Background and Context:

Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, emerges as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel during the 9th century BC. His account is primarily chronicled in 2 Kings 9-10. Jehu's rise to power is marked by a divinely sanctioned coup, as he is anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha to become king over Israel, succeeding Joram (also known as Jehoram), the son of Ahab. This transition of power is not merely a political maneuver but is deeply rooted in the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24).

Divine Anointing and Mission:

The narrative begins with the prophet Elisha instructing one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king. In 2 Kings 9:6-7 , the young prophet declares, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people 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 all the servants of the LORD who died at the hand of Jezebel.’" This divine mandate underscores Jehu's mission as an instrument of God's judgment, tasked with eradicating the idolatry and corruption perpetuated by Ahab and Jezebel.

Execution of Judgment:

Jehu's usurpation of political functions is characterized by decisive and ruthless action. Upon receiving the anointing, Jehu immediately sets out to fulfill his divine commission. He confronts Joram at Jezreel, where he delivers a fatal blow with an arrow, as recorded in 2 Kings 9:24 : "Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot." This act of regicide is followed by the execution of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who was allied with Joram.

Jehu's zeal for the LORD's command is further demonstrated in his confrontation with Jezebel. In 2 Kings 9:33 , Jehu orders her eunuchs to throw her down from a window, resulting in her death and the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy regarding her demise.

Consolidation of Power:

Jehu's consolidation of power involves the systematic elimination of Ahab's descendants and supporters. In 2 Kings 10, Jehu orchestrates the massacre of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria, sending letters to the city’s leaders to execute them. This act is a strategic move to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne and to solidify his rule.

Furthermore, Jehu extends his campaign against idolatry by targeting the worshipers of Baal. He cunningly assembles them under the pretense of a grand sacrifice, only to have them slaughtered, as detailed in 2 Kings 10:18-28. This eradication of Baal worship is a significant step in purging Israel of the idolatrous practices introduced by Ahab and Jezebel.

Theological Implications:

Jehu's usurpation of political functions is a complex narrative that intertwines divine sovereignty with human agency. His actions, while brutal, are portrayed as a fulfillment of God's judgment against a dynasty that led Israel into apostasy. Jehu's reign, however, is not without its shortcomings. Despite his zeal, he fails to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as noted in 2 Kings 10:29 : "But Jehu did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan."

Jehu's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the seriousness with which God regards His covenant with Israel. His rise to power, though marked by violence, is a testament to the LORD's commitment to justice and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.2 Kings 9:11-37
Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said to him, Is all well? why came this mad fellow to you? And he said to them, You know the man, and his communication.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the close of the Babylonian dynasty; usurpation of Ukinzir ... the assassin of Elah,
and Jehu occupied the ... The political constitutions of Judah and Israel were, on ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... nasi," or ruler, the duration of whose functions ceased with ... appear never to have
had any political existence, as ... them only till about the reign of Jehu, as we ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... a princess of Chaldaean blood, and by this means legitimatized his usurpation in
the ... He had, doubtless, a political as well as a religious motive in all he did ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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