Topical Bible: Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu

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◄ Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu ►

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Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, emerges as a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of religious zeal and the eradication of evil from Israel. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 9-10, where he is anointed as king of Israel and tasked with executing divine judgment against the house of Ahab.

Anointing and Divine Commission

Jehu's rise to power is marked by a divine commission delivered through the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 9:6-7 , the young prophet sent by Elisha anoints Jehu, saying, "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 of all the servants of the LORD who died at the hand of Jezebel.’" This anointing underscores Jehu's role as an instrument of God's judgment, tasked with purging Israel of idolatry and the bloodshed instigated by Ahab and Jezebel.

Execution of Judgment

Jehu's zeal is vividly demonstrated in his swift and decisive actions against the house of Ahab. He begins by confronting Joram, the son of Ahab, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, at Jezreel. In 2 Kings 9:24 , Jehu shoots Joram with an arrow, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's lineage. Jehu's relentless pursuit of justice continues with the death of Jezebel, who is thrown from a window at his command, as described in 2 Kings 9:33 : "Throw her down!" Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses, and Jehu trampled her underfoot.

Destruction of Baal Worship

Jehu's zeal extends beyond the immediate family of Ahab to the broader eradication of Baal worship in Israel. In a cunning plan, Jehu gathers all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of a grand sacrifice. Once assembled, he orders their execution, as recorded in 2 Kings 10:25 : "Then Jehu went in and said to the guards and officers, 'Go in and kill them; let no one escape.' So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal."

Assessment of Jehu's Reign

Jehu's actions, while brutal, are portrayed as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a necessary purging of idolatry from Israel. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of the LORD, albeit with imperfections. In 2 Kings 10:28-29 , it is noted, "Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel, but he 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."

Jehu's legacy is one of fervent zeal in executing God's judgment, serving as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the corruption of His people. His account is a testament to the divine mandate to uphold righteousness and the lengths to which God will go to cleanse His people from evil influences.

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2 Kings 10:15-28
And when he was departed there, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me your hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
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