2 Kings 10:18

18 Then Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, "Ahab offered Baal small service; but Jehu will offer much more.

2 Kings 10:18 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 10:18

And Jehu gathered all the people together
The people of Samaria, at least the principal of them:

and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little, [but] Jehu shall serve
him much;
which some understand as spoken ironically; but the words seem to be spoken with a design to deceive the idolatrous inhabitants of Samaria, making them to believe that he was hearty in the worship of Baal, and should show a greater respect to it, and more constantly attend it, than Ahab had done; and this he said with a view to draw them to the temple of Baal, and there destroy them, as the sequel shows; and in which he is not to be justified, however good his intention was; for evil is not to be done that good may come.

2 Kings 10:18 In-Context

16 He said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord." So he had him ride in his chariot.
17 When he came to Samaria, he killed all who were left to Ahab in Samaria, until he had wiped them out, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke to Elijah.
18 Then Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, "Ahab offered Baal small service; but Jehu will offer much more.
19 Now therefore summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers, and all his priests; let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal; whoever is missing shall not live." But Jehu was acting with cunning in order to destroy the worshipers of Baal.
20 Jehu decreed, "Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal." So they proclaimed it.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.