2 KINGS 10

THE FATE OF AHAB’S DESCENDANTS + BAAL WORSHIPPERS

Jehu corresponds with Israel, asking their leaders to help him in his mission to kill Ahab’s descendants. Because Ahab has seventy sons still alive in Samaria, this is no small task. Israel’s officials kill all seventy of the sons on Jehu’s behalf, beheading them and delivering them to Jehu as proof.

Jehu removes the guilt from those who killed Ahab’s descendants, reminding them that this was under God’s instruction and authority. Jehu continues to kill anyone who was associated with Ahab’s family, wiping out all of his close friends and allies. As Jehu travels, he meets some of Ahab’s distant relatives and kills them as well. There are no survivors related to or aligned with Ahab; his legacy is completely wiped out.

Next, Jehu gathers all the people who were prophets of Baal by pretending to be a Baal worshiper himself. He confirms that there were no worshippers of God in the midst before murdering the entire lot. Jehu is determined to wipe out the Baal worshippers and their shrines. Jehu destroys the temple of Baal and puts a toilet in its place!

Although Jehu carried out what God had commanded of him, he still does not worship God whole-heartedly. After twenty-eight years on the throne, Jehu dies.