They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. They demolishedThe Hebrew root for "demolished" is "שָׁבַר" (shabar), which means to break or shatter. This action signifies a complete and utter destruction, not just a superficial dismantling. In the context of ancient Israel, demolishing a sacred pillar was a profound act of defiance against idolatry and a return to the worship of Yahweh. It symbolizes the breaking of spiritual strongholds and the rejection of false gods that had led Israel astray. the sacred pillar of Baal
The "sacred pillar" refers to a "מַצֵּבָה" (matzevah), a stone monument or pillar used in Canaanite worship, often dedicated to Baal, a prominent deity in the region. Baal worship was a significant temptation for the Israelites, representing fertility and storm gods. The destruction of this pillar is a powerful statement against syncretism and the blending of Yahweh worship with pagan practices. It underscores the call to purity and exclusive devotion to the God of Israel. and tore down the temple of Baal
The phrase "tore down" comes from the Hebrew "נָתַץ" (natats), meaning to pull down or overthrow. The temple of Baal was not just a physical structure but a center of cultural and religious influence. Its destruction was a decisive move to eliminate the influence of Baal worship in Israel. Historically, this act reflects the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the pervasive Canaanite religious practices that threatened to corrupt the covenant community. They made it a latrine
Transforming the site into a latrine, or "מַחֲרָאָה" (machara'ah), was a deliberate act of desecration. In ancient Near Eastern culture, this was the ultimate insult to a deity, rendering the site unclean and unusable for worship. It signifies the total rejection and humiliation of Baal worship, turning a place of idolatry into one of disgrace. This act serves as a vivid reminder of the futility and shame of idol worship compared to the holiness and righteousness of serving the true God. to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of Jehu's reforms. The Hebrew "עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (ad hayom hazeh) suggests that the consequences of these actions were enduring. It serves as a historical marker, emphasizing the permanence of the change brought about by Jehu's zeal for the Lord. This enduring legacy is a testament to the power of righteous leadership and the importance of eradicating sin from the community to maintain faithfulness to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. 2. BaalA Canaanite deity whose worship was prevalent in Israel, often associated with idolatry and apostasy. 3. Temple of BaalA place of worship dedicated to Baal, representing the idolatrous practices that Jehu was commissioned to eliminate. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the temple of Baal was located. 5. Destruction of Baal WorshipThe event where Jehu and his men demolished the temple and made it a latrine, symbolizing the complete rejection and desecration of Baal worship. Teaching Points Zeal for God's HonorJehu's actions demonstrate a fervent commitment to honoring God by removing idolatry. Believers are called to be zealous in upholding God's truth and purity in their lives. Complete Rejection of IdolatryThe transformation of the temple into a latrine symbolizes the total rejection of false gods. Christians must identify and remove any form of idolatry or compromise in their lives. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentJehu's mission was a fulfillment of God's judgment against Ahab's house and Baal worship. This reminds us of God's ultimate authority and justice. Symbolic Acts of RepentanceThe destruction of the temple serves as a physical act of repentance and turning back to God. Believers should consider how they can demonstrate repentance in tangible ways. Legacy of FaithfulnessThe phrase "to this day" indicates the lasting impact of Jehu's actions. Our faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehu's zeal for eradicating Baal worship challenge us in our commitment to God today? 2. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from fully worshiping God, and how can we remove them from our lives? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate a complete rejection of sin and idolatry in our personal and communal lives? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect our view of justice and righteousness? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions leave a positive, lasting legacy of faithfulness to God? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:17-18This passage foretells the judgment against Baal worship, which Jehu fulfills. Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which underscores the importance of Jehu's actions in eradicating Baal worship. 2 Kings 9:6-10The anointing of Jehu and the prophecy concerning the destruction of Ahab's house and Baal worship. Romans 1:25Discusses the exchange of truth for a lie, similar to Israel's idolatry with Baal. Revelation 2:20Warns against tolerating idolatry and false teachings, paralleling the need for vigilance against spiritual compromise. 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 Altar, Appoint, Baal, Ba'al, Brake, Break, Broke, Broken, Column, Demolished, Draught, Draught-house, Image, Latrine, Pillar, Pulled, Sacred, Standing-pillar, Stone, Temple, Tore, UncleanDictionary 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 2 Kings 10:25-27 7442 shrine 2 Kings 10:26-27 4366 stones 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 10:27 NIV2 Kings 10:27 NLT2 Kings 10:27 ESV2 Kings 10:27 NASB2 Kings 10:27 KJV
2 Kings 10:27 Commentaries
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