2 Kings Profiles

JEHU

1 Kings 19:16–-2 Kings 10:36

Jehu had the basic qualities that could have made him a great success. From a human perspective, in fact, he was a successful king. His family ruled the northern kingdom longer than any other. He was used by God as an instrument of punishment to Ahab’s evil dynasty, and he fiercely attacked Baal worship. He came close to being God’s kind of king, but he recklessly went beyond God’s commands and failed to follow through on the obedient actions that began his reign. Within sight of victory, he settled for mediocrity.

Jehu was a man of immediate action but without ultimate purpose. His kingdom moved, but its destination was unclear. He eliminated one form of idolatry, Baal worship, only to uphold another by continuing to worship the gold calves Jeroboam had set up. He could have accomplished much for God if he had been obedient to the one who made him king. Even when he was carrying out God’s directions, Jehu’s style showed he was not fully aware of who was directing him.

As he did with Jehu, God gives each person strengths and abilities that will find their greatest usefulness only under his control. Outside that control, however, they don’t accomplish what they could and often become tools for evil. One way to make sure this does not happen is to tell God of your willingness to be under his control. With his presence in your life, your natural strengths and abilities will be used to their greatest potential for the greatest good.

Strengths and accomplishments	Took the throne from Ahab’s family and destroyed his evil influence Founded the longest-lived dynasty of the northern kingdom Was anointed by Elijah and confirmed by Elisha Destroyed Baal worship
Weaknesses and mistakes	Had a reckless outlook on life that made him bold and prone to error Worshiped Jeroboam’s gold calves Was devoted to God only to the point that obedience served his own interests
Lessons from his life	Fierce commitment needs control because it can result in recklessness Obedience involves both action and direction
Vital statistics	Where: The northern kingdom of Israel Occupations: Commander in the army of Jehoram, king of Israel Relatives: Grandfather: Nimshi. Father: Jehoshaphat. Son: Jehoahaz. Contemporaries: Elijah, Elisha, Ahab, Jezebel, Jehoram, Ahaziah
Key verse	“But 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” (2 Kings 10:31).

Jehu’s story is told in 1 Kings 19:16—2 Kings 10:36. He is also mentioned in 2 Kings 15:12; 2 Chronicles 22:7–9; Hosea 1:4, 5.