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God is Setting All Things Right. So I am Blogging Through the Bible in a Year.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

July 4 - 2 Kings 9-11: Jehu Cleans Out Ahab's House

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 9-11

The Message

English Standard Version


Like yesterday, chapter 11 repeats Sunday's section on the kings of Judah. I will skip that part and refer you to the other post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Even though Jehu does not completely obey God, He still blesses Jehu.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Elisha informed Jehu that God anointed him the next king of Israel and commissioned him to execute Ahab's entire family. This began the conspiracy against Joram.
Jehu laid a trap and killed both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah.
Jezebel's servants threw her out a window. Dogs ate her body.
Jehu executed all 70 of Ahab's sons, his advisors, and his extended family.
He then laid a trap for the Baal worshipers in Israel. He turned the temple into a toilet.
Jehu did not tear down Jeroboam's shrines; however, God still blessed his family.
Israel lost land.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Ahab's punishment was brought in his sons' day.

God promised to Ahab that his entire family would be killed and wild animals would eat their flesh. Because Ahab repented, God delayed the punishment until after Ahab's death. Jehu became God's executioner, punishing Ahab's entire family because of his sins. God's promises, especially his punishments, will come true.
Why did Ahab's family and advisors suffer death because of his sins? The answer is similar to why God wanted the Canaanites removed from the land. If Ahab's family had been allowed to live, they would have become bad influences on Israel and could have derailed Jehu's work to bring Israel back into a good relationship with God. God does not want bad influences to stay among His Chosen People. They are to remain pure, wholly for Him.

Jehu did not remove Jeroboam's shrines but God blessed him anyway.

Jeroboam's name always comes with an epithet—he's the one who caused Israel to sin. By this time, Jeroboam has become a legend. What he created became accepted culturally. Jehu was not willing to anger the people by removing them. However, God delighted in Jehu's actions and allowed the next three generations to be on the throne. God does not demand perfection. He demands holiness. Unfortunately, Jehu's heart did not stay holy to God and he fell into the same sin as Jeroboam.

Are you trying to obey the god of perfection?

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