Topical Encyclopedia The Conspiracy of Jehu is a significant event in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 9-10. This event marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, where divine judgment is executed upon the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given by Elijah the Tishbite.Background Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was a commander in the army of Israel under King Joram (also known as Jehoram), the son of Ahab. The house of Ahab had led Israel into idolatry, primarily through the influence of Queen Jezebel, Ahab's wife, who promoted the worship of Baal. This apostasy provoked the wrath of the LORD, who sent prophets to warn and call the people back to covenant faithfulness. Divine Commission The LORD's judgment against the house of Ahab was pronounced by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). This prophecy was later reiterated and set into motion by Elisha, Elijah's successor. In 2 Kings 9:1-3, Elisha sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, instructing him to strike down the house of Ahab: "Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!" (2 Kings 9:3). Execution of Judgment Upon being anointed, Jehu immediately sets out to fulfill his divine commission. He rides to Jezreel, where King Joram is recovering from wounds sustained in battle against the Arameans. Jehu confronts Joram and kills him with an arrow, declaring, "Surely I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, and I will repay you on this plot of ground" (2 Kings 9:26). This act avenges the innocent blood of Naboth, whom Ahab and Jezebel had unjustly executed to seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21). Jehu's zeal for the LORD's command continues as he orders the death of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who was allied with Joram. He then proceeds to Jezebel, who meets her end as prophesied by Elijah: "On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh" (2 Kings 9:36). Destruction of Ahab's Line Jehu's campaign of judgment extends to the entire house of Ahab. In 2 Kings 10, Jehu orchestrates the execution of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria, ensuring the complete eradication of Ahab's lineage. He also deceives the worshipers of Baal, gathering them under the pretense of a grand sacrifice, only to slaughter them, thus purging Baal worship from Israel. Aftermath and Legacy Jehu's actions, while brutal, are depicted as a fulfillment of divine justice. The LORD commends Jehu for executing His judgment: "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 reign is also marked by his failure to fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as he continued the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. The Conspiracy of Jehu serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God regards idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, as well as His sovereignty in raising up leaders to accomplish His purposes. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:14-26So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria. Nave's Topical Index Library Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567 Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ... The Antiquities of the Jews Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Is there any truth to the chemtrail conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org What is the Caesar's Messiah Conspiracy Theory? | GotQuestions.org Conspiracy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conspiracy of Jezebel, Against Naboth Conspiracy of Servants, Against Joash Conspiracy: Abimelech Against Gideon's Sons Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Conspiracy: Delilah, Against Samson Conspiracy: Gaal, Against Abimelech Conspiracy: Joseph's Brother, Against Joseph Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Conspiracy: People in Jerusalem, Against Amaziah Conspiracy: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego Conspiracy: Shallum, Against Zachariah Related Terms Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) |