5 He who was over the household, and he who was over the city, the elders also, and those who raised the children, sent to Jehu, saying, "We are your servants, and will do all that you ask us. We will not make any man king. You do that which is good in your eyes."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
The officer who had the charge of the place (1-Kings 4:6 note) and the governor of the town (1-Kings 22:26 note) seem to correspond to the "rulers" of 2-Kings 10:1.
He that was over the house, etc. - Thus all the constituted authorities agreed to submit.
Will do all that thou shalt bid us - They made no conditions, and stood pledged to commit the horrid murders which this most execrable man afterwards commanded.
And he that was over the house,.... The king's palace in Samaria, who had the custody, care, and government of it:
and he that was over the city; the commander and governor of it, that had the highest post in it under the king;
the elders also all other subordinate officers and magistrates:
and the bringers up of the children; who had the education of the king's sons committed to them:
sent to Jehu, saying, we are thy servants, and will do all that thou shall bid us. They were ready to do homage, and swear allegiance to him as their king, and obey all his commands as faithful subjects:
we will not make any king; or set up any on the throne, no, not any of the sons or grandsons of Ahab:
do thou that which is good in thine eyes, we will never oppose thee.
he that was over the house--the governor or chamberlain of the palace.
the bringers-up of the children--Anciently, and still also in many Eastern countries, the principal grandees were charged with the support and education of the royal princes. This involved a heavy expense which they were forced to bear, but for which they endeavored to find some compensation in the advantages of their connection with the court.
The house - The chief governor of the kings palace. City - The chief magistrate or military governor.
*More commentary available at chapter level.