The divided kingdom · 2 Kings 9–10
Jehu and the End of Jezebel
Elisha sends one of the sons of the prophets to Ramoth-gilead: he pours oil on the head of Jehu, an army commander, and declares, “I anoint you king over Israel!” His mission is to strike down the house of Ahab, and the dogs will eat Jezebel at Jezreel. The officers immediately proclaim Jehu king. He drives his chariot to Jezreel, where he shoots King Joram with an arrow, in the field of Naboth. Ahaziah, king of Judah, is struck down as well. Jezebel, with her face painted, looks out a window; at Jehu’s command, she is thrown down. All that is found of her is the skull, the feet, and the palms of her hands: the word of Elijah is fulfilled. Jehu has Ahab’s seventy sons put to death, then all the servants of Baal, lured into their temple by a trick. But he does not turn away from the golden calves of Jeroboam.
What happens
- A son of the prophets anoints Jehu king at Ramoth-gilead 2 Kings 9:6
- Jehu shoots Joram with an arrow in the field of Naboth 2 Kings 9:24–25
- Jezebel, her face painted, at her window, is thrown down 2 Kings 9:30–33
- All that is left of her is the skull, the feet, and the hands 2 Kings 9:35–37
- Ahab’s seventy sons are executed 2 Kings 10:6–7
- Jehu wipes out Baal worship but keeps the golden calves 2 Kings 10:28–29
Who is in this story
The lesson
God fulfills his words, even the ones people have forgotten: what Elijah had announced to Ahab comes true point by point. But zeal is not enough: Jehu destroys Baal while keeping the golden calves, and God wants a whole heart, not half-hearted obedience.
Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the Lord hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah.
Quick quiz on this story
Who is thrown down from the window at Jezreel at Jehu’s command?
Jezebel had painted her face and was looking out the window. Jehu said, “Throw her down.” Some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses. 2 Kings 9:32–33
Whom does Jehu shoot with an arrow in the field of Naboth?
Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders: the arrow came out through his heart. His body was thrown into the field of Naboth, as the LORD had said. 2 Kings 9:24–26
How does Jehu draw all the servants of Baal into the house of Baal?
Jehu pretends he wants to serve Baal: “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” They all rush in and fill the house, where his men strike them down with the sword. 2 Kings 10:18–21
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