2 Kings 10:27
They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day.
They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal.
The sacred pillar of Baal was a significant symbol of the Canaanite deity Baal, often associated with fertility and weather. In ancient Israel, the worship of Baal was a recurring issue, leading the Israelites away from the worship of Yahweh. The destruction of this pillar by Jehu's forces was a decisive act to eradicate Baal worship from Israel, fulfilling the commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5). This act also aligns with the Deuteronomic reform principles, which emphasized the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the removal of pagan influences (Deuteronomy 12:3).

Then they tore down the temple of Baal
The temple of Baal in Samaria was a center for idol worship and a symbol of the spiritual apostasy that had taken hold in the Northern Kingdom. Jehu's destruction of the temple was a fulfillment of his divine commission to eliminate the house of Ahab and the associated Baal worship (2 Kings 9:6-10). This act can be seen as a parallel to the cleansing of the temple by Jesus, who drove out the money changers (John 2:13-16), symbolizing the removal of corruption and the restoration of true worship.

and made it into a latrine,
Turning the temple into a latrine was a deliberate act of desecration, ensuring that the site could never again be used for worship. This action symbolized the utter rejection and humiliation of Baal worship. It reflects the biblical theme of divine judgment against false gods and the futility of idolatry (Isaiah 44:9-20). The transformation of a sacred space into a place of waste underscores the complete and irreversible nature of Jehu's reforms.

which it is to this day.
The phrase "to this day" indicates that the author of 2 Kings was writing at a time when the effects of Jehu's actions were still evident. This serves as a historical marker, emphasizing the lasting impact of Jehu's purge of Baal worship. It also highlights the enduring nature of God's judgment against idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to Him. This phrase can be compared to the enduring nature of God's promises and covenants, as seen throughout Scripture (Genesis 17:7, Psalm 105:8-10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
The king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity whose worship was prevalent in Israel, often associated with idolatry and apostasy.

3. Temple of Baal
A place of worship dedicated to Baal, representing the idolatrous practices that Jehu was commissioned to eliminate.

4. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the temple of Baal was located.

5. Destruction of Baal Worship
The event where Jehu and his men demolished the temple and made it a latrine, symbolizing the complete rejection and desecration of Baal worship.
Teaching Points
Zeal for God's Honor
Jehu's actions demonstrate a fervent commitment to honoring God by removing idolatry. Believers are called to be zealous in upholding God's truth and purity in their lives.

Complete Rejection of Idolatry
The transformation of the temple into a latrine symbolizes the total rejection of false gods. Christians must identify and remove any form of idolatry or compromise in their lives.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Jehu's mission was a fulfillment of God's judgment against Ahab's house and Baal worship. This reminds us of God's ultimate authority and justice.

Symbolic Acts of Repentance
The destruction of the temple serves as a physical act of repentance and turning back to God. Believers should consider how they can demonstrate repentance in tangible ways.

Legacy of Faithfulness
The phrase "to this day" indicates the lasting impact of Jehu's actions. Our faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jehu's zeal for eradicating Baal worship challenge us in our commitment to God today?

2. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from fully worshiping God, and how can we remove them from our lives?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate a complete rejection of sin and idolatry in our personal and communal lives?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect our view of justice and righteousness?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions leave a positive, lasting legacy of faithfulness to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:17-18
This passage foretells the judgment against Baal worship, which Jehu fulfills.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which underscores the importance of Jehu's actions in eradicating Baal worship.

2 Kings 9:6-10
The anointing of Jehu and the prophecy concerning the destruction of Ahab's house and Baal worship.

Romans 1:25
Discusses the exchange of truth for a lie, similar to Israel's idolatry with Baal.

Revelation 2:20
Warns against tolerating idolatry and false teachings, paralleling the need for vigilance against spiritual compromise.
Destruction of the Worshippers of BaalJ. Orr 2 Kings 10:15-28
The Zeal of Jehu, and its LessonsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 10:15-31
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Dan, Elijah, Elisha, Gad, Gadites, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoahaz, Jehonadab, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezreel, Manasseh, Manassites, Nebat, Rechab, Reuben, Reubenites
Places
Aroer, Bashan, Beth-eked, Bethel, Dan, Gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, Samaria, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Altar, Appoint, Baal, Ba'al, Brake, Break, Broke, Broken, Column, Demolished, Draught, Draught-house, Image, Latrine, Pillar, Pulled, Sacred, Standing-pillar, Stone, Temple, Tore, Unclean
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 10:15-28

     8370   zeal

2 Kings 10:18-28

     8747   false gods

2 Kings 10:18-29

     7312   Baal

2 Kings 10:23-27

     7471   temples, heathen

2 Kings 10:25-27

     7442   shrine

2 Kings 10:26-27

     4366   stones

Library
Impure Zeal
'And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 19. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Catholic Spirit
"And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine hand." 2 Kings 10:15. 1. It is allowed even by those who do not pay this great debt, that love is due to all mankind, the royal law, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," carrying its own evidence to all that hear it: and that, not according to the miserable
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

False Civilization
JEREMIAH xxxv. 19. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Let us think a while this morning what this text has to do with us; and why this strange story of the Rechabites is written for our instruction, in the pages of Holy Scripture. Let us take the story as it stands, and search the Scriptures simply for it. For the Bible will surely tell its own story best, and teach its own lesson best. These Rechabites, who
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind.
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Elucidations.
I. (Deadly Sins, cap. ix., p. 356.) To maintain a modern and wholly uncatholic system of Penitence, the schoolmen invented a technical scheme of sins mortal and sins venial, which must not be read into the Fathers, who had no such technicalities in mind. By "deadly sins" they meant all such as St. John recognizes (1 John v. 16-17) and none other; that is to say sins of surprise and infirmity, sins having in them no malice or wilful disobedience, such as an impatient word, or a momentary neglect of
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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