1. AHAB HAD seventy [grandsons] in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them from Jezreel to the rulers of Samaria, to the elders, and to those who brought up Ahab's [grandsons], saying,
2. Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master [Joram's] sons are with you and also chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons,
3. Select the best and most fit of your master's sons and set him on his father's throne; and fight for your master's house.
4. But they were exceedingly afraid and reasoned, The two kings could not stand before [Jehu]; how then can we stand?
5. And he who was over the household, he who was over the city, the elders also, and the guardians and tutors sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants and will do all that you bid us; [but] we will not make any man king; do what is good in your eyes.