Background and Context:
Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, emerges as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 9-10. Jehu's rise to power is marked by divine intervention and prophetic fulfillment, as he is chosen by God to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, a dynasty notorious for its idolatry and apostasy.

Anointing of Jehu:
The anointing of Jehu is a significant event orchestrated by the prophet Elisha, who sends one of the sons of the prophets to Ramoth-gilead with a specific mission. In 2 Kings 9:1-3 , Elisha instructs the young prophet: "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions, and take him into an inner room. Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!"

The anointing signifies God's sovereign choice and empowerment of Jehu to fulfill a divine mandate. The act of anointing with oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit's presence and the setting apart of an individual for a specific purpose.

Jehu's Mission:
Jehu's mission is one of divine retribution against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). The mission involves the eradication of Baal worship and the purging of idolatry from Israel. Upon receiving the anointing, Jehu immediately takes action, demonstrating zeal and determination to carry out God's judgment.

Jehu's first act is the assassination of Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 9:24-27. This act fulfills the prophecy against the house of Ahab. Jehu then proceeds to Jezreel, where he confronts Jezebel, the infamous queen who had led Israel into idolatry. In 2 Kings 9:33 , Jehu commands, "Throw her down!" resulting in Jezebel's death and the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy regarding her demise.

Jehu's mission extends to the extermination of Ahab's descendants and the eradication of Baal worship. In 2 Kings 10:18-28, Jehu cunningly gathers all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of a grand sacrifice, only to execute them, thus purging Baal worship from Israel.

Significance:
Jehu's anointing and mission underscore the themes of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophecy. His actions, while violent, are seen as necessary to cleanse Israel from the corruption and idolatry that had plagued the nation under Ahab's rule. Jehu's reign, however, is a complex one; while he fulfills God's command to destroy the house of Ahab and Baal worship, he fails to fully turn Israel back to the worship of Yahweh, as he continues the sins of Jeroboam by maintaining the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29).

Jehu's account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the serious consequences of idolatry and apostasy. His anointing and mission highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.