Introduction:
Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, was anointed as the king of Israel by the prophet Elisha, acting on the instructions of God. 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. Jehu's account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 9-10.

Anointing and Ascension:
Jehu's rise to power was divinely orchestrated. Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king, with the command to "strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD at the hand of Jezebel" (2 Kings 9:7). Jehu was a commander in the army of Israel, and his anointing took place while he was with his fellow officers at Ramoth-gilead.

Execution of Judgment:
Jehu's reign began with a swift and decisive campaign against the house of Ahab. He killed Joram, the king of Israel, and Ahaziah, the king of Judah, at Jezreel. Jehu then confronted Jezebel, who was thrown from a window by her eunuchs at Jehu's command, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour her flesh (2 Kings 9:33-36).

Jehu continued his purge by deceiving the worshipers of Baal. He proclaimed a great sacrifice to Baal, gathering all the priests and worshipers into the temple of Baal, only to have them slaughtered and the temple destroyed (2 Kings 10:18-28). This act eradicated Baal worship from Israel, aligning with Jehu's divine mandate.

Political and Religious Reforms:
Jehu's zeal for the LORD was evident in his actions against idolatry. However, his reforms were incomplete. While he eradicated Baal worship, he did not 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 (2 Kings 10:29). This failure to fully return to the worship of Yahweh alone marred his legacy.

Divine Approval and Consequences:
The LORD commended Jehu for executing His judgment on the house of Ahab, promising that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30). Despite this approval, Jehu's incomplete reforms and continued idolatry led to divine disfavor. The LORD began to reduce the size of Israel, allowing Hazael of Aram to defeat them in battle (2 Kings 10:32-33).

Legacy:
Jehu reigned over Israel for 28 years, and his dynasty continued through his son Jehoahaz. His reign is a testament to the complex interplay of divine justice, human zeal, and the persistent challenge of idolatry in Israel. Jehu's account serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the consequences of partial obedience.