Topical Encyclopedia Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, emerges as a significant figure in the history of Israel, particularly noted for his zealous actions against the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 9-10. Anointed by a young prophet sent by Elisha, Jehu was chosen by God to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-17).Jehu's initial actions demonstrate a fervent commitment to God's commands. Upon his anointing, Jehu immediately sets out to destroy the house of Ahab. He kills Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, as well as Jezebel, the infamous queen who had led Israel into idolatry (2 Kings 9:24-33). Jehu's zeal continues as he eradicates the seventy sons of Ahab, ensuring the complete destruction of Ahab's lineage (2 Kings 10:1-11). Furthermore, Jehu orchestrates a cunning plan to eliminate the worshipers of Baal. He deceives them into gathering for a grand sacrifice, only to have them slaughtered, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28). This decisive action earns him commendation from the Lord, as recorded in 2 Kings 10:30: "Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation." However, Jehu's reign is marked by inconsistency. Despite his initial zeal for the Lord, he fails to fully commit to the ways of God. 2 Kings 10:29 notes, "But Jehu did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan." This indicates that while Jehu eradicated Baal worship, he allowed the continuation of other forms of idolatry, specifically the worship of the golden calves, which had been a persistent sin in Israel since the time of Jeroboam. Moreover, 2 Kings 10:31 further highlights Jehu's inconsistency: "Yet Jehu was not careful to walk in the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit." This verse underscores Jehu's failure to fully embrace the covenantal relationship with God, choosing instead to maintain certain idolatrous practices that were politically expedient. Jehu's reign, lasting twenty-eight years, is a complex tapestry of zeal and compromise. His actions fulfilled God's judgment against Ahab's house and temporarily purged Baal worship from Israel. However, his inability to wholly commit to the Lord's commandments and his tolerance of other forms of idolatry reveal a significant inconsistency in his leadership and spiritual devotion. This duality serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of partial obedience and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 10:16-31And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot. Nave's Topical Index Library Letter Lviii. To Paulinus. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Resources What does the Bible say about resentment? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about nepotism? | GotQuestions.org What is toxic masculinity? | GotQuestions.org Unfair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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