1-2. Ahab had seventy sons still living in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters addressed to the officers of Jezreel, the city elders, and those in charge of Ahab’s sons, and posted them to Samaria. The letters read:
4. They were absolutely terrified at the letter. They said, “Two kings have already been wiped out by him; what hope do we have?”
5. So they sent the warden of the palace, the mayor of the city, the elders, and the guardians to Jehu with this message: “We are your servants. Whatever you say, we’ll do. We’re not making anyone king here. You’re in charge—do what you think best.”
8. A messenger reported to Jehu: “They’ve delivered the heads of the king’s sons.”He said, “Stack them in two piles at the city gate until morning.”
11. Then Jehu proceeded to kill everyone who had anything to do with Ahab’s family in Jezreel—leaders, friends, priests. He wiped out the entire lot.
12-13. That done, he brushed himself off and set out for Samaria. Along the way, at Beth Eked (Binding House) of the Shepherds, he met up with some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah.Jehu said, “Who are you?”They said, “We’re relatives of Ahaziah and we’ve come down to a reunion of the royal family.”
14. “Grab them!” ordered Jehu. They were taken and then massacred at the well of Beth Eked. Forty-two of them—no survivors.