(story told in 1 Kings 19:16-2 Kings 10:36)
Jehu was a military commander in Israel chosen by God to bring judgment on the evil house of Ahab. The prophet Elisha sent a young messenger to anoint Jehu as king and to deliver a message: Jehu was to destroy Ahab’s family for leading Israel into idolatry and violence, especially through the influence of Queen Jezebel. Once anointed, Jehu acted swiftly and decisively to carry out God’s command.
Jehu rode furiously to Jezreel, where King Joram, Ahab’s son, was staying. When Joram met him on the battlefield and asked if there was peace, Jehu replied, “How can there be peace while there is idolatry and witchcraft?” He then drew his bow and struck Joram down. Soon after, Jezebel was thrown from a window and died, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy that dogs would devour her body.
Jehu continued his mission with relentless zeal. He destroyed the worshipers of Baal by tricking them into gathering for a false celebration. Once they were assembled, he ordered his soldiers to kill them all and tore down Baal’s temple, showing his determination to rid Israel of false gods.
However, Jehu’s obedience was incomplete. Though he eliminated Baal worship, he continued to allow the worship of golden calves that earlier kings had set up in Israel. His heart was not fully devoted to God, and his kingdom never achieved lasting peace.
Jehu’s story is both powerful and tragic. He began with passion and purpose but failed to follow through with true faith. His life reminds us that zeal for God must be matched by humility and obedience, or even great victories can lead to hollow results.