מלכים ב, פרק י׳, פסוק ג׳

Jehu issues a bold challenge to the loyalists and descendants of Ahab's royal house. He invites them to take full advantage of their resources and equipment to prepare a defense against his impending advance. He urges them to select the most capable and fitting heir from among their master's sons, crown him as the new king, and prepare for war [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This call to arms is a direct challenge to fight on behalf of the royal family [מצודת דוד].

On the surface, this message appears to be a straightforward declaration of war and an open invitation to a military clash. However, the primary approach among commentators is that Jehu has a hidden motive. His true intention is to put the recipients of his message to the test. By sending this challenge, he aims to gauge their loyalty and resolve, ultimately exposing what is genuinely hidden in their hearts [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].