1. Ahab had seventy sons living in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the leading officials of Jezreel and to the guardians of Ahab’s dynasty. This is what the letters said,
2. “You have with you the sons of your master, chariots and horses, a fortified city, and weapons. So when this letter arrives,
3. pick the best and most capable of your master’s sons, place him on his father’s throne, and defend your master’s dynasty.”
4. They were absolutely terrified and said, “Look, two kings could not stop him! How can we?”
5. So the palace supervisor, the city commissioner, the leaders, and the guardians sent this message to Jehu, “We are your subjects! Whatever you say, we will do. We will not make anyone king. Do what you consider proper.”
6. He wrote them a second letter, saying, “If you are really on my side and are willing to obey me, then take the heads of your master’s sons and come to me in Jezreel at this time tomorrow.” Now the king had seventy sons, and the prominent men of the city were raising them.