Topical Bible: Prophets: Jehu the Son of Hanani

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jehu, the son of Hanani, is a notable prophet in the Hebrew Bible, recognized for his role in delivering divine messages and judgments during the reigns of several kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. His ministry is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background and Ministry

Jehu was the son of Hanani, another prophet who had previously rebuked King Asa of Judah (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). Jehu's prophetic ministry is marked by his boldness and commitment to delivering God's messages, regardless of the recipient's status or the potential consequences.

Rebuke of Baasha

Jehu's first recorded prophetic act is his rebuke of King Baasha of Israel. Baasha had followed in the sinful ways of Jeroboam, leading Israel into idolatry. Jehu delivered a message of judgment from the LORD, declaring that Baasha's house would suffer the same fate as Jeroboam's, with his lineage being cut off (1 Kings 16:1-4):

> "Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: 'I lifted you up from the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, but you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin, provoking Me to anger by their sins. So I am about to consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat.'"

This prophecy was fulfilled when Baasha's son, Elah, was assassinated by Zimri, who then exterminated Baasha's entire family (1 Kings 16:11-13).

Rebuke of Jehoshaphat

Jehu also confronted King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Despite Jehoshaphat's general faithfulness to God, he made an alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, which led to a military campaign against Ramoth-gilead. After Ahab's death, Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, where Jehu met him with a stern rebuke (2 Chronicles 19:2-3):

> "Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, 'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart to seek God.'"

Jehu's rebuke served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity in worship and alliances, even for a king who generally sought to follow the LORD.

Legacy

Jehu the son of Hanani is remembered as a prophet who fearlessly delivered God's messages of judgment and correction. His ministry highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of idolatry and unholy alliances. Jehu's interactions with the kings of Israel and Judah serve as a testament to the enduring need for prophetic voices that call God's people back to faithfulness and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 16:1,7,12
Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... of Samuel and onward there was a flourishing school of the prophets at hand ...
Chron.13:22); for the reign of Jehoshaphat, "the book of Jehu the son of Hanani ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... No trace of any writings composed by these prophets is found until a very late date;
but in ... xiii.22), and to the "History of Jehu the son of Hanani, which ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm