2 Kings 10 Study Notes: Jehu Destroys Ahab’s House and Baal
Jehu has Ahab’s seventy sons and his officials killed, saying the LORD’s word through Elijah has come true. He lures Baal’s worshipers together, destroys them and their temple, yet keeps Jeroboam’s golden calves. God promises his sons four generations of rule, Hazael defeats Israel east of the Jordan, and Jehu dies.
General
Jehu announced a grand sacrifice to Baal. What does the narrator say his real purpose was (2 Kings 10:18-19)?
Answer: To trap Baal’s servants and kill them
Jehu gathered the people and announced that he would serve Baal far more than Ahab ever had. He ordered every prophet, servant, and priest of Baal to come to a great sacrifice, and warned that anyone who stayed away would die. The narrator explains that Jehu was deceiving them so he could wipe out Baal’s worshipers (10:18-19). Baal was a Canaanite god whose worship Ahab had brought into Israel, building him a temple in Samaria (1 Kings 16:31-32), and in Elijah’s day Baal had more than four hundred prophets in Israel (1 Kings 18:19). Jehu reached his goal by deceit, and the narrator calls it that plainly.
- 2 Kings 10:18-19 (BSB)“Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.”Jehu announces a great sacrifice for Baal, and the narrator explains his deceptive purpose.
- 1 Kings 16:31-32 (BSB)“And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.”Ahab brought Baal worship into Israel and built Baal’s temple in Samaria.
- 1 Kings 18:19 (BSB)“Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.””Elijah had once faced more than four hundred prophets of Baal, showing how established Baal worship had become.
Theological
According to the narrator, what lay behind Jehu’s announcement of a grand sacrifice to Baal (2 Kings 10:18-19)?
Answer: To trap Baal’s servants and kill them
Jehu proclaims that he will outdo Ahab in serving Baal, summoning all Baal’s prophets, servants, and priests on pain of death; the narrator identifies this as deception aimed at destroying Baal’s worshipers (10:18-19). Baal worship had been established by Ahab, who built Baal a temple in Samaria (1 Kings 16:31-32), and had grown to hundreds of prophets by Elijah’s day (1 Kings 18:19). The narrator names Jehu’s method for what it was.
- 2 Kings 10:18-19 (BSB)“Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.”Jehu announces a great sacrifice for Baal, and the narrator explains his deceptive purpose.
- 1 Kings 16:31-32 (BSB)“And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.”Ahab brought Baal worship into Israel and built Baal’s temple in Samaria.
- 1 Kings 18:19 (BSB)“Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.””Elijah had once faced more than four hundred prophets of Baal, showing how established Baal worship had become.
General
How does the narrator describe Jehu’s own obedience right after the LORD’s commendation, and what did Hosea later announce (2 Kings 10:31; Hosea 1:4)?
Answer: He was not wholehearted; Hosea foretold judgment on his house
Right after the LORD’s commendation, the narrator says Jehu was careless about keeping the LORD’s law with his whole heart and clung to Jeroboam’s sins (10:31). The LORD’s law calls His people to love Him with all their heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). Later, the LORD told the prophet Hosea to name his son Jezreel, because He would soon punish Jehu’s house for the blood shed at Jezreel and bring Israel’s kingdom to an end (Hosea 1:4). Scripture places these texts side by side: the LORD’s commission of Jehu to strike down Ahab’s house (9:6-7), His commendation of Jehu for doing it (10:30), the narrator’s verdict on Jehu’s heart (10:31), and Hosea’s later word of judgment on Jehu’s house (Hosea 1:4).
- 2 Kings 10:30 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””The LORD commends Jehu for carrying out His purpose against Ahab’s house.
- 2 Kings 10:31 (BSB)“Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.”The narrator says Jehu did not follow the LORD wholeheartedly and kept Jeroboam’s sins.
- Hosea 1:4 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.”Hosea later announces judgment on Jehu’s house for the bloodshed at Jezreel.
- Deuteronomy 6:5 (BSB)“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”The LORD requires love with the whole heart, the standard Jehu fell short of.
- 2 Kings 9:6-7 (BSB)“So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.”At Jehu’s anointing the LORD commissioned him to strike down Ahab’s house.
Theological
How does the narrator assess Jehu’s heart after the commendation, and what later word does Hosea bring concerning his house (2 Kings 10:31; Hosea 1:4)?
Answer: He was not wholehearted; Hosea foretold judgment on his house
Immediately after the commendation, the narrator says that Jehu was careless about keeping the LORD’s law wholeheartedly and kept Jeroboam’s sins (10:31). The covenant demands wholehearted love (Deuteronomy 6:5). Hosea later announces that the LORD will visit the blood shed at Jezreel on Jehu’s house and end Israel’s kingdom (Hosea 1:4). The texts stand side by side: the LORD’s commission of Jehu against Ahab’s house (9:6-7), His commendation of Jehu for carrying it out (10:30), the narrator’s verdict on Jehu’s heart (10:31), and Hosea’s announcement of judgment on Jehu’s house (Hosea 1:4).
- 2 Kings 10:30 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””The LORD commends Jehu for carrying out His purpose against Ahab’s house.
- 2 Kings 10:31 (BSB)“Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.”The narrator says Jehu did not follow the LORD wholeheartedly and kept Jeroboam’s sins.
- Hosea 1:4 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.”Hosea later announces judgment on Jehu’s house for the bloodshed at Jezreel.
- Deuteronomy 6:5 (BSB)“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”The LORD requires love with the whole heart, the standard Jehu fell short of.
- 2 Kings 9:6-7 (BSB)“So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.”At Jehu’s anointing the LORD commissioned him to strike down Ahab’s house.
General
What did the LORD promise Jehu for carrying out His will against Ahab’s house (2 Kings 10:30)?
Answer: His descendants would rule Israel for four generations
The LORD told Jehu that because he had done well in doing right in His eyes, and had done to Ahab’s house everything the LORD intended, Jehu’s sons would sit on Israel’s throne to the fourth generation (10:30). The commendation is for the specific task the LORD had given him at his anointing (1 Kings 19:16). The promise came true exactly: later, 2 Kings 15:12 notes that the LORD’s word to Jehu came true when the fourth generation of his descendants reigned.
- 2 Kings 10:30 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””The LORD commends Jehu and promises his sons four generations on Israel’s throne.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (BSB)“You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.”The LORD had chosen Jehu for this task long before, at Horeb.
- 2 Kings 15:12 (BSB)“So the word of the LORD spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””This later verse records that the promise of four generations was fulfilled.
Theological
What reward does the LORD promise Jehu for executing His purpose against Ahab’s house (2 Kings 10:30)?
Answer: His descendants would rule Israel for four generations
The LORD commends Jehu for doing right in His sight in executing everything He intended against Ahab’s house, and promises his sons the throne to the fourth generation (10:30). The commendation is tied to the commission given at Horeb (1 Kings 19:16), and the promise is recorded as fulfilled to the letter (2 Kings 15:12).
- 2 Kings 10:30 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””The LORD commends Jehu and promises his sons four generations on Israel’s throne.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (BSB)“You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.”The LORD had chosen Jehu for this task long before, at Horeb.
- 2 Kings 15:12 (BSB)“So the word of the LORD spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.””This later verse records that the promise of four generations was fulfilled.
General
Even after Jehu wiped out Baal worship, which sin did he fail to turn away from (2 Kings 10:29)?
Answer: The calf shrines Jeroboam placed in Bethel and Dan
Jehu destroyed Baal worship, yet he kept the sin into which Jeroboam had led Israel: worshiping golden calves in the shrines in Bethel and in Dan (10:28-29). Jeroboam, Israel’s first king after the kingdom split, had made a pair of golden calves so the people would not go to Jerusalem to worship, and presented them as the gods who brought Israel out of Egypt; this became a sin (1 Kings 12:28-30). That sin led to the destruction of Jeroboam’s own house (1 Kings 13:33-34). Jehu removed the foreign god Baal but kept the false worship that had marked Israel since Jeroboam.
- 2 Kings 10:29 (BSB)“but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.”Jehu did not turn from Jeroboam’s sins, the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam made the two golden calves and set them in Bethel and Dan, and it became a sin.
- 1 Kings 13:33-34 (BSB)“Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth.”Jeroboam’s sin led to the destruction of his house, showing how serious it was.
Theological
Which sin does the narrator say Jehu left in place after eradicating Baal worship (2 Kings 10:29)?
Answer: The calf shrines Jeroboam placed in Bethel and Dan
Having eradicated Baal, Jehu nonetheless retains Jeroboam’s golden calves in their shrines in Bethel and in Dan (10:28-29). Jeroboam had instituted the calves as an alternative to worship at Jerusalem, presenting them as the gods who brought Israel out of Egypt (1 Kings 12:28-30), and this sin brought about the destruction of his own house (1 Kings 13:33-34). Jehu’s reform targets the foreign worship while preserving the national idolatry that had defined the northern kingdom.
- 2 Kings 10:29 (BSB)“but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.”Jehu did not turn from Jeroboam’s sins, the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam made the two golden calves and set them in Bethel and Dan, and it became a sin.
- 1 Kings 13:33-34 (BSB)“Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth.”Jeroboam’s sin led to the destruction of his house, showing how serious it was.
General
What began to happen to Israel in Jehu’s days, according to 2 Kings 10:32-33?
Answer: The LORD started shrinking Israel’s land through Hazael
In Jehu’s time the LORD started to make Israel smaller. Hazael, Aram’s king, defeated the Israelites in all their territory east of the Jordan, through Gilead and Bashan, land belonging to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (10:32-33). The LORD had told Elijah at Horeb that Hazael, as well as Jehu, would be an instrument of His judgment on Israel (1 Kings 19:17). Later the LORD, angry with Israel’s sin, repeatedly gave them into Hazael’s hand (2 Kings 13:3). The LORD rules over the wars of nations, using even a foreign king to discipline His people.
- 2 Kings 10:32-33 (BSB)“In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan.”The LORD begins to reduce Israel, and Hazael defeats Israel east of the Jordan.
- 1 Kings 19:17 (BSB)“Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.”The LORD had told Elijah that Hazael’s sword, as well as Jehu’s, would bring judgment on Israel.
- 2 Kings 13:3 (BSB)“So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad.”The LORD in His anger later gave Israel into Hazael’s hand again and again.
Theological
What development does the narrator record for Israel during Jehu’s reign (2 Kings 10:32-33)?
Answer: The LORD started shrinking Israel’s land through Hazael
The narrator attributes the territorial losses directly to the LORD: He began to cut off parts of Israel, as Hazael struck the tribal lands east of the Jordan (10:32-33). This fulfills the Horeb word that Hazael’s sword, alongside Jehu’s, would execute judgment on Israel (1 Kings 19:17), and anticipates the LORD’s repeated handing of Israel over to Hazael in His anger (2 Kings 13:3). Aram’s aggression is real, yet it serves the LORD’s purposes of discipline.
- 2 Kings 10:32-33 (BSB)“In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan.”The LORD begins to reduce Israel, and Hazael defeats Israel east of the Jordan.
- 1 Kings 19:17 (BSB)“Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.”The LORD had told Elijah that Hazael’s sword, as well as Jehu’s, would bring judgment on Israel.
- 2 Kings 13:3 (BSB)“So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad.”The LORD in His anger later gave Israel into Hazael’s hand again and again.
General
After taking Jehonadab son of Rechab into his chariot, what did Jehu invite him to come and see (2 Kings 10:15-16)?
Answer: How zealous he was for the LORD
Jehonadab, the son of Rechab, came out to meet Jehu. Jehu asked whether Jehonadab’s heart was loyal to him as his own was to Jehonadab. When Jehonadab said yes, Jehu took his hand, pulled him into the chariot, and told him to come and watch how zealous, or burning with devotion, he was for the LORD (10:15-16). Jehonadab later went with Jehu into Baal’s temple (10:23). Long afterward, the LORD commended the descendants of Jonadab (the shorter form of his name used in Jeremiah) for faithfully keeping his commands (Jeremiah 35:18-19). Jehu’s zeal against Baal was real, yet the narrator soon says he did not follow the LORD’s law with his whole heart (10:31). The LORD looks at the heart, not only at what people display (1 Samuel 16:7).
- 2 Kings 10:15-16 (BSB)“When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.”Jehu greets Jehonadab, takes him into his chariot, and invites him to see his zeal for the LORD.
- 2 Kings 10:31 (BSB)“Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.”The narrator’s later verdict on Jehu’s heart.
- Jeremiah 35:18-19 (BSB)“Then Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites: “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have kept all his commandments and have done all that he charged you to do, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me.’””The LORD later commends the faithfulness of Jonadab son of Rechab’s descendants.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (BSB)“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””The LORD sees the heart and not only outward displays, the measure the narrator applies to Jehu.
Theological
What does Jehu invite Jehonadab son of Rechab to witness as they ride together (2 Kings 10:15-16)?
Answer: How zealous he was for the LORD
Jehu secures Jehonadab’s pledge of loyalty, brings him up into the chariot, and invites him to witness how zealous he is for the LORD (10:15-16); Jehonadab later stands with him in Baal’s temple (10:23). Jonadab’s house (Jeremiah uses this shorter form of his name) is later commended for its faithfulness (Jeremiah 35:18-19). Jehu’s zeal against Baal is genuine as far as it goes, but the narrator’s verdict that he did not walk in the LORD’s law wholeheartedly (10:31) shows that displayed zeal is not the same as an undivided heart, which the LORD alone sees (1 Samuel 16:7).
- 2 Kings 10:15-16 (BSB)“When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.”Jehu greets Jehonadab, takes him into his chariot, and invites him to see his zeal for the LORD.
- 2 Kings 10:31 (BSB)“Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.”The narrator’s later verdict on Jehu’s heart.
- Jeremiah 35:18-19 (BSB)“Then Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites: “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have kept all his commandments and have done all that he charged you to do, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me.’””The LORD later commends the faithfulness of Jonadab son of Rechab’s descendants.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (BSB)“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””The LORD sees the heart and not only outward displays, the measure the narrator applies to Jehu.
General
Besides Ahab’s remaining relatives, whom else did Jehu put to death in Jezreel (2 Kings 10:11)?
Answer: Ahab’s chief officials, his friends, and his priests
In Jezreel, Jehu killed everyone left from Ahab’s house, and also Ahab’s leading officials, his intimate friends, and his priests, until no one connected with Ahab was left (10:11). This carried out the sentence the LORD had pronounced through Elijah against Ahab’s house, which was to fall in his son’s days (1 Kings 21:29). It also echoed the way Zimri had wiped out Baasha’s household, not leaving any male, whether relative or friend, as the prophet had said (1 Kings 16:11-12).
- 2 Kings 10:11 (BSB)“So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor.”Jehu kills all who remain of Ahab’s house in Jezreel, along with his officials, friends, and priests.
- 1 Kings 21:29 (BSB)““Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.””The LORD had said the judgment on Ahab’s house would come in his son’s days.
- 1 Kings 16:11-12 (BSB)“As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend. So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.”Zimri’s destruction of Baasha’s house, kinsmen and friends included, is the earlier pattern this follows.
Theological
Beyond Ahab’s surviving kin, whom does Jehu’s purge in Jezreel include (2 Kings 10:11)?
Answer: Ahab’s chief officials, his friends, and his priests
Jehu’s purge in Jezreel extends beyond Ahab’s surviving relatives to his great men, intimates, and priests, leaving no survivor (10:11). It executes the judgment Elijah pronounced, deferred to the days of Ahab’s son (1 Kings 21:29), and parallels Zimri’s extermination of Baasha’s house, kinsmen and friends included, according to the prophetic word (1 Kings 16:11-12).
- 2 Kings 10:11 (BSB)“So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor.”Jehu kills all who remain of Ahab’s house in Jezreel, along with his officials, friends, and priests.
- 1 Kings 21:29 (BSB)““Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.””The LORD had said the judgment on Ahab’s house would come in his son’s days.
- 1 Kings 16:11-12 (BSB)“As soon as Zimri began to reign and was seated on the throne, he struck down the entire household of Baasha. He did not leave a single male, whether a kinsman or friend. So Zimri destroyed the entire household of Baasha, according to the word that the LORD had spoken against Baasha through Jehu the prophet.”Zimri’s destruction of Baasha’s house, kinsmen and friends included, is the earlier pattern this follows.
General
True or False: Before the sacrifice began, Jehu had the worshipers check that no worshipers of the LORD were mixed in among Baal’s servants.
Answer: True
This is true. After garments were brought out for Baal’s servants, Jehu and Jehonadab went into the temple, and Jehu told the worshipers to look around and make sure only Baal’s servants were present, with none who served the LORD among them (10:22-23). He had already posted eighty men outside (10:24). Even in Ahab’s worst days, the LORD had kept seven thousand people in Israel who had never bowed down to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Long before, Joshua had called Israel to choose whom they would serve, the LORD or other gods (Joshua 24:15).
- 2 Kings 10:23 (BSB)“Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal.””Jehu makes sure that only Baal’s servants are in the temple.
- 1 Kings 19:18 (BSB)“Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.””The LORD had kept for Himself people in Israel who never bowed to Baal.
- Joshua 24:15 (BSB)“But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!””Joshua set before Israel the choice between serving the LORD and serving other gods.
Theological
True or False: Inside Baal’s temple, Jehu had the crowd make sure that no worshipers of the LORD were mixed in with Baal’s servants.
Answer: True
This is true. With Baal’s servants robed and assembled, Jehu, accompanied by Jehonadab, has them confirm that none who serve the LORD are present (10:22-23), while eighty men wait outside (10:24). The separation recalls the remnant of seven thousand Israelites the LORD had preserved, who had never bowed down to Baal (1 Kings 19:18), and Joshua’s call to choose whom to serve (Joshua 24:15).
- 2 Kings 10:23 (BSB)“Next, Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rechab entered the temple of Baal, and Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around to see that there are no servants of the LORD here among you—only servants of Baal.””Jehu makes sure that only Baal’s servants are in the temple.
- 1 Kings 19:18 (BSB)“Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.””The LORD had kept for Himself people in Israel who never bowed to Baal.
- Joshua 24:15 (BSB)“But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!””Joshua set before Israel the choice between serving the LORD and serving other gods.
General
What did Jehu tell the people at the gate the next morning (2 Kings 10:9-10)?
Answer: That none of the LORD’s words against Ahab’s house would fail
Jehu told the people they were innocent. He admitted openly that he himself had plotted against his master and put him to death, and then asked who had killed all these others. His point was that the deaths showed the LORD carrying out what He had said by Elijah, so that nothing the LORD had said against Ahab’s house would go unfulfilled (10:9-10). Elijah had pronounced that judgment years earlier (1 Kings 21:21-22). God does not speak and then fail to act (Numbers 23:19), and His word always accomplishes what He sends it to do (Isaiah 55:11).
- 2 Kings 10:9-10 (BSB)“The next morning, Jehu went out and stood before all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him. But who killed all these? Know, then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah.””Jehu speaks to the people and declares that the LORD’s word against Ahab’s house will not fail.
- 1 Kings 21:21-22 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’”This is the word of judgment against Ahab’s house that Elijah had spoken.
- Numbers 23:19 (BSB)“God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”God always fulfills what He says, which is Jehu’s point.
- Isaiah 55:11 (BSB)“so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.”God’s word accomplishes what He purposes, including His sentence on Ahab’s house.
Theological
What does Jehu declare to the people at the gate the following morning (2 Kings 10:9-10)?
Answer: That none of the LORD’s words against Ahab’s house would fail
Before the people, Jehu acknowledges his own conspiracy against Joram, but points to the seventy deaths as evidence that the LORD has accomplished His word through Elijah: no word of His against Ahab’s house will fail (10:9-10). The prophetic sentence of 1 Kings 21:21-22 is being executed in full. The God who does not speak without acting (Numbers 23:19) sends His word out to accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:11), including His words of judgment.
- 2 Kings 10:9-10 (BSB)“The next morning, Jehu went out and stood before all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him. But who killed all these? Know, then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah.””Jehu speaks to the people and declares that the LORD’s word against Ahab’s house will not fail.
- 1 Kings 21:21-22 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’”This is the word of judgment against Ahab’s house that Elijah had spoken.
- Numbers 23:19 (BSB)“God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”God always fulfills what He says, which is Jehu’s point.
- Isaiah 55:11 (BSB)“so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.”God’s word accomplishes what He purposes, including His sentence on Ahab’s house.
General
Whom did Jehu meet at Beth-eked on his way to Samaria, and what happened to them (2 Kings 10:12-14)?
Answer: Relatives of Judah’s King Ahaziah, who were seized and killed
On the road to Samaria, at a place called Beth-eked, Jehu met relatives of Ahaziah, Judah’s king. They said they had come to greet the royal family. Jehu ordered them taken alive, and then they were killed at the well there, forty-two men, with none spared (10:12-14). These men belonged to a royal family that had joined itself to Ahab’s house by marriage (2 Kings 8:18) and followed its ways (2 Kings 8:27).
- 2 Kings 10:13-14 (BSB)“Jehu met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother.” Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them.”Ahaziah’s relatives explain their journey, and Jehu has them taken and killed.
- 2 Kings 8:18 (BSB)“And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.”Judah’s king Jehoram had married Ahab’s daughter, binding the two royal houses together.
- 2 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab.”Ahaziah followed the ways of Ahab’s house and was related to it by marriage.
Theological
Whom does Jehu encounter at Beth-eked, and what becomes of them (2 Kings 10:12-14)?
Answer: Relatives of Judah’s King Ahaziah, who were seized and killed
At Beth-eked Jehu meets kinsmen of Ahaziah of Judah, come to greet the royal household; he has them seized alive and then killed at the well, forty-two men, none spared (10:12-14). They belonged to a royal line that had bound itself to Ahab’s house by marriage (2 Kings 8:18) and walked in its ways (2 Kings 8:27).
- 2 Kings 10:13-14 (BSB)“Jehu met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother.” Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them.”Ahaziah’s relatives explain their journey, and Jehu has them taken and killed.
- 2 Kings 8:18 (BSB)“And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.”Judah’s king Jehoram had married Ahab’s daughter, binding the two royal houses together.
- 2 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab.”Ahaziah followed the ways of Ahab’s house and was related to it by marriage.
General
How did the leaders in Samaria respond to Jehu’s first letter daring them to crown one of Ahab’s sons (2 Kings 10:1-5)?
Answer: They were afraid, since two kings had fallen, and gave in
Seventy of Ahab’s sons lived in Samaria. Jehu wrote to the city’s officials, elders, and the men raising Ahab’s sons, daring them to pick the best of the sons, make him king, and defend Ahab’s family, since they had chariots, horses, weapons, and a walled city (10:1-3). Instead they panicked. They reasoned that if two kings had already fallen before Jehu, they had no hope. So they sent word that they were his servants, would do whatever he said, and would crown no one (10:4-5). The two kings were Joram of Israel, shot by Jehu (2 Kings 9:24), and Ahaziah of Judah, who was shot and died at Megiddo (2 Kings 9:27).
- 2 Kings 10:4-5 (BSB)“But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?” So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.””The leaders of Samaria, terrified, submit to Jehu and refuse to crown any of Ahab’s sons.
- 2 Kings 9:24 (BSB)“Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.”Jehu had killed Joram king of Israel, the first of the two kings the leaders feared.
- 2 Kings 9:27 (BSB)“When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there.”Ahaziah king of Judah had also been struck down, the second king.
Theological
What is the response of Samaria’s officials to Jehu’s challenge to enthrone one of Ahab’s sons (2 Kings 10:1-5)?
Answer: They were afraid, since two kings had fallen, and gave in
Jehu’s first letter is a challenge: if the guardians of Ahab’s seventy sons have chariots, horses, arms, and a fortified city, let them enthrone the worthiest son and fight (10:1-3). Paralyzed by the fall of two kings, Joram (2 Kings 9:24) and Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:27), the palace administrator, city governor, elders, and guardians instead declare themselves Jehu’s servants and refuse to crown anyone (10:4-5).
- 2 Kings 10:4-5 (BSB)“But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?” So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.””The leaders of Samaria, terrified, submit to Jehu and refuse to crown any of Ahab’s sons.
- 2 Kings 9:24 (BSB)“Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.”Jehu had killed Joram king of Israel, the first of the two kings the leaders feared.
- 2 Kings 9:27 (BSB)“When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there.”Ahaziah king of Judah had also been struck down, the second king.
General
What did Jehu’s second letter require of the leaders who had promised to obey him (2 Kings 10:6-8)?
Answer: That they put Ahab’s sons to death and send proof to Jezreel
Jehu wrote again: if the leaders were truly on his side, they must put to death their master’s sons and send proof to him at Jezreel by the next day. The leading men who had been raising the princes killed every one of the seventy and sent the proof to Jezreel, where Jehu had it displayed at the city gate until morning (10:6-8). This was the judgment Elijah had announced, that the LORD would cut off every male in Ahab’s family (1 Kings 21:21). Because Ahab had humbled himself, the LORD had said it would come in his son’s lifetime rather than his own (1 Kings 21:29), and now it had arrived.
- 1 Kings 21:21 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free.”Elijah had announced that the LORD would cut off every male of Ahab’s line, the judgment carried out here.
- 1 Kings 21:29 (BSB)““Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.””The LORD had said the calamity on Ahab’s house would come in his son’s days, which is now.
Theological
What does Jehu’s second letter demand of Samaria’s leaders as proof of their loyalty (2 Kings 10:6-8)?
Answer: That they put Ahab’s sons to death and send proof to Jezreel
Jehu’s second letter tests the leaders’ professed loyalty: they are to put their master’s sons to death and deliver proof to Jezreel by the next day. The guardians kill all seventy princes, and Jehu displays the evidence at the city entrance overnight (10:6-8). The episode carries out the sentence Elijah pronounced, that every male of Ahab’s line would be cut off (1 Kings 21:21), deferred to his son’s reign because of Ahab’s humbling (1 Kings 21:29).
- 1 Kings 21:21 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free.”Elijah had announced that the LORD would cut off every male of Ahab’s line, the judgment carried out here.
- 1 Kings 21:29 (BSB)““Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.””The LORD had said the calamity on Ahab’s house would come in his son’s days, which is now.
General
What became of Baal’s temple in Samaria after the worshipers inside were killed (2 Kings 10:25-28)?
Answer: It was torn down, and the site was used as a latrine
Jehu’s guards and officers killed the worshipers inside (10:25). They carried the sacred pillar (a standing stone used in idol worship) outside and burned it, tore down Baal’s temple, and used the site as a latrine from then on (10:26-27). In this way Jehu wiped out Baal worship from Israel (10:28). The law of Moses had commanded Israel to tear down the altars and smash the sacred pillars of the Canaanite gods (Deuteronomy 7:5; 12:3). This was the very temple Ahab had built for Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32-33).
- 2 Kings 10:28 (BSB)“Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel,”The narrator sums up that Jehu eradicated Baal worship from Israel.
- Deuteronomy 7:5 (BSB)“Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.”Moses commanded Israel to tear down pagan altars and smash their sacred pillars.
- Deuteronomy 12:3 (BSB)“Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”The command to destroy the sacred pillars of the Canaanite gods is repeated here.
- 1 Kings 16:32-33 (BSB)“First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.”Ahab had built this temple and altar for Baal in Samaria.
Theological
What was done with Baal’s temple and its sacred pillar after the slaughter of the worshipers (2 Kings 10:25-28)?
Answer: It was torn down, and the site was used as a latrine
Jehu’s men kill the assembled worshipers (10:25), burn the sacred pillar, demolish Baal’s temple, and use the site as a latrine to the narrator’s day (10:26-27); so Jehu eradicates Baal from Israel (10:28). The destruction carries out the Mosaic command to demolish Canaanite altars and sacred pillars (Deuteronomy 7:5; 12:3), and undoes the temple Ahab had built for Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32-33).
- 2 Kings 10:28 (BSB)“Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel,”The narrator sums up that Jehu eradicated Baal worship from Israel.
- Deuteronomy 7:5 (BSB)“Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.”Moses commanded Israel to tear down pagan altars and smash their sacred pillars.
- Deuteronomy 12:3 (BSB)“Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”The command to destroy the sacred pillars of the Canaanite gods is repeated here.
- 1 Kings 16:32-33 (BSB)“First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.”Ahab had built this temple and altar for Baal in Samaria.