Introduction:
Jehu, son of Nimshi, is a prominent figure in the history of Israel, known for his zealous execution of divine judgment against the house of Ahab. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Jehu's rise to power marks a significant turning point in the narrative of the Northern Kingdom, as he fulfills the prophetic word of the Lord through Elijah.

Background:
Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and served as a commander in the army of Israel under King Joram (2 Kings 9:2). His lineage and military position positioned him as a key player in the political and spiritual upheaval that would follow.

Anointing as King:
The prophet Elisha, following the instructions given to Elijah by God, sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 9:1-13. The young prophet declared, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and all the servants of the LORD at the hand of Jezebel’" (2 Kings 9:6-7). This anointing set Jehu on a divinely ordained mission to eradicate the idolatry and corruption that had plagued Israel under Ahab and Jezebel.

Execution of Judgment:
Jehu's first act as king was to confront King Joram, the son of Ahab, and King Ahaziah of Judah. In a dramatic encounter at Jezreel, Jehu killed Joram with an arrow, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's house (2 Kings 9:24). Ahaziah was also struck down as he fled (2 Kings 9:27).

Jehu then turned his attention to Jezebel, the infamous queen who had led Israel into Baal worship. As Jehu entered Jezreel, Jezebel confronted him from a window. Jehu ordered her eunuchs to throw her down, and she was trampled underfoot, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour her flesh (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Consolidation of Power:
Jehu continued his campaign by eliminating the seventy sons of Ahab in Samaria, ensuring the complete destruction of Ahab's lineage (2 Kings 10:1-11). He also orchestrated a cunning plan to gather all the prophets and worshipers of Baal in the temple of Baal, where he slaughtered them, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Reign and Legacy:
Jehu reigned over Israel for 28 years (2 Kings 10:36). Despite his zeal in executing judgment, Jehu did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as he continued the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31). Nevertheless, the Lord commended Jehu for his obedience in carrying out His commands against Ahab's house, promising that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30).

Jehu's reign was marked by both political and religious reforms, yet his failure to completely abandon idolatry left a mixed legacy. His actions, however, were instrumental in fulfilling God's judgment and reshaping the spiritual landscape of Israel.