Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, "Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you--only servants of Baal." Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of BaalJehu, the king of Israel, is known for his zealous actions against the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal. Jehonadab, son of Rechab, is a significant figure representing a group known for their strict adherence to Yahweh. Their entrance into the temple of Baal signifies a strategic move to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. The temple of Baal was a center for idolatrous worship, and its presence in Israel was a direct violation of the first commandment. This act is part of Jehu's broader campaign to purify Israel from idolatry, aligning with the prophetic mission given to him by Elisha. and Jehu said to the servants of Baal
The servants of Baal were priests and worshippers dedicated to the Canaanite god Baal, whose worship included rituals that were abominable to the God of Israel. Jehu's address to them is a cunning tactic to ensure the complete destruction of Baal worship. This moment reflects the ongoing conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan practices that had infiltrated Israel, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal.”
Jehu's command to ensure that no servants of the LORD are present is a calculated move to isolate the worshippers of Baal. This separation underscores the biblical principle of holiness, where God's people are called to be distinct from idolatrous practices. The phrase highlights the exclusivity of worship that God demands, as seen in passages like Exodus 20:3, "You shall have no other gods before Me." This act of purging Baal worship can be seen as a type of Christ's cleansing of the temple in the New Testament, where Jesus drives out those who defile the holy place, emphasizing purity in worship. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. 2. Jehonadab son of RechabA supporter of Jehu, known for his zeal for the Lord and his family's commitment to abstain from wine and live a nomadic lifestyle. 3. Temple of BaalA place of worship dedicated to Baal, a Canaanite deity, which was prevalent in Israel due to the influence of Ahab and Jezebel. 4. Worshipers of BaalIndividuals who followed the Canaanite religion, which was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. 5. Servants of the LORDFollowers of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who were to be distinguished from the worshipers of Baal. Teaching Points Zeal for the Lord's PurityJehu's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining purity in worship and eradicating idolatry from our lives. Discernment in FellowshipJust as Jehu ensured no servants of the LORD were among Baal's worshipers, we must discern our associations and ensure they align with our faith. Legacy of FaithfulnessJehonadab's legacy, as seen in Jeremiah 35, encourages us to live in a way that leaves a lasting impact of faithfulness for future generations. Courage to Stand Against IdolatryJehu's boldness in confronting Baal worship challenges us to stand firm against modern-day idols and cultural pressures. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe eradication of Baal worship demonstrates God's sovereignty and His commitment to uphold His covenant with Israel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehu's zeal for eradicating Baal worship challenge us in confronting idolatry in our own lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our associations and friendships reflect our commitment to God, similar to Jehu's separation of Baal worshipers from the servants of the LORD? 3. What lessons can we learn from Jehonadab's legacy of faithfulness, and how can we apply them to our family and community life? 4. How does the account of Jehu and the worshipers of Baal illustrate the importance of discernment in our spiritual walk? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to take a stand for your faith. How does Jehu's courage inspire you to act with boldness in similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:18This verse speaks of the remnant of Israel who did not bow to Baal, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and Baal. Jeremiah 35The Rechabites, descendants of Jehonadab, are commended for their faithfulness to their ancestor's commands, illustrating the lasting impact of Jehonadab's commitment to God. Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry underscores the seriousness of Jehu's mission to eliminate Baal worship. Romans 12:2Encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, which can be related to Jehu's call for separation from Baal worshipers. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17Advises believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, paralleling Jehu's insistence on separating the worshipers of Baal from the servants of the LORD. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Dan, Elijah, Elisha, Gad, Gadites, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoahaz, Jehonadab, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezreel, Manasseh, Manassites, Nebat, Rechab, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Aroer, Bashan, Beth-eked, Bethel, Dan, Gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, Samaria, Valley of the ArnonTopics Baal, Ba'al, Care, Entered, Jehonadab, Jehon'adab, Jehu, Lest, Ministers, None, Recab, Rechab, Search, Servant, Servants, Temple, Themselves, Worshipers, WorshippersDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 10:15-28 8370 zeal 2 Kings 10:18-28 8747 false gods 2 Kings 10:18-29 7312 Baal 2 Kings 10:23-27 7471 temples, heathen Library Impure Zeal
'And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 19. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCatholic Spirit
"And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine hand." 2 Kings 10:15. 1. It is allowed even by those who do not pay this great debt, that love is due to all mankind, the royal law, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," carrying its own evidence to all that hear it: and that, not according to the miserable …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions False Civilization
JEREMIAH xxxv. 19. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Let us think a while this morning what this text has to do with us; and why this strange story of the Rechabites is written for our instruction, in the pages of Holy Scripture. Let us take the story as it stands, and search the Scriptures simply for it. For the Bible will surely tell its own story best, and teach its own lesson best. These Rechabites, who …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind. …
St. Augustine—Against Lying The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants Elucidations.
I. (Deadly Sins, cap. ix., p. 356.) To maintain a modern and wholly uncatholic system of Penitence, the schoolmen invented a technical scheme of sins mortal and sins venial, which must not be read into the Fathers, who had no such technicalities in mind. By "deadly sins" they meant all such as St. John recognizes (1 John v. 16-17) and none other; that is to say sins of surprise and infirmity, sins having in them no malice or wilful disobedience, such as an impatient word, or a momentary neglect of …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 10:23 NIV2 Kings 10:23 NLT2 Kings 10:23 ESV2 Kings 10:23 NASB2 Kings 10:23 KJV
2 Kings 10:23 Commentaries
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