2 Kings 10:1-7

1Ahab had 70 sons who lived in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and he sent them to Samaria. He sent them to Jezreel's officers and leaders, as well as to the men who took care of Ahab's sons.

2This was what the letter said: ‘When this letter reaches you, your master's sons will be with you. You also have his chariots and horses in a strong city. And you have weapons.

3Choose the best person to be king from among your master's sons. Make him your king instead of his father. Then prepare to fight on behalf of your master's family.’

4But the letter made the officers in Samaria very afraid. They said, ‘Even two kings could not win against Jehu. So we can never fight against him and win!’

5So these people sent a message to Jehu: the officer who took care of the king's palace, the man who ruled the city of Samaria, the city's leaders, and the men who took care of Ahab's children. The message said, ‘We are your servants. We will do anything that you tell us. We will not make anyone king. You must do what you think is right.’

6So Jehu wrote a second letter to them. It said, ‘If you are ready to help me and you will obey me, do this: Bring the heads of your master's sons here to me in Jezreel. Bring them by this time tomorrow.’ At that time, important leaders of the city were taking care of the king's 70 sons.

7When the letter arrived, these men took hold of the king's sons. They killed all 70 of them. They put their heads in baskets. Then they sent them to Jehu in Jezreel.