Who was Jehu in the Bible?

King living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Jehu was a significant figure in the history of Israel during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He was a king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and was first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat and the father of Jehoahaz. His story is recorded in various passages throughout the Bible, including 1 Kings 19:16-17, 2 Kings 9:2-36, 10:1-36, 12:1, 13:1, 14:8, 15:12, 2 Chronicles 22:7-9, and Hosea 1:4.

Jehu was chosen by God to carry out a specific mission – to execute judgment on the house of Ahab for their wickedness and idolatry. This mission was foretold by the prophet Elijah, who anointed Jehu as king over Israel (2 Kings 9:1-10). Jehu fulfilled this task with great zeal, carrying out the destruction of the house of Ahab as well as the prophets of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Despite his initial obedience to God’s command to rid Israel of idolatry, Jehu later strayed from following the Lord wholeheartedly. He continued the worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, following the sinful ways of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel (2 Kings 10:29-31).

Jehu’s reign was marked by both moments of obedience to God’s commands and instances of disobedience. While he was used by God to fulfill a specific purpose, his overall legacy is mixed, showcasing the complexities of human nature and the importance of wholehearted devotion to the Lord.

From a biblical perspective, Jehu’s story serves as a reminder of the consequences of both obedience and disobedience to God’s commands. It highlights the need for faithfulness and devotion to the Lord, as well as the dangers of compromise and straying from His ways.