Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Jehu Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Jehu was an instrument of God’s judgment, fulfilling prophecy and cleansing Israel of Baal worship. However, his partial obedience and reliance on violence tainted his legacy.
CHARACTER STUDY OF JEHU – KING WHO DESTROYED AHAB’S HOUSE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Kings 10:28
"Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."
Supporting Texts:
2 Kings 9:1-37, 2 Kings 10:1-36, Hosea 1:4, 1 Kings 19:16-17
INTRODUCTION
Jehu was a military commander anointed by God to bring judgment on the house of Ahab and cleanse Israel from Baal worship. His reign was marked by zeal, decisive action, and the fulfillment of God’s prophecy. However, despite his successes, he failed to completely follow God’s ways.
His story is one of both obedience and failure—a man who started with divine purpose but did not finish well. His life teaches valuable lessons on fulfilling God’s calling with faithfulness and avoiding partial obedience.
1. JEHU’S DIVINE CALL AND ANOINTING
a) He was a military commander (2 Kings 9:5)
Before becoming king, he served under Ahab and Joram.
b) God sent Elisha’s prophet to anoint him (2 Kings 9:6)
He was chosen by God to execute divine judgment.
c) His mission was to destroy Ahab’s dynasty (2 Kings 9:7-9)
He was tasked with fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
d) He received immediate support from his fellow officers (2 Kings 9:13)
They proclaimed him king after his anointing.
e) Biblical Example: Saul was also divinely anointed but later failed (1 Samuel 10:1).
2. JEHU’S CONFRONTATION WITH JEHORAM AND AHAZIAH
a) He rode swiftly to confront Jehoram (2 Kings 9:16-17)
His approach was described as driving "furiously."
b) Jehoram suspected trouble and went to meet him (2 Kings 9:21)
He asked, "Is it peace, Jehu?"
c) Jehu declared God’s judgment on Jehoram (2 Kings 9:22)
He rebuked him for his mother Jezebel’s idolatry.
d) He killed Jehoram and threw his body into Naboth’s field (2 Kings 9:24-26)
This fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy against Ahab’s house.
e) Biblical Example: David also confronted evil but with a heart of mercy (1 Samuel 24:4-6).
3. JEHU’S EXECUTION OF JEZEBEL
a) Jezebel mocked Jehu before her death (2 Kings 9:30)
She painted her face and insulted him.
b) Jehu ordered her to be thrown down from the window (2 Kings 9:32-33)
Her own eunuchs betrayed her.
c) Her blood splattered on the wall and horses trampled her (2 Kings 9:33)
This symbolised her complete disgrace.
d) Dogs ate her remains as prophesied (2 Kings 9:35-37)
Elijah’s words were fulfilled to the letter.
e) Biblical Example: Queen Athaliah also met a violent end for her wickedness (2 Kings 11:13-16).
4. JEHU’S PURGE OF AHAB’S FAMILY AND SUPPORTERS
a) He wrote letters to the elders of Samaria (2 Kings 10:1-3)
He challenged them to choose a new king or surrender.
b) The leaders feared him and submitted (2 Kings 10:4-5)
They agreed to follow his orders.
c) He executed Ahab’s seventy sons (2 Kings 10:6-7)
He demanded their heads be delivered to him.
d) He killed Ahab’s remaining relatives and officials (2 Kings 10:11-14)
He left no one to continue the dynasty.
e) Biblical Example: King Asa also removed wicked influences from his kingdom (1 Kings 15:13).
5. JEHU’S DESTRUCTION OF BAAL WORSHIP
a) He deceived the Baal worshippers into gathering (2 Kings 10:18-19)
He pretended to be a greater worshipper of Baal than Ahab.
b) He trapped and slaughtered all the Baal priests (2 Kings 10:20-25)
Not one of them escaped.
c) He destroyed the temple of Baal (2 Kings 10:26-27)
He turned it into a toilet, symbolising its disgrace.
d) His actions fulfilled God’s command (2 Kings 10:28)
He cleansed Israel from Baal worship.
e) Biblical Example: Gideon also tore down Baal’s altar (Judges 6:25-27).
6. STRENGTHS OF JEHU
a) He was zealous for God’s command (2 Kings 10:16)
He carried out God’s judgment without hesitation.
b) He was a fearless leader (2 Kings 9:20)
His courage made him a strong warrior and king.
c) He fulfilled prophetic destiny (2 Kings 9:6-10)
His actions accomplished God’s word through Elijah.
d) He eradicated Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:28)
He made a lasting impact on Israel’s religious landscape.
e) Biblical Example: Phinehas also showed zeal for God’s righteousness (Numbers 25:7-8).
7. WEAKNESSES OF JEHU
a) He was excessively violent (Hosea 1:4)
His brutality exceeded God’s command.
b) He did not remove the golden calves of Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29)
He eliminated Baal worship but allowed another form of idolatry.
c) He was driven by personal ambition (2 Kings 10:31)
His zeal was mixed with self-interest.
d) He failed to fully follow God (2 Kings 10:31)
He continued in the sins of Israel’s past kings.
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also obeyed God partially and was rejected (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
8. LESSONS FROM JEHU’S LIFE
a) Obedience to God must be complete (1 Samuel 15:22)
Partial obedience is still disobedience.
b) Zeal without wisdom can be dangerous (Proverbs 19:2)
Passion must be guided by God’s wisdom.
