Introduction

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as the king of Israel by the prophet Elisha's servant, as recorded in 2 Kings 9. His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom, characterized by a zealous purge of the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel. Jehu's ascension to the throne was divinely orchestrated to fulfill the prophecy against Ahab's dynasty, as previously declared by the prophet Elijah.

Anointing and Ascension

The narrative of Jehu's anointing is found in 2 Kings 9:1-13. Elisha, following the instructions of the LORD, sent one of the sons of the prophets to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu as king. The young prophet poured oil on Jehu's head and 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).

Upon receiving the anointing, Jehu was immediately recognized by his fellow commanders, who proclaimed him king. This swift acceptance underscores the divine favor and urgency of his mission.

Execution of Judgment

Jehu's reign began with a series of decisive and violent actions aimed at fulfilling God's judgment against the house of Ahab. His first act was the assassination of King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, as they met at Jezreel (2 Kings 9:14-29). Jehu's arrow struck Joram between the shoulders, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that Ahab's bloodline would be cut off.

Jehu then turned his attention to Jezebel, the infamous queen and wife of Ahab. As Jehu entered Jezreel, Jezebel confronted him from a window. Jehu commanded her eunuchs to throw her down, and her death was as gruesome as prophesied, with dogs devouring her body (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Purge of Ahab's House

Continuing his mission, Jehu eradicated the remaining members of Ahab's family. He orchestrated the execution of seventy sons of Ahab in Samaria, sending letters to the city’s leaders to behead them and deliver their heads in baskets to Jezreel (2 Kings 10:1-7). This act was a fulfillment of the LORD's word spoken through Elijah.

Jehu's zeal extended beyond Ahab's immediate family. He also targeted the priests and worshippers of Baal, orchestrating a cunning plan to gather them under the pretense of a grand sacrifice. Once assembled, Jehu ordered their execution, effectively eliminating Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Religious Reforms and Legacy

Jehu's actions were commended by the LORD for their alignment with divine judgment. In 2 Kings 10:30, the LORD said to Jehu, "Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation" .

Despite his zeal for purging idolatry, Jehu did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had led Israel into sin with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. This incomplete reform left a blemish on his legacy, as recorded in 2 Kings 10:29.

Conclusion

Jehu's reign, which lasted for 28 years, was marked by a fervent commitment to executing divine judgment and a partial return to the worship of the LORD. His actions fulfilled the prophetic word against Ahab's house and temporarily halted the spread of Baal worship in Israel. However, his failure to completely eradicate the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam left a lasting impact on the spiritual state of the nation.