2 Kings 10:28
Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel,
Thus Jehu
Jehu was the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, anointed by the prophet Elisha's servant as instructed by God (2 Kings 9:1-3). His reign marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, as he was chosen to execute divine judgment on the house of Ahab. Jehu's actions were in fulfillment of the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-17). His zeal for the Lord's command is evident, though his methods were often ruthless.

eradicated Baal
Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and weather, whose worship had been introduced into Israel by Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. The eradication of Baal worship was a direct response to the idolatry that had plagued Israel, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh. Jehu's actions included the destruction of Baal's temple and the killing of Baal's priests (2 Kings 10:18-27). This act was a fulfillment of the commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5) and a return to the covenant faithfulness expected of Israel.

from Israel
The northern kingdom of Israel had been steeped in idolatry, particularly under the influence of Ahab and Jezebel. Jehu's purge was a significant religious reform aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh as the sole deity of Israel. However, despite Jehu's actions against Baal, he did not remove the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, which continued to lead Israel into sin (2 Kings 10:29). This highlights the incomplete nature of Jehu's reforms and serves as a reminder of the persistent struggle against idolatry in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
The tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, anointed by the prophet Elisha to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity whose worship was introduced into Israel by Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. Baal worship involved idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, consisting of ten tribes, often led astray by idolatry and false worship practices.

4. Ahab
Former king of Israel, notorious for his idolatry and promotion of Baal worship, largely influenced by his wife, Jezebel.

5. Jezebel
The wife of Ahab, a Phoenician princess who zealously promoted the worship of Baal in Israel.
Teaching Points
Zeal for God's Honor
Jehu's actions demonstrate a commitment to honoring God by removing idolatry. Believers today are called to be zealous in upholding God's truth and purity in their lives.

The Dangers of Idolatry
Baal worship led Israel away from God. Modern believers must be vigilant against contemporary forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship, that can distract from true worship.

Divine Commission and Obedience
Jehu was anointed for a specific purpose. Christians are also called to fulfill God's purposes in their lives, requiring obedience and courage.

The Consequences of Sin
The eradication of Baal worship was a direct response to the sin of idolatry. Understanding the consequences of sin should motivate believers to pursue righteousness.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Jehu's actions were part of God's judgment against Ahab's house. This reminds us of God's ultimate authority and justice, encouraging us to trust in His righteous plans.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jehu's zeal in eradicating Baal worship about our own commitment to removing sin from our lives?

2. How does the introduction of Baal worship by Ahab and Jezebel serve as a warning against allowing ungodly influences into our homes and communities?

3. In what ways can modern believers identify and combat idolatry in their own lives, drawing parallels to Jehu's actions?

4. How does Jehu's divine commission to destroy Baal worship encourage us to seek and fulfill God's specific purposes for our lives?

5. Reflecting on God's judgment against Ahab's house, how can we find comfort in God's sovereignty and justice in the face of evil and wrongdoing today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 16:31-33
Provides background on how Baal worship was introduced into Israel by Ahab and Jezebel, setting the stage for Jehu's actions.

2 Kings 9:6-10
Details the anointing of Jehu by a prophet sent by Elisha, highlighting his divine commission to destroy the house of Ahab and eliminate Baal worship.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which include the prohibition against idolatry, providing a theological basis for Jehu's actions against Baal worship.

Romans 12:9
Encourages believers to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, paralleling Jehu's zeal in eradicating idolatry from Israel.
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
Baal, Ba'al, Destroyed, Destroyeth, Eradicated, Extirpated, Jehu, Thus, Wiped, Worship
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 10:28-29

     4618   calf

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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