- Jehu Destroys Ahab’s Family (vv. 1–17):
Jehu writes letters to Samaria, where Ahab’s seventy sons live, challenging the leaders to make one of them king and fight for the throne. Fearing Jehu, they refuse and pledge loyalty to him. Jehu orders them to kill Ahab’s sons and send him their heads, which they do. Jehu piles the heads in two heaps at the city gate, declaring that God’s word spoken through Elijah has been fulfilled. He continues to kill all remaining relatives and supporters of Ahab in Jezreel and Samaria.
- Jehu Slaughters Ahaziah’s Relatives (vv. 12–14):
On his way to Samaria, Jehu meets relatives of King Ahaziah of Judah and has them executed. - Jehu and Jehonadab (vv. 15–17):
Jehu meets Jehonadab son of Rechab, a respected leader, and invites him to join in his zeal for the Lord. Together, they continue wiping out Ahab’s family. - Jehu Destroys Baal Worship (vv. 18–28):
Jehu tricks the Baal worshipers by announcing a great sacrifice to Baal. He gathers them all in the temple, ensuring none of the Lord’s servants are present. Once the temple is full, Jehu’s men kill everyone inside and destroy the temple, turning it into a latrine. - Jehu’s Reign (vv. 29–36):
Although Jehu eradicated Baal worship, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam (the golden calves at Bethel and Dan). The Lord commends Jehu for carrying out judgment on Ahab’s house and promises that his descendants will rule Israel for four generations. However, because Jehu did not fully obey God, the Lord begins reducing Israel’s territory through attacks from Hazael of Aram. Jehu reigns in Samaria for 28 years, and his son Jehoahaz succeeds him.
Key Themes:
- Fulfillment of God’s judgment against Ahab’s dynasty.
- Zeal for God must be wholehearted—partial obedience is not enough.
- The danger of replacing one false worship with another (Baal destroyed, but golden calves remain).
- God rewards obedience but also disciplines incomplete faithfulness.
