2 Kings 10

2 Kings 10

If you read 2 Kings 9-10 without knowing the background of the story (basically 1 Kings 21 – 2 Kings 8), then you might not have much respect for Jehu. Without a knowledge of all that had gone on before under the reign of Ahab and his descendants, it would appear as if Jehu was a power hungry politician who killed anyone and everyone who stood in his way. This would also be an incorrect interpretation of Jehu’s actions. Knowing the story up to this point, we know that God had personally selected Jehu to carry out these actions. Because of the way Ahab and his family had acted, God had promised that they would all be destroyed. That included Ahab, his immediate family, and all even those in Judah who had married into his family. Although the king of Judah was a direct descendant of David, he also had connections to Ahab and his family. This was Jehu’s mission, to wipe out everyone who was associated with Ahab.


In 2 Kings 9 he took care of the big names, the kings of Israel and Judah as well as Jezebel. Then, in 2 Kings 10, Jehu began to take care of some of the smaller (yet powerful) offices throughout the land. He first sent letters to the servants and of Ahab’s 70 sons that were scattered throughout the land. He asked that they choose someone to reign as king over Israel. After seeing what Jehu had done to Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel, none of these men were willing to make any suggestions. They gave the kingdom to Jehu, thus fulfilling God’s plans. Jehu then commanded these men to kill their masters, all 70 of Ahab’s sons. Their heads were brought to Jehu the next day as he continued to destroy anyone associated with the house of Ahab.

From there, Jehu found some of the relatives of Ahaziah (those who had also been associated with Ahab). Discovering their relations to the former king, Jehu struck all of them down as well. Even the smallest, least influential person could have been a threat for Jehu. He had been commanded to wipe out everyone associated with Ahab, and did not matter how close they actually were. Just one person could cause a revolt against Jehu, so he faithfully did as God had commanded.

Finally, Jehu also wanted to do away with those who had blindly followed Ahab in his worship of Baal. He pretended to be a follower of Baal as well (which to me is quite deceiving). I am not sure if this was the best tactic, as this is not something I would be willing to even pretend to compromise. However, Jehu was able to convince all of the prophets and followers of Baal to gather together in one confined area. After making a great show in which he earned their trust, he had his guards kill them all. So not only were the political threats destroyed, but all who had followed after Ball (and not God) were killed as well.

So it seemed as if Israel was on the turn around. It seemed as if they were ready to turn back to God and get back in line with His commands. But sadly, that was not the case. Although Jehu had successfully taken care of the influence of the worship of Baal, he did not remove the two golden calves that had been constructed during the reign of Jeroboam. Parts of Israel may have returned to the Lord, but the nation as a whole did not. Due to Jehu’s initial obedience, God blessed Jehu and his descendants, allowing them to reign in Israel for four more generations. Due to his disobedience, however, God began taking away portions of their land, giving it to their enemies. Jehu helped turn Israel in the right direction, and he was a much better king than Ahab or his sons. Israel, however, was still on a downward trend as whole, and judgment was about to come.

Matt