Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, is a prominent figure in the history of Israel, known for his zealous execution of judgment against the house of Ahab. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 9-10. Jehu's rise to power and his subsequent actions were a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Anointing and Commission

Jehu's mission began with his anointing as king over Israel by a young prophet sent by Elisha. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 9:1-13. The prophet declared, "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 of all the servants of the LORD who died at the hand of Jezebel’" (2 Kings 9:6-7). This anointing was a direct command from God, indicating that Jehu's actions were divinely sanctioned.

Execution of King Joram and Ahaziah

Jehu's first act of judgment was against King Joram of Israel, the son of Ahab. As Joram confronted Jehu, he was met with the declaration, "How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?" (2 Kings 9:22). Jehu then shot Joram with an arrow, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's house. Ahaziah, the king of Judah and ally of Joram, was also pursued and killed by Jehu's men (2 Kings 9:27-28).

Death of Jezebel

Jezebel, the infamous queen and wife of Ahab, met her end at the hands of Jehu. As Jehu entered Jezreel, Jezebel adorned herself and looked out from a window. Jehu commanded her eunuchs to throw her down, and she was trampled underfoot. Her death was a fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Slaughter of Ahab's Descendants

Jehu continued his campaign by eradicating the remaining members of Ahab's family. He wrote letters to the guardians of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria, challenging them to choose the best of Ahab's sons to sit on the throne. Fearful of Jehu, the guardians instead beheaded all seventy sons and sent their heads to Jehu in Jezreel (2 Kings 10:1-7).

Destruction of Baal Worship

Jehu's zeal extended to the eradication of Baal worship in Israel. He cunningly gathered all the prophets and worshipers of Baal under the pretense of holding a great sacrifice. Once assembled, Jehu ordered his men to kill them all, thus purging Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28). This act was in accordance with the LORD's command to destroy idolatry and false worship.

Assessment of Jehu's Reign

Jehu's reign was marked by his obedience to God's command to destroy the house of Ahab and eliminate Baal worship. However, despite his zeal, Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, who led the people into idolatry with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29-31). The LORD commended Jehu for his actions against Ahab's house, promising that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30).

Jehu's execution of judgment was a significant moment in Israel's history, demonstrating God's justice and the fulfillment of prophetic word. His actions, while zealous and effective in eradicating Ahab's lineage and Baal worship, also serve as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's commands.