Background:
Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as king of Israel by the prophet Elisha's servant, as instructed by God (2 Kings 9:1-3). His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel, particularly in the eradication of Baal worship, which had been introduced and promoted by previous kings, notably Ahab and his wife Jezebel.

Biblical Account:
The account of Jehu's actions against the priests of Baal is found in 2 Kings 10. After securing his position as king and eliminating the house of Ahab, Jehu set his sights on purging Israel of Baal worship. He cunningly devised a plan to gather all the worshipers and priests of Baal under the pretense of holding a grand sacrifice to Baal.

Jehu proclaimed, "Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot" (2 Kings 10:18). This declaration was a strategic deception to ensure that all the followers of Baal would be present. Jehu ordered a solemn assembly for Baal and sent messengers throughout Israel to summon all the priests and worshipers to the temple of Baal.

Once the temple was filled with Baal's adherents, Jehu ensured that no worshiper of the LORD was among them by instructing, "Search and see that no servants of the LORD are here with you—only servants of Baal" (2 Kings 10:23). After confirming that only Baal worshipers were present, Jehu stationed eighty men outside with strict orders to kill anyone who attempted to escape.

Jehu and his men then entered the temple and slaughtered all the priests and worshipers of Baal. The sacred pillars and the temple itself were destroyed, and the site was turned into a latrine, signifying the utter desecration and rejection of Baal worship in Israel (2 Kings 10:27).

Theological Significance:
Jehu's actions were a fulfillment of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and the idolatrous practices that had led Israel astray. His zeal for the LORD and his decisive actions against Baal worship were in line with the covenantal demands for exclusive worship of Yahweh. Jehu's purge of Baal worship was a dramatic demonstration of the LORD's sovereignty and a call for Israel to return to the worship of the one true God.

Legacy:
While Jehu's eradication of Baal worship was commendable, his reign was not without fault. He failed to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had led Israel into idolatry with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29). Nevertheless, Jehu's actions against Baal were a significant step in the ongoing struggle to maintain the purity of Israel's worship and adherence to the covenant with God.