Jehu's Anointing and Mission
Jehu was anointed by a prophet to become king and tasked with executing God's judgment on the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:6-10). His mission was divinely ordained, highlighting God's control over the affairs of nations and leaders.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jehu's actions fulfilled the prophecy given to Elijah regarding the destruction of Ahab's lineage (2 Kings 10:10). This demonstrates the reliability and certainty of God's word.

Jehu's Zeal for the Lord
Jehu's zeal is evident as he eradicates the worship of Baal from Israel (2 Kings 10:28). His actions, though violent, were in obedience to God's command to purify Israel from idolatry.

Incomplete Obedience
Despite his zeal, Jehu did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as he continued the worship of golden calves (2 Kings 10:29-31). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of partial obedience.

God's Judgment and Mercy
While Jehu executed judgment, God also showed mercy by promising Jehu's descendants would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations (2 Kings 10:30). This reflects God's justice balanced with His mercy.Obedience to God's Commands
We are called to obey God's commands fully, not partially, recognizing that partial obedience is still disobedience.

Zeal for Righteousness
Like Jehu, we should have a zeal for righteousness and a desire to remove sin and idolatry from our lives and communities.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trust that God is in control and that His plans and purposes will be fulfilled, even when the means are beyond our understanding.

Beware of Idolatry
Identify and remove any form of idolatry in our lives, ensuring that our worship is directed solely to God.1. Jehu
The central figure in 2 Kings 10, Jehu is the king of Israel who carries out God's judgment against the house of Ahab. He is known for his zeal in eradicating Baal worship from Israel.

2. Ahab
Although deceased by this chapter, Ahab is referenced as the former king of Israel whose descendants and associates are targeted by Jehu. His house is under divine judgment due to his idolatry and wickedness.

3. Jezebel
Ahab's wife, who is also deceased by this chapter, but her influence and legacy of Baal worship are significant in the narrative. Jehu's actions are partly in response to her idolatrous influence.

4. Jehonadab son of Rechab
A supporter of Jehu, Jehonadab is invited by Jehu to join him in his chariot as a sign of alliance in the eradication of Baal worship. His presence signifies approval of Jehu's religious reforms.

5. The seventy sons of Ahab
These are the descendants of Ahab residing in Samaria. Jehu orders their execution to eliminate Ahab's lineage, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's house.

6. The rulers of Jezreel, the elders, and the guardians of Ahab's sons
These individuals are responsible for the upbringing and protection of Ahab's sons. They receive Jehu's letters and comply with his orders to execute the sons.

7. The relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah
These individuals are captured and killed by Jehu's men. They are related to the house of Ahab through marriage alliances.

8. The prophets of Baal, the worshipers, and the priests
These are the individuals associated with Baal worship in Israel. Jehu deceives them into gathering for a supposed sacrifice to Baal, only to have them all killed, thus purging Baal worship from Israel.

9. The people of Israel
While not individually named, the people of Israel are the broader audience and witnesses to Jehu's actions. They are affected by the religious and political changes Jehu implements.1. Samaria
Samaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 10, Jehu writes letters to the rulers of Samaria concerning the sons of Ahab. The Hebrew root for Samaria is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron).

2. Jezreel
Jezreel is a city in the Northern Kingdom where significant events occur, including the execution of Ahab's descendants. Jehu travels to Jezreel to carry out his mission. The Hebrew root for Jezreel is "יִזְרְעֶאל" (Yizre'el).

3. Beth Eked of the Shepherds
This is a location where Jehu encounters the relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and orders their execution. The name suggests a place associated with shepherds, though its exact location is not well-documented.

4. Samaria (again)
Jehu returns to Samaria after dealing with the relatives of Ahaziah and continues his purge of Ahab's house. The repetition of Samaria emphasizes its central role in Jehu's campaign.

5. Temple of Baal in Samaria
Jehu gathers all the worshipers of Baal to the temple in Samaria under the pretense of holding a great sacrifice, only to execute them and destroy the temple. This act signifies the eradication of Baal worship from Israel.1. Jehu's Letters to Samaria
Jehu writes letters to the rulers of Samaria, the elders, and the guardians of Ahab's sons, challenging them to choose the best and most worthy of Ahab's sons to sit on his father's throne and fight for his master's house (2 Kings 10:1-3).

2. The Elders' Response
The elders and guardians, fearing Jehu, respond by declaring their allegiance to him, stating they will not make any of Ahab's sons king and will do whatever Jehu commands (2 Kings 10:4-5).

3. Jehu's Command to Kill Ahab's Sons
Jehu instructs them to bring the heads of Ahab's seventy sons to him in Jezreel by the next day (2 Kings 10:6-7).

4. The Execution of Ahab's Sons
The seventy sons of Ahab are killed, and their heads are sent to Jehu in Jezreel, fulfilling his command (2 Kings 10:7).

5. Jehu's Speech to the People
Jehu addresses the people, declaring his actions as fulfilling the word of the LORD spoken against the house of Ahab through Elijah (2 Kings 10:9-10).

6. Slaughter of Ahab's Family
Jehu continues to eliminate all remaining members of Ahab's family in Jezreel, including his great men, close friends, and priests, leaving no survivor (2 Kings 10:11).

7. Jehu's Encounter with Relatives of Ahaziah
On his way to Samaria, Jehu meets the relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and orders their capture and execution (2 Kings 10:12-14).

8. Jehu's Alliance with Jehonadab
Jehu meets Jehonadab son of Rechab, and they form an alliance to destroy the worshipers of Baal (2 Kings 10:15-16).

9. Jehu's Deception of Baal Worshipers
Jehu deceives the worshipers of Baal by proclaiming a great sacrifice to Baal, gathering them all into the temple of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-21).

10. Destruction of Baal Worshipers
Jehu orders the execution of all the worshipers of Baal, destroying them and demolishing the temple of Baal, turning it into a latrine (2 Kings 10:22-27).

11. Jehu's Reign and God's Judgment
Despite Jehu's zeal in eradicating Baal worship, he fails to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, and God promises that his descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:28-31).

12. Death of Jehu
Jehu dies, and he is buried in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz succeeds him as king (2 Kings 10:34-36).1 Kings 19:16-17
The prophecy of Jehu's anointing and mission, showing the continuity of God's plan.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, reinforcing the importance of worshiping God alone.

Romans 12:11
Encouragement to maintain zeal in serving the Lord, paralleling Jehu's initial zeal.

James 1:22
The call to be doers of the word, not just hearers, emphasizing complete obedience.Pray for a heart of complete obedience to God's commands, avoiding the pitfalls of partial obedience.

Ask for a zeal for righteousness and the courage to stand against sin and idolatry in our lives and communities.

Seek God's guidance in identifying and removing any idols that may have taken His rightful place in our hearts.

Thank God for His sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, trusting Him with the outcomes of our obedience.

1. How do you reconcile the violence Jehu uses to fulfill God's prophecy with the concept of a loving and merciful God?

2. Why do you think Jehu chose to destroy Baal worship in such a deceitful manner? Was it necessary?

3. How does Jehu's selective obedience to God's commands reflect our personal struggles with sin and obedience today?

4. What parallels can you draw between the idolatry of Baal and modern-day idolatries? How can we actively "purge" these from our lives?

5. Why do you think Jehu failed to fully rid Israel of its idolatrous practices? What kept him from complete obedience?

6. How does Jehu's life reflect the adage "the end justifies the means"? Do you agree with this in the context of his actions?

7. What lessons can we learn from the officials of Jezreel who complied with Jehu's request?

8. How can we, in our modern society, stand up against societal "Baals" that are contrary to God's commands?

9. Jehu's zeal was initially applauded but later condemned. Discuss how zeal can be both positive and negative in a spiritual journey.

10. In what ways can the church today work towards rooting out modern-day 'Baal worship' within its ranks?

11. What are the potential dangers of political alliances in religious contexts, as seen in Jehu's alliance with Jehonadab?

12. How does Jehu's partial obedience reflect the importance of total commitment to God's instructions in our lives today?

13. Reflect on the passage's statement that Jehu "did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam". Why is it so challenging to break free from longstanding sins?

14. How do the actions of Jehu teach us about the repercussions of half-hearted obedience to God's instructions?

15. Compare and contrast Jehu’s leadership with the leadership of a current public figure. What similarities and differences do you see?

16. How does the narrative of Jehu’s actions in 2 Kings 10 encourage personal introspection?

17. How does the concept of divine retribution portrayed in 2 Kings 10 resonate with contemporary Christian beliefs?

18. How can we ensure that our zeal for God does not lead to misinterpretation or misuse of His instructions?

19. Discuss the responsibility that comes with leadership roles in the context of Jehu's kingship.

20. How should we respond when we, like Jehu, fall short of complete obedience to God's commands?