Read II Kings 9 -- 10
In Today's Reading:
Jehu anointed king of Israel; Jehu executed Joram (Jehoram) and Ahaziah; Jezebel executed; Ahab's family and Baal worshipers executed
After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years, followed by the 12-year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram). These two evil 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 because its king, also named Jehoram, had married Jezebel's daughter Athaliah. Their son, also named Ahaziah, was equally wicked.
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 Elijah that Jehu would become king of Israel. 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 both king of Israel and the God-appointed executioner of all the descendants of King Ahab.
Jehu drove his chariot furiously to Jezreel where he executed Joram (Jehoram), king of Israel, and then Ahaziah, king of Judah. Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window. As Elijah had foretold years before, the dogs ate her body.
Jehu zealously executed all the family of Ahab and Jezebel in Samaria. However, their daughter Athaliah, now queen in Judah, continued to promote Baal worship. Jehu had bragged about how devoted to the Lord he was. But, Jehu's devotion was just enough to achieve his own selfish ends. He compromised by promoting the sinful ways of Jehoram. This illustrates that it is possible for someone to be used by God and yet never be in submission to Christ as Lord of his life. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self-interests. But, the true child of God desires to be wholly devoted to the Lord.
Devotional commentary also refers to: I Kings 9:16,21,23; I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu (see II Kings 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (see John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare I Samuel 16:13).
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:
Bible Pathway Prayer Partners · Government Official: Rep. Jim Greenwood (PA) · Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America · Major languages: English and Spanish · Religious freedom · 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Express your gratitude for the loving-kindness of God (see Jeremiah 32:17-18).
Optional Reading: Romans 7
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:23