Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 10:15
Verse 15. Jehonadab the son of Rechab] For particulars concerning this man, his ancestry, and posterity, see the notes on Jer. 35. Is thine heart right] With me, in the prosecution of a reform in Israel; as my heart is with thy heart in the true religion of Jehovah, and the destruction of Baal? It is.] I wish a reform in the religion of the country; I am his friend who shall endeavour to promote it.
Give me thine hand.] This has been generally considered as exacting a promise from Jehonadab; but does it mean any more than his taking him by the hand, to help him to step into his chariot, in which Jehu was then sitting? Jehonadab was doubtless a very honourable man in Israel; and by carrying him about with him in his chariot, Jehu endeavoured to acquire the public esteem. "Jehu must be acting right, for Jehonadab is with him, and approves his conduct."
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 15. And when he was departed thence , etc.] From Betheked, or the shearing house: he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him ; a Kenite, a descendant of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, a wise and good man, as appears by the laws and rules he gave to his posterity, who continued to the times of Jeremiah, and were then observant of them, ( Jeremiah 35:6-10) this good man hearing of Jehu’s coming to the throne, and of his destruction of the idolatrous family of Ahab, and of his zeal for the worship of God, and against idolatry, came forth from his tent to meet him, and congratulate him upon it: and he saluted him ; Jonadab saluted Jehu, according to Abarbinel; or “blessed him” f116 , wished him all happiness in his kingdom, and success in the reformation of it; though most understand it of Jehu’s saluting Jonadab, which seems best to agree with the following: and said to him, is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart ? that is, hast thou the same cordial affection and sincere respect for me as I have for thee? and Jehonadab answered, it is : to which some join the next clause, and read, “and it is”; which is doubling the answer, for the confirmation of it, as Kimchi says; though he also observes, that the latter may be interpreted as the answer of Jehu, by way of interrogation, “is it?”, then give me thine hand ; and to the same purpose is our version, if it be, and he gave [him] his hand ; Jonadab gave Jehu his hand as a token of sincere friendship f117 , and cordial respect, and for the confirmation of the covenant between them, as Ben Melech; who also observes, that Jehu might bid him give him his hand to help him up into the chariot, since it follows, and he took him up to him into the chariot ; to ride with him to Samaria; the company of such a man, so famous for wisdom and goodness, he knew would give him much countenance among the people, and sanction to what he did.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 amon men, but, is my heart right? Am I sincere with God? Jehonadab owne Jehu in the work, both of revenge and of reformation. An upright hear approves itself to God, and seeks no more than his acceptance; but in we aim at the applause of men, we are upon a false foundation. Whethe 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 ou hearts.
Original Hebrew
וילך 1980 משׁם 8033 וימצא 4672 את 853 יהונדב 3082 בן 1121 רכב 7394 לקראתו 7125 ויברכהו 1288 ויאמר 559 אליו 413 הישׁ 3426 את 853 לבבך 3824 ישׁר 3477 כאשׁר 834 לבבי 3824 עם 5973 לבבך 3824 ויאמר 559 יהונדב 3082 ישׁ 3426 וישׁ 3426 תנה 5414 את 853 ידך 3027 ויתן 5414 ידו 3027 ויעלהו 5927 אליו 413 אל 413 המרכבה׃ 4818
