When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abounds?” II Kings 9:22 (II Kings 8-16)
The beautiful story of Elisha is set amidst the history of Israel and Judah’s kings. Ahab’s wickedness became the standard by which these men are defined, but not judged. We are all judged by God’s Holiness. His wife Jezebel and their daughter Athaliah are the manipulators and motivators to a great deal of horror. Punishment was prophesied and fulfilled.
Jehu, a military officer, was anointed by Elisha for the purpose of eradicating the house of Ahab and all baalism of its priests and followers. He was relentless and bloody, but remember, baalism was unspeakably vile. Jehu was not Godly, but God used him to carry out the consequences of sin as Israel became a weaker nation and grew smaller as neighboring governments began to absorb land.
This portion of the Bible is incredibly difficult to consume and process. The fall of Ahab’s house exempted no one, especially his wife and daughter. Hundreds were executed. Jezebel groomed herself in beauty as Jehu approached the palace. Her own slaves threw her off a balcony and dogs devoured her body. Neither baal nor her vixen ways could save her. II Kings 10:27 tells that the ruins of baal’s temple became a toilet. God is serious! Idolatry, no matter how big or small, will end badly. Have NO OTHER GODS! The consequences are certain, except for those who believe, repent and worship only, The One True Good, Good, God.
Love,
Gretchen