2 Kings 10:15

15. Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him The name is written Jonadab in Jeremiah 35:6; Jeremiah 35:10; Jeremiah 35:19. The house of Rechab were descendants of the Kenites, (1 Chronicles 2:55,) who journeyed with the Israelites through the wilderness, (Numbers 10:29,) and had settled in various parts of the land. Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11; 1 Samuel 15:6. This Jehonadab had brought all his father’s house to pledge themselves to abstain from wine, and to pursue the nomadic habits of their ancestors, and always dwell in tents. See Jeremiah 35:0. He was doubtless, therefore, well known in Israel as a man of great austerity; he had probably mourned over the prevailing idolatry, and now, hearing of what Jehu had done and said, he recognised in him a minister of Jehovah to execute judgment on the wicked house of Ahab, and went forth to meet him, and declare to him that his heart was with him in this ministry of judgment.

Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart Jehu was anxious to know if, in this bloody work, which he might well fear would not be very popular in Israel, he had the sympathy and approval of the distinguished pietist Jehonadab. To have his sympathy would be no small advantage to his cause. So he asks: Is thy heart really in sympathy with mine in this ministry of Divine judgment?

If it be There is nothing in the Hebrew that answers well to if. It should be rendered: Jehonadab answered, It is, yea, it is; give me thy hand. Jehonadab did not leave Jehu to do all the talking. He first offered his hand to the conqueror, and then Jehu gave him his hand and took him into his chariot. So Jehu found him a helper in his work of doom.