Jehu destroys the family of Ahab
The kingdom of Israel had been completely engulfed in the sins of Ahab and his progenies. Ahab was succeeded by his son Ahazia who continued the sins of his father. Ahazia was succeded by his son Jehoram who continued the sins of Ahab and Jezebel.
Israel was not the only victim. Judah was also greatly infected by the sins of Ahab. After Jehosaphat died, his son Jehoram (Not to be confused with Ahab’s grandson Jehoram, also sometimes known as Joram) reigned in his father’s place. This Jehoram married Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (2 Ki. 8:18). This means that Ahab’s influence and sins have now come into Judah too. Like his father in law, Jehoram sinned against the LORD greatly and when his son Ahaziah (Again, not to be confused with Ahab’s son Ahaziah) reigned in his place, the apostasy of both Israel and Judah had become complete. 2 Kings 8:27 says, “He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab, doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab.”
It was at this juncture that Jehu was anointed to be king over Israel. With the LORD’s guidance, Jehu began to destroy the house of Ahab from both Israel and Judah. He killed both Jehoram (king of Israel) and Ahaziah (king of Judah). He destroyed Jezebel, all the remaining sons of Ahab and also every worshipper of Baal.
In short, he exterminated the filth of Ahab from both Israel and Judah.
As we read this story, we are reminded of the day in which the LORD will come and chase after sinners and destroy them. They may prosper and be powerful today. They may be desirable and attractive as well. But on the day of the LORD, their end will come and theirs will not be an enviable position.
That day is coming soon.
Where do you stand dear reader?
Are you sure you are not the weed among the wheat (Mat. 13:24-30; 36-43)?
All the weed, on the day of reckoning will be bundled up and be burned, just like the family of Ahab.
