Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 10
Jehu had firmly established his rule over northern and central Israel. He had completely destroyed the family of Ahab, the former royal family. So, now he turned his attention to the religion of the false god Baal, which Ahab had established in Israel. That religion was extremely powerful – so Jehu considered it to be a danger for his rule, and he wanted to destroy it completely.
It is interesting to compare Jehu’s actions with how Elijah killed the 450 prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:19-40. Those prophets were the people whom that religion considered holy, the leaders of the religion. Like Elijah, Jehu acted against the leaders of this evil religion. However, Elijah acted against them in the power of God, to show Israel’s people who the true God is. Jehu chose to use political and military schemes, and to speak lies.
Jehu had just gained control over the city called Samaria. He gathered all its people together for a great speech. The people were eager to hear their new king’s plans. Many of them had suffered much under the evil rule of Ahab and his sons. They hoped that their lives would be better with Jehu as king.
What Jehu said would have been a shock for many of the people. The problem with Ahab and his sons was that they were too weak, Jehu claimed. Ahab had tried to follow Baal (1 Kings 16:31-32), but then he neglected it (1 Kings 21:27). His son Joram never really followed that religion (3:2). However, Jehu would now show Israel’s people how to serve Baal properly. That was what Jehu said – but he was lying.
Next part: Jehu's great ceremony in honour of Baal (2 Kings 10:19-21)
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