Read: 2
Kings 10
In chapter 10, Jehu continues his work to rid
Israel of Ahab’s wicked legacy. First, he deals with Ahab’s remaining
descendants. Jehu sends notice to the officials of Jezreel. They are to select
the “best and most worthy” of Ahab’s descendants and place him on the throne of
Israel. There is one condition, however. These officials must be so certain of
their choice that they are willing to fight for it (v 3). They must be so loyal
to their chosen king that they will die for him. Upon hearing this, the
officials are afraid. They doubt their ability to obtain victory over Jehu (v
4). They decide it is better to align themselves with Jehu than against him.
Thus, Jehu sends orders to the officials to kill all of Ahab’s descendants. The
officials oblige and send Jehu the heads of Ahab’s descendants as proof. Jehu
displays these heads publically and addresses the citizens of Israel. While
Jehu was the one who killed Joram, surely the work of erasing Ahab’s house was
ordained by the Lord (v 9-11). Jehu continues this mission until not one member
of Ahab’s family remains.
Next, Jehu deals with the ministers of Baal
installed in Israel under Ahab’s reign. Jehu employs trickery to bring these
ministers to one place. He ensures that “not one is missing” (v 19). Jehu then
commands his guards and officers to kill the ministers of Baal. They obey, killing
the wicked priests and destroying their temple to Baal. The sacred stone to
Baal is destroyed and turned into a latrine. This is the worth found in the
worship of false gods and idols. The shrine dedicated to Baal was as filthy as
a latrine. So too, the corners of our own lives dedicated to idols are filthy
in God’s sight.
Jehu is zealous for God in the big things, such as
eliminating Baal worship. For this faithfulness, God rewards him (v 30).
However, Jehu holds on to sin in other areas. He is not careful to keep God’s
laws, nor does he remove the calf-worship of Jerobaom (v 31). It is probable
that the people of Israel follow their leader’s example in ignoring God’s Word.
For this, God begins to bring punishment upon the nation. He allows the evil
Hazael to take territory from Israel in battle. These territorial losses
foreshadow the greater judgment to come.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. An idol
is something we fear more than we fear God. Is there anything that holds such a
strong grasp on your heart that you struggle to submit it to God’s leading?
Confess this to God and ask Him for the power you need to release this idol
fully to Him.
2. Pray a prayer of recommitment today. Even
zealous followers of God need to regularly re-affirm their commitment to God,
lest they grow blind to areas of disobedience in their lives. Tell God that
your life and all that belongs to you are His and ask Him to use you for His
kingdom.
3. Pray for the Church today. Ask God to rid the
Church of sin and idols. Ask Him to grow our hearts in pure devotion to Him.
Pray that we would find delight in practicing holiness. Pray that we would find
joy in pleasing God and experience the great rewards of submitting our lives
wholly to Him.
