Bible Commentaries

Jehu the son of Hanani. Compare 2 Chronicles 16:7-10; 2 Chronicles 19:2.

prince: or captain = one raised up. Hebrew. nagid.

like. Compare 1 Kings 15:29; 1 Kings 14:11.

slept, &c. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16.

drinking himself drunk. Figure of speech Polyptoton (App-6) for emphasis.

not one, &c. = not one male.

kinsfolks = kinsmen-redeemers.

against. Some codices read "unto". Others read "concerning".

vanities = idols. Compare 1 Kings 16:26.

sins. Some codices read "sin", as in 1 Kings 16:26. Committed not merely during the seven days" reign, but during his whole life, of course.

make Israel to sin. See note on 1 Kings 14:16.

are they not written. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Omri. Note the Introversion of these names in this verse.

thirty and first year. He reigned twelve years (833-821), and yet in 1 Kings 16:29 Ahab began in the thirty-eighth year of Asa. Omri began to reign de jure when he slew Zimri, in the twentyseventh year of Asa; but only de facto on the death of Tibni the usurper.

six years. Beginning in Asa's thirty-first and ending in Asa's thirty-eighth (1 Kings 16:29).

owner = lord.

Samaria. This is the origin of the city.

made Israel to sin. See note on 1 Kings 14:16.

which. Some codices, with four early printed editions, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "and all that".

twenty and two years. For spiritual significance, see note on 1 Kings 14:20, and App-10.

above all. The reign of Ahab opens a new era in Israel's history.

Jezebel, daughter of a regicide and fratricide (Josephus c. Apion 1, 18, Antiquities viii. 3, 1), priest of the Phoenician goddess Astarte.

grove. See note on Exodus 34:13, and App-42.

build = to fortify and complete. It had been partially restored (Judges 3:13. 2 Samuel 10:5), but now became a fortified city of Israel.

in = at the cost of.

which He spake. Compare Joshua 6:26.