Jehu Kills Joram And Ahaziah

II Kings 9:14–37
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Elisha faded into obscurity following the anointing of Jehu as Israel’s new monarch. During the eighty-eight year reign of Jehu’s family, the affairs of Israel were directed by five kings.

Joram was wounded in battle at Ramoth-Gilead and left Jehu and the captains in command as he went back to Jezreel. Jehu, knowing how rapidly news of a coup could travel, gave orders that no one was to leave Ramoth-Gilead while he made haste to precede any news of his rise to power. The watchman of Jezreel spotted the approach of his company and sent out a messenger to find out who was coming. Only after the party was identified, did King Joram go in his chariot to meet his captain.  Accompanying him was his Judean ally, Ahaziah and they met where Naboth’s vineyard had been.

Jehu minced no words about his purpose when the king asked if all was well. He replied that his journey was not one of peace. Before Joram could mount his chariot and flee, Jehu shot him with an arrow. He commanded that his body be thrown out on the property of Naboth and thus his blood was avenged. Ahaziah fled for his life but was mortally wounded near Megiddo. Jehu then pursued Jezebel who heard Jehu was coming. He commanded her servants to throw her out a window into the courtyards below which they did. The horses then trampled her to death and the dogs ate her.

Application

Jezebel’s life of power, money, prestige and royal finery ended in tragedy. Power, health and wealth may make us feel like we can live forever, but death strips us of our etneral security on earth.