Who was Jehu in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Jehu, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:38, was a man of the tribe of Judah living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. In the biblical context, the Divided Monarchy refers to the period after the reign of King Solomon when the kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division occurred as a result of Solomon’s disobedience to God, leading to the fragmentation of the once-united kingdom.

Jehu is identified as the son of Obed and the father of Azariah. The name Jehu means he is Jehovah or Jehovah is he, signifying a connection to the God of Israel. The lineage of Jehu is significant in tracing the ancestry of individuals within the tribe of Judah during this tumultuous period of Israel’s history.

From a biblical perspective, the mention of Jehu in the genealogy of Judah serves to highlight the continuity of God’s covenant with His people despite the political divisions and spiritual apostasy that characterized the Divided Monarchy. The inclusion of Jehu in the biblical record underscores the importance of individual faithfulness and obedience to God within the broader narrative of Israel’s history.

As believers, we can draw lessons from Jehu’s story about the faithfulness of God to those who honor Him and walk in His ways. Jehu’s lineage reminds us of the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises to the descendants of Judah and ultimately to all who trust in Him.

In conclusion, Jehu’s brief mention in 1 Chronicles 2:38 provides a glimpse into the historical context of the Divided Monarchy and the faithfulness of God to His covenant people. His inclusion in the genealogy of Judah underscores the continuity of God’s plan of redemption and the importance of individual faithfulness in the midst of political and spiritual challenges.