Jehu's conspiracy is a significant event in the history of Israel, chronicled in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 9-10. This event marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Northern Kingdom, as it involves the overthrow of the Omride dynasty and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel.

Background

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was a commander in the army of Israel under King Joram (also known as Jehoram), the son of Ahab. The house of Ahab had led Israel into idolatry, primarily through the influence of Queen Jezebel, Ahab's wife, who promoted the worship of Baal. The prophet Elijah had previously prophesied the downfall of Ahab's house due to their idolatry and the murder of Naboth (1 Kings 21:21-24).

Anointing of Jehu

The conspiracy begins with the divine commissioning of Jehu. The prophet Elisha, following the instructions given to Elijah by God, sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. In 2 Kings 9:6-7 , the young prophet declares, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and all the servants of the LORD who died at the hand of Jezebel.’"

Execution of the Conspiracy

Upon being anointed, Jehu immediately sets out to fulfill his divine mandate. He travels to Jezreel, where King Joram is recovering from wounds sustained in battle against the Arameans. Jehu confronts Joram and kills him with an arrow, declaring, "Surely I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, and I will repay you on this plot of ground" (2 Kings 9:26). Ahaziah, the king of Judah and ally of Joram, is also killed during Jehu's uprising.

Jehu then proceeds to Jezebel, who is in Jezreel. In a dramatic encounter, Jezebel is thrown from a window by her own eunuchs at Jehu's command, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour her flesh (2 Kings 9:33-36).

Destruction of Ahab's House

Jehu's campaign against the house of Ahab continues with the execution of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu sends letters to the guardians of Ahab's sons, challenging them to choose the best and fittest of their master's sons to sit on the throne. Fearing Jehu, they instead behead all seventy sons and send their heads to Jehu in Jezreel (2 Kings 10:6-7).

Eradication of Baal Worship

In a decisive move to cleanse Israel of Baal worship, Jehu deceives the prophets, priests, and worshipers of Baal by inviting them to a grand sacrifice in honor of Baal. Once gathered in the temple of Baal, Jehu orders his men to kill all the worshipers, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Aftermath and Legacy

Jehu's actions fulfill the prophetic word concerning the house of Ahab and bring an end to Baal worship in Israel. However, despite his zeal for the LORD, Jehu fails to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who led Israel into idolatry with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31). Jehu's reign lasts for 28 years, and he is succeeded by his son Jehoahaz.

Jehu's conspiracy is a testament to God's judgment against idolatry and injustice, demonstrating the LORD's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His commitment to His covenant people.