some signs of penitence, and the punishment was therefore postponed to his sons days. In his sons days will I bring the evil upon his house. Ah! Ahab little thought when he took possession of Naboths vineyard how Gods words, I will requite thee in this plat, would be fulfilled. Ahab was not only requited in his crime, but he was requited on the same spot on which the crime was committed.
I. It would have been very little to be requited, but it was to be requited in the same plat.Be sure your sin will find you out is a very old and true saying. I want to call your attention, and especially the attention of the young, to the manner sin proves this in kind. See how sin revenges itself. The child is father to the man, says Wordsworth. The child sows, the man reaps. We all know how two lives starting together become farther and farther apart as they grow up. In childhood there are little displays of temper, perhaps selfishness, little acts of disobedience. Oh! it is very terrible to wake up in sin; how terrible the consequences are! Yes, it is hard to get back after falling away. Dont let us prophesy hard things. Dont let us deceive any one by saying repentance is an easy thing. Thank God, the wanderer, be he ever so far out of the track, may turn again to the Saviour, and be led back like a little child. You see the state a man finds himself in. It is not the direct punishment, but the consequences, we have to fear. In childhood, he that was selfish, unsubmissive, is the same still. I am supposing that this is unchecked. Thank God, there are many things that can divert these and check them. But the law is requited. Now I want to speak particularly to the young men and young women. It may be too late to tell the older people; it is not too late to tell the young.
II. What, humanly speaking, has made us what we are?First, our own natural disposition; secondly, our past life. I am not going to say anything about the first; but the second, our past life, which we have made as we are. Each deliberate choice, whether great or small. Ah! my friends, if we wander, how inconsiderate we are to our future selves. We are often unkind and inconsiderate to others, but I think more are inconsiderate to ourselves. First, there are some of you young people day by day bringing yourselves to resoluteness of will. Of course it is easy to give way to momentary impulse. Resoluteness of will makes the strong will, but that is only done by strong observance. He that yields to the momentary impulse has no resoluteness of will. He is a weak man. Then you hear people talk of great men having strong wills; depend on it they have sought hard to mould their character. He that has yielded ninety-nine times to temptation has no right to expect to resist when the hundredth time comes. Do you think so? If there is any one here who wants to carry home something, I would say, Be strong of will.
III. One word about ourselves.With the young there is little sympathy. True it is there is in boyhood a soul of generosity, but what is thought unselfishness may be only refined selfishness. For there is a sort of inward selfishness in wishing to be generous or kind to others. It may be only to give pleasure to ourselves. To seek to do little kindnesses, though it may be to our own hindrance, this is unselfishness. I have only touched upon forms of sin to which the young, I think, are more exposed. But so it is with the graver sins. But that is a very low motive to base a lesson of unselfishness upon, you may say. I know it is. But I plead you will keep from sin. This law of requital may lead us from the power of sin. Dread the approach of sin, not on account of its penalty, but because God has sent His Son, and hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
Bishop Walsham How.
Illustration
Joram ordered his own chariot to be prepared, and went forth with Ahaziah King of Judah, his nephew, to meet the captain of the host, expecting to hear some tidings of the Syrian war, and without any thought, apparently, of any design against himself. In the Providence of God it was ordered that he should meet Jehu on the fatal plot of land which had belonged to Naboth, and which had been the cause of so much evil to his family. Jehoram perhaps did not recognise it at the time; but Jehu perceived in the circumstance a confirmation of his Divine commission.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
2Ki 9:26. And the blood of his sons Who, many commentators have thought, were killed by their father, by Jezebels advice, to make the possession of the vineyard more sure to Ahab. Some however, are of opinion, as we have no account in the history of Naboth, (1 Kings 21.,) that his sons were killed with him, that Jehu does not here repeat the exact words of God by Elijah, but exaggerates the matter, and represents the sons as slain with their father, because, by their being deprived of him and of his estate, they were, in a manner, in as bad a condition as though they had been destroyed. I will requite thee in this plat That very piece of ground, which Ahab, with so much pride and pleasure, had made himself master of, at the expense of the guilt of innocent blood, now became the theatre on which his sons dead body lay unburied and exposed, a spectacle to the world, and a prey to the dogs or fowls, according to the prediction, 1Ki 21:19. Thus the Lord is known by the judgments which he executeth. The son justly deserved the punishment due to the father, because he gave his approbation to the deed of his father, by continuing to keep possession of Naboths vineyard, and taking no care to repair the injury done to Naboth and his family by the false accusation which had been preferred against him.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his {h} sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.
(h) By this it is evident that Jezebel caused both Naboth and his sons to be put to death, that Ahab might enjoy his vineyard more quietly: else his children might have claimed possession.