2 Kings 10:15-33, Jehu: Obedient and Disobedient

We noted in the previous post that Jehu was blessed with a lengthy dynasty.  Specifically …

·       Jehu ruled 28 years (10:36).

·       Jehoahaz ruled 17 years (10:35; 13:1-9)

·       Jehoash ruled 16 years (13:10-13)

·       Jeroboam II ruled 41 years (13:13; 14:23-29)

·       And Zechariah ruled 6 months (15:8-12)

You will remember that the story began with Jehu commanding Israel’s army against the Syrians.  In 10:32-33 we learn that Hazael captured the area of the two and a half tribes.  In Jeroboam II’s reign that territory was restored (14:25).  That reign coincided with the lengthy (52 years) reign of Azariah in Judah (15:1-7).  From an economic point of view things were good in both kingdoms.  Spiritually, there were problems.  Let’s fill in a few more details of Jehu’s story.

Jehu was a fulfiller of prophecy.  In 1 Kings 21:17-29, following the murder of Naboth and the theft of his property by Ahab and Jezebel, the prophet Elijah met Ahab and predicted his demise.  Because of Ahab’s humility (that’s a part of Ahab’s story many people aren’t aware of) the judgment was delayed until after his death.  In other words, it was carried out on his son.  Here is a simple list of events in the story of Jehu (from 2 Kings) and their prediction in 1 Kings 21.  As it turns out, Jehu had served with Ahab and heard Elijah make his prophecy against Ahab.  Also, the prophet sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu had repeated the prophecy of Elijah (9:7-10).

·       9:25-26: prophecy fulfilled, that the son of Ahab’s blood would be shed on the property of Naboth, 1 Ki. 21:19,24-29.

·       9:35-37: prophecy fulfilled, the blood of Jezebel licked up by dogs, 1 Ki. 21:23. Again, Jehu references Elijah.

·       10:9-11: prophecy fulfilled, the death of Ahab’s 70 sons. 1 Ki. 21:17-24,29.  And again, Jehu refers to Elijah.

·       10:12-14:  The death of Ahaziah of Judah and his family was not prophesied.  This was a critical time in Judah.  For one thing, because of the friendship between Ahab’s house and that of Jehoshaphat, Baal worship became a problem in Judah.  Further, when Ahaziah died, and the many brothers at the hand of Jehu, then Athaliah (daughter of Ahab and wife of Joram King of Judah, and thus daughter-in-law of Jehoshaphat) killed the rest of the Davidic line, except for Joash who was saved by his aunt and raised in the temple by the priest Jehoiada. 

·       10:17: prophecy fulfilled, killing what was left of the house and government of Ahab, 1 Ki. 21:21,29.

·       20:28: the killing of the prophets of Baal was not prophesied but was good!

Now, here is the bottom line with respect to Jehu.  He was used of God in all these ways.  BUT – 10:29 – he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, involving the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.  Further, he took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart (10:31). 

I am reminded of Jesus who said that there will be many claiming to have done many good things, desiring to have entrance into heaven.  But He will tell them: I never knew you (Mt. 7:21-23).  Much can be learned from Jehu.  Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through this man!