(17) And when he came . . . he slew.--Literally. And he entered Samaria, and smote.

Ahab.--Again put for the house or family so called. Some MSS. and the Syriac express it so, reading "the house of Ahab." (Comp. 1Kings 15:29.)

Verse 17. - And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samria, till he had destroyed him. Seventy male descendants of Ahab had been already destroyed in Samaria (vers. 1-7). It seems unlikely that the city can have contained any other members of his house excepting females. Did Jehu now destroy the daughters of Ahab resident in Samaria, with their families? The masculine form used - הַנּשְׂאָרִים - does not disprove this. According to the saying of the Lord, which he spake to Elijah (comp. ver. 10, and see also the comment on 2 Kings 9:7).

10:15-28 Is thine heart right? This is a question we should often put to ourselves. I make a fair profession, have gained a reputation among men, but, is my heart right? Am I sincere with God? Jehonadab owned Jehu in the work, both of revenge and of reformation. An upright heart approves itself to God, and seeks no more than his acceptance; but if we aim at the applause of men, we are upon a false foundation. Whether Jehu looked any further we cannot judge. The law of God was express, that idolaters were to be put to death. Thus idolatry was abolished for the present out of Israel. May we desire that it be rooted out of our hearts.And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria,.... All that were in any connection with him, as related to his family, or as ministers of his in civil or religious things:

till he had destroyed him; his whole house, as he was ordered:

according to the word of the Lord, which he spake to Elijah; which is observed, to show the exact fulfilment of prophecy, see 1 Kings 21:21.