Jehu’s death and burial in Samaria demonstrates that even God-appointed leaders face mortality, confirming the necessity of a Redeemer King who reigns forever.
In 2 Kings 10:35 we read, “And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son became king in his place” (v.35). The phrase “Jehu slept with his fathers” indicates that Jehu, the tenth king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, died, concluding his dynamic reign that began around 841 BC. During his rule, Jehu was noted for eradicating Baal worship from Israel, executing the house of Ahab, and fulfilling the prophetic word pronounced against wicked rulers (2 Kings 9:7-10). By describing his burial in Samaria, the verse reveals his final resting place within the capital city of the northern kingdom, which had been established by King Omri. This city served as an important political center and was often the backdrop for prominent events in Israel’s monarchy.
When “they buried him in Samaria” (v.35), it underscores the honor afforded to Jehu as a monarch. Even though he ruled with force and helped purge idolatry, he is still recognized as part of Israel’s royal succession. Historically, Samaria was located in the central region of the Northern Kingdom, situated on a hill that provided strategic defense. Founded by Omri around 885 BC, Samaria became synonymous with the idolatrous practices that Jehu fought to dismantle. However, Jehu’s own actions, while fulfilling God’s judgment, also demonstrated human imperfection, and the kingdom he left behind eventually lapsed into repeated cycles of disobedience.
The verse concludes with “And Jehoahaz his son became king in his place” (v.35). Jehoahaz, having inherited the throne around 814 BC, continued the dynasty that began with his father. This succession highlights the continuity of Israel’s royal line, despite the moral and spiritual conflicts that marked Jehu’s tenure. It also points ahead to further challenges the kingdom would face under Jehoahaz, including entanglements with external enemies and ongoing spiritual unfaithfulness (2 Kings 13:2-3). In the broader biblical narrative, leadership transitions like this set the stage for the ultimate need for a perfect King, a need fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:8).
Set to dark mode
2 Kings 10:35 meaning
In 2 Kings 10:35 we read, “And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son became king in his place” (v.35). The phrase “Jehu slept with his fathers” indicates that Jehu, the tenth king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, died, concluding his dynamic reign that began around 841 BC. During his rule, Jehu was noted for eradicating Baal worship from Israel, executing the house of Ahab, and fulfilling the prophetic word pronounced against wicked rulers (2 Kings 9:7-10). By describing his burial in Samaria, the verse reveals his final resting place within the capital city of the northern kingdom, which had been established by King Omri. This city served as an important political center and was often the backdrop for prominent events in Israel’s monarchy.
When “they buried him in Samaria” (v.35), it underscores the honor afforded to Jehu as a monarch. Even though he ruled with force and helped purge idolatry, he is still recognized as part of Israel’s royal succession. Historically, Samaria was located in the central region of the Northern Kingdom, situated on a hill that provided strategic defense. Founded by Omri around 885 BC, Samaria became synonymous with the idolatrous practices that Jehu fought to dismantle. However, Jehu’s own actions, while fulfilling God’s judgment, also demonstrated human imperfection, and the kingdom he left behind eventually lapsed into repeated cycles of disobedience.
The verse concludes with “And Jehoahaz his son became king in his place” (v.35). Jehoahaz, having inherited the throne around 814 BC, continued the dynasty that began with his father. This succession highlights the continuity of Israel’s royal line, despite the moral and spiritual conflicts that marked Jehu’s tenure. It also points ahead to further challenges the kingdom would face under Jehoahaz, including entanglements with external enemies and ongoing spiritual unfaithfulness (2 Kings 13:2-3). In the broader biblical narrative, leadership transitions like this set the stage for the ultimate need for a perfect King, a need fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:8).