Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as the king of Israel by the prophet Elisha, acting on the instructions of God (2 Kings 9:1-3). His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom, as he was divinely appointed to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24).

Jehu's zeal for the Lord was evident in his swift and decisive actions against the house of Ahab. He eradicated the worship of Baal from Israel, destroying the temple of Baal and killing the prophets and worshipers of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-28). Despite his fervor in purging idolatry, Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had led Israel into sin by instituting the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29).

Jehu reigned over Israel for twenty-eight years, and his rule was characterized by both his commitment to eliminating Baal worship and his failure to fully adhere to the law of the Lord. The Lord commended Jehu for his 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). However, Jehu's incomplete obedience resulted in continued instability and conflict for Israel.

The account of Jehu's death is recorded in 2 Kings 10:34-36: "As for the rest of the acts of Jehu, along with all his accomplishments and all his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? And Jehu rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoahaz reigned in his place. So the time of Jehu’s reign over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years."

Jehu's death marked the end of a tumultuous yet significant era in Israel's history. His legacy was a mixed one, as he was both a reformer who eradicated Baal worship and a king who failed to lead Israel back to the pure worship of Yahweh. His son Jehoahaz succeeded him, continuing the dynastic line as promised by God, yet the spiritual and political challenges for Israel persisted.