Context and Background:
Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as king over Israel by a young prophet sent by Elisha (2 Kings 9:1-13). His rise to power marked a significant turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jehu's reign is noted for his zealous eradication of the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-17).

The Speech:
Jehu's speech to the people of Israel is a pivotal moment that underscores his mission to purify the nation from idolatry and to restore the worship of Yahweh. After securing his kingship and eliminating the immediate threats from Ahab's lineage, Jehu addresses the people to consolidate his authority and to justify his actions.

Content of the Speech:
Jehu's speech is recorded in 2 Kings 10:18-28. He begins by gathering the people and declaring, "Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him much" (2 Kings 10:18). This statement is a strategic deception intended to gather all the prophets and worshipers of Baal in one place. Jehu's cunning plan is to eliminate Baal worship from Israel completely.

He commands, "Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers, and all his priests. Let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live" (2 Kings 10:19). This proclamation is a ruse to ensure that no Baal worshiper escapes the impending judgment.

Once the worshipers are gathered in the temple of Baal, Jehu orders his men to ensure that none of the servants of the LORD are among them, saying, "Search and see that no servants of the LORD are here with you—only worshipers of Baal" (2 Kings 10:23). This careful separation underscores Jehu's commitment to preserving the faithful remnant of Yahweh's followers.

After the worshipers are assembled, Jehu gives the signal, and his men execute all the worshipers of Baal, thus purging the idolatrous practices from Israel. The text records, "So they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and warned them, 'If any of the men I am delivering into your hands escapes, it will be your life for his life'" (2 Kings 10:24).

Significance:
Jehu's speech and subsequent actions demonstrate his zeal for the LORD and his determination to fulfill the divine mandate to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. His actions, while violent, are seen as a necessary step to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people. Jehu's speech is a reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the lengths to which He will go to preserve His holiness among His people.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Jehu's speech and actions highlight the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophecy. Jehu acts as an instrument of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and the false worship that had led Israel astray. His speech serves as a call to the people to return to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, and to forsake all forms of idolatry.