Topical Bible: Children: Edict to Murder of Jehu

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The narrative surrounding the edict to murder the children of Ahab's lineage, as executed by Jehu, is a significant event in the history of Israel, illustrating the fulfillment of divine judgment and the eradication of idolatry from the land. This event is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as king over Israel by a young prophet sent by Elisha (2 Kings 9:1-3). His anointing was part of God's plan to bring judgment upon the house of Ahab due to their idolatry and the bloodshed instigated by Jezebel, Ahab's wife. The house of Ahab had led Israel into Baal worship, provoking the Lord's anger.

The Edict

Upon his anointing, Jehu was tasked with executing God's judgment against the house of Ahab. 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 at the hand of Jezebel" (2 Kings 9:7). This divine mandate included the eradication of Ahab's descendants to prevent the continuation of his idolatrous legacy.

Execution of the Edict

Jehu's campaign began with the killing of Joram, the son of Ahab, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, who was allied with Ahab's house (2 Kings 9:24-27). Jehu then proceeded to Jezreel, where he confronted Jezebel, who met her demise as prophesied (2 Kings 9:30-37).

In a strategic move to consolidate his position and fulfill the divine edict, Jehu wrote letters to the rulers of Samaria, where Ahab's seventy sons were being raised. He challenged them to choose the best and most worthy of Ahab's sons to sit on their father's throne and prepare to defend the dynasty. However, the rulers, recognizing Jehu's strength and the futility of resistance, submitted to his authority (2 Kings 10:1-5).

Jehu then issued a chilling command: "If you are on my side and will obey me, bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow" (2 Kings 10:6). The leaders complied, and the heads of Ahab's seventy sons were delivered to Jehu, who displayed them at the city gate as a testament to the fulfillment of God's judgment (2 Kings 10:7-8).

Aftermath

Jehu's actions, though brutal, were seen as a necessary purging of idolatry from Israel. He continued his campaign by eliminating all remaining members of Ahab's family, as well as the priests of Baal, thereby eradicating Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:11, 18-28). Despite his zeal for the Lord's command, Jehu did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as he maintained the worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31).

Theological Significance

The edict to murder the children of Ahab, as carried out by Jehu, underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It serves as a sobering reminder of divine justice and the consequences of leading God's people astray. Jehu's actions, while fulfilling God's judgment, also highlight the complexity of human agency in executing divine will, as Jehu himself did not fully adhere to God's commandments.

This narrative invites reflection on the themes of judgment, repentance, and the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God, as well as the importance of righteous leadership in guiding a nation according to God's statutes.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 10:1-8
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,
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Library

Obedience
... look upon, but, being barren, said, Give me children, or I ... 4. Why does a king publish
an edict, but that ... kingdom), God looked upon it as no better than murder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm