Topical Encyclopedia The treachery of Jehu is a significant event in the history of Israel, marked by a series of calculated and violent actions that led to the overthrow of the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship in Israel. Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed king of Israel by a young prophet sent by Elisha, as recorded in 2 Kings 9-10.Anointing and Conspiracy Jehu's rise to power began with his anointing as king while he was still a commander in the army of Israel. The prophet's message was clear: Jehu was chosen by God to execute judgment on the house of Ahab for their idolatry and the bloodshed of Naboth and his sons. The prophet declared, "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 who died at the hand of Jezebel" (2 Kings 9:7). Upon receiving the anointing, Jehu immediately conspired against King Joram (Jehoram), the son of Ahab, who was recuperating in Jezreel from wounds sustained in battle against the Arameans. Jehu's fellow officers quickly pledged their support, and he set out for Jezreel to confront Joram. Assassination of Joram and Ahaziah As Jehu approached Jezreel, King Joram went out to meet him, accompanied by Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Jehu's response to Joram's inquiry about peace was swift and decisive: "How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?" (2 Kings 9:22). Jehu then drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders, killing him. Ahaziah attempted to flee, but Jehu's men pursued and mortally wounded him as well. Death of Jezebel Jehu's next target was Jezebel, the infamous queen mother. Upon entering Jezreel, Jezebel confronted Jehu from a window, but he ordered her eunuchs to throw her down. Her death fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah, as dogs devoured her body, leaving only her skull, feet, and hands (2 Kings 9:30-37). Massacre of Ahab's Descendants and Baal Worshipers Jehu continued his campaign by orchestrating the massacre of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria. He sent letters to the guardians of Ahab's sons, challenging them to choose the best of Ahab's descendants to sit on the throne. Intimidated by Jehu's reputation, they instead beheaded all seventy sons and sent their heads to Jezreel (2 Kings 10:1-7). Jehu's zeal for the LORD extended to the eradication of Baal worship. He cunningly gathered all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of holding a great sacrifice. Once assembled in the temple of Baal, Jehu ordered his men to kill them all, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28). Divine Approval and Judgment Jehu's actions were in fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Ahab, and the LORD commended him for executing His will: "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" (2 Kings 10:30). However, Jehu's failure to fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, specifically the worship of the golden calves, ultimately led to the weakening of his dynasty and the continued spiritual decline of Israel. The treachery of Jehu serves as a complex narrative of divine justice, human ambition, and the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 10:18-28And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. Nave's Topical Index Library How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ... Book 9 Footnotes The Antiquities of the Jews The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ... Knox and Queen Mary, 1561 Washed to Greater Foulness Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 Questions. Resources What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Merovingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Treachery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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