Topical Bible: Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jehu

◄ Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jehu ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is noted for a significant shift in the religious and political landscape of Israel, as he was instrumental in eradicating the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal from the land. Jehu's account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 9-10.

Anointing and Ascension to the Throne

Jehu's rise to power was divinely orchestrated. The prophet Elisha, following the instructions of Elijah, sent one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. The young prophet found Jehu among his fellow officers and declared, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel’" (2 Kings 9:6). Upon receiving the anointing, Jehu was tasked with executing divine judgment against the house of Ahab.

Judgment on the House of Ahab

Jehu's first act as king was to fulfill the prophecy against Ahab's family. He swiftly moved to Jezreel, where he confronted and killed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. Jehu's zeal for the LORD's command was evident as he pursued Jezebel, the queen mother, who met her end as prophesied by Elijah (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Jehu continued his campaign by orchestrating the massacre of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria. He sent letters to the guardians of Ahab's sons, challenging them to choose a king from among them and prepare for battle. Instead, they submitted to Jehu's authority, and the heads of Ahab's sons were sent to Jezreel as proof of their compliance (2 Kings 10:1-7).

Eradication of Baal Worship

Jehu's zeal extended to the eradication of Baal worship in Israel. He cunningly gathered all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of holding a great sacrifice. Once they were assembled in the temple of Baal, Jehu ordered his men to kill them all, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Reign and Legacy

Jehu reigned over Israel for twenty-eight years, from approximately 841 to 814 BC. Despite his initial zeal for the LORD, Jehu did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had led Israel into idolatry with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31). Nevertheless, the LORD acknowledged Jehu's actions against the house of Ahab, promising that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30).

Jehu's reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel, as he was used by God to execute judgment and bring about a temporary return to the worship of Yahweh. However, his failure to completely abandon the idolatrous practices of his predecessors left a mixed legacy. Jehu's account serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the consequences of incomplete obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 9:3-10:36
Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus said the LORD, I have anointed you king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... the laws, and died when he had reigned over the Israelites ... the treasures of God and
of the kings [before him ... should kill his master, and reign over the Syrians ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel." 2 Kings ... years the child remained hidden,
while "Athaliah reigned over the land ... said, God save the king." 2 Kings 11:12 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died. ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the
hope that they would regain their control over the ten tribes. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... for Omri's ruling had beaten Tibni, Omri reigned over all the ... years; six of these
years he reigned in the ... was no way different from those kings that reigned ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... and buried there, after he had reigned one year ... had already subdued two very great
kings, they returned ... prophet that his sons should reign over Israel for four ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over
Jerusalem For Five [Six ... An Expedition Against The People Of Israel And The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... so exceeded in madness and wickedness all [the kings] that went ... time it was that
Ethbaal also reigned over the Tyrians ... of his enemies should have power over him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... Saul as king, who was the first that bore regal sway over Israel after the ... extends
from the close of the third book of Kings to the ... Then Ochozias reigned a year ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... My father reigned over Moab for thirty years, and I reigned after my ... each series
representing the tribute brought to the Assyrian king by kings whom he ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

Questions.
... 14. Who reigned over the rest of Israel? 15. ... 4. Who overthrew the house of Jeroboam?
5. What kings reigned next? ... 12. Who were the chief enemies of Israel? 13. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm