Topical Encyclopedia Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, emerges as a significant figure in the history of Israel due to his fervent zeal for the Lord. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal in Israel.Divine Commission and Anointing Jehu's rise to power is marked by a divine commission delivered through the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 9:1-3, Elisha sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, with a specific mandate to destroy the house of Ahab. The young prophet declares, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘I anoint you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD at the hand of Jezebel’" (2 Kings 9:6-7). Execution of Judgment Jehu's zeal is immediately evident as he embarks on a mission to fulfill God's judgment. He confronts Joram, the son of Ahab, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, at Jezreel. In a dramatic encounter, Jehu kills Joram 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). Ahaziah is also struck down as he attempts to flee. Jehu's zeal extends to Jezebel, the infamous queen and wife of Ahab, who is thrown from a window at Jehu's command. Her death fulfills the prophecy spoken by Elijah, as dogs devour her body, leaving only her skull, feet, and hands (2 Kings 9:30-37). Destruction of Ahab's House and Baal Worship Jehu's campaign against the house of Ahab continues with the execution of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria. He sends letters to the city leaders, challenging them to choose a king from Ahab's descendants and prepare for battle. However, fearing Jehu, they comply with his demand to behead the sons and send their heads to Jezreel (2 Kings 10:1-7). Jehu's zeal is further demonstrated in his eradication of Baal worship from Israel. He cunningly gathers all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of holding a great sacrifice. Once assembled, he orders their execution, effectively purging Baal worship from the land (2 Kings 10:18-28). The text notes, "Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel" (2 Kings 10:28). Evaluation of Jehu's Reign While Jehu's actions align with God's judgment against idolatry and apostasy, his reign is not without criticism. Despite his zeal, Jehu fails to fully turn Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. He continues in the sins of Jeroboam, maintaining the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31). The Lord acknowledges Jehu's obedience in executing judgment, promising that his descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30). Jehu's legacy is a complex one, characterized by his fervent zeal for the Lord's commands and his partial obedience in leading Israel. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of incomplete obedience. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:1And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said to him, Gird up your loins, and take this box of oil in your hand, and go to Ramothgilead: Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 10:1 Library Impure Zeal The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus Paul in the Temple The Captain of the Lord's Host The Knowledge of God Asa Catholic Spirit The Withered Fig Tree Blessed are they that Mourn Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 Resources Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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