May 4
Read II Kings 9 -- 10
In Today's Reading:
Jehu anointed king of Israel; Jehu kills Joram and Ahaziah; Jezebel killed; Ahab's family killed; Baal worshipers executed
After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years (see I Kings 22:51), followed by the 12-year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram) (see II Kings 3:1). These two kings zealously promoted Baal worship, which had been initiated by their wicked mother Jezebel. Baal worship had also become popular in the southern kingdom of Judah due to its king, who also was named Jehoram. The southern king had married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Their son, also named Ahaziah, was equally wicked (see II Chronicles 22:1-4).
During this time of spiritual decline, the Lord was preparing Jehu, the military commander of the armies of the northern kingdom, as His instrument of judgment. God had earlier revealed to His prophet Elijah that Jehu would become king of Israel (see I Kings 19:16). Perhaps 20 years passed before the Lord directed Elisha to send a young prophet east of the Jordan River to Ramoth-gilead, where Jehu was stationed with his army. The prophet anointed Jehu as king of Israel and the God-appointed executioner of Israel's evil King Jehoram and all the descendants of Ahab (see II Kings 9:1-10).
Jehu drove his chariots furiously to the city of Jezreel where he executed Joram (Jehoram), king of Israel, and then Ahaziah, king of Judah. Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window and he trampled her with his horse. And, as foretold earlier by Elijah, the dogs ate her body (see 9:14-37; compare I Kings 21:23).
Jehu zealously executed all the family of Ahab in Samaria (see I Kings 21:17-24; II Kings 10:1-17). However, Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, continued to promote Baal worship as queen in Judah.
Jehu had bragged to Jehonadab: Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD (II Kings 10:16); but, Jehu's zeal for the LORD was just enough to achieve his own selfish ends. Jehu took no heed to walk in the Law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin (10:31). Jehu demonstrated that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never be in submission to Christ as Lord of one's life. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self-interests. This is the will of God . . . That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (control his body) in sanctification and honor. . . . For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness (I Thessalonians 4:3-4,7).
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu as king (II Kings 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare I Samuel 16:13). The anointing which you have received of Him abides (lives) in you (I John 2:27). Followers of Jesus have become kings and priests to God (Revelation 1:6).
Word Studies:
9:23 treachery = treason; 9:30 tired her head = adorned her hair; 10:3 Look even out the best and meetest = Select the best and most capable; 10:27 draught house = public toilet.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Mervin & Heath Martin · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula · Major languages: Arabic and Farsi · Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing · 95% Muslim; 4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about your material needs (Matthew 6:25-30).
Optional Reading: Romans 7
Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 5:22
