Jehu Kills Those Who Serve Baal

II Kings 10:18–36
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In his twenty-eight-year reign, Jehu was unexcelled in his zeal to rid his people of Baal worship.  Baal worship had thrived for many years under Ahab and his successors. The victory won through Elijah’s contest on Mount Carmel had been only temporary.

As part of Jehu’s scheme, all of the prophets of Baal and Baal’s worshipers were invited to the house of Baal to be led in worship by the new king assisted by Jehonadab. Jehu issued special clothing for all the Baal worshipers. This was to help prevent any servants of the Lord from entering the building.  Eight men were selected to prevent any escape from the building when the massacre began. After Jehu had feigned giving a burnt offering, the signal was given to slaughter the followers of Baal.  He did not relax his purge until all of the images of Baal were burned and the house of Baal was broken down. The worship of Baal became a matter of history not to be repeated in Israel.

Unfortunately even though Jehu eliminated Baal worship from Israel, he still remained an idol worshiper, loyal to the calf cult of Jeroboam. Because of this failure to honor the Lord, Jehu was plagued with problems from outside his realm. The king of Syria continued to threaten the northeastern regions of his empire and piece after piece of real estate came under Syria’s domination.

Application

Jehu did most of what the Lord told him to do, but he did not obey him with all his heart.  We need to check the condition of our heart toward God. We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the complete obedience that He desires.