Bible Pathway - May. 4, 2011
Read 2 Kings 9
Highlights:
Elisha called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him . . . go to . . . Jehu . . . and say: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over over Israel (II Kin. 9:1-3). Jehu executes King Joram and King Ahaziah. Prophecy of Jezebel's death fulfilled. Baal worshipers are executed (10:34-36).
Jehu was very popular after he became a powerful captain in Israel's army during the Syrian war. He was known throughout the entire army and country for his speed in driving his horses, for he driveth furiously (II Kin. 9:20). Of all the kings of the ten northern tribes, only Jehu was anointed king of the Lord to destroy the house (family) of Ahab. When Jehu told his fellow officers that he had been anointed king, they sounded the well-known blast of the ram's horn which always accompanied the inauguration of a King of Israel (9:13).
Jehu crossed the Jordan and drove his chariot impetuously to Jezreel. It came to pass, when Joram saw Jeshu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel are so many? (9:22). Jehu killed Joram (Jehoram), the reigning King of Israel, and Ahaziah, King of Judah. Jehu then had Jezebel thrown out of a window, and he trampled her body with his horses. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands (9:34-35). Jehu said: This is the Word of the Lord, which He spake by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel (9:36; see I Kin. 21:23).
Jezebel had been a violent, unmerciful queen. When God was ready to execute judgment against her, she was plummeted from her exalted position like garbage. Jehu executed all of Ahab's family and all the Baal worshipers were then executed (II Kin. 10:18-28). How watchful we need to be lest at any time we be found helping Satan in his worldly schemes. When you are making plans to do something, ask yourself if you were to do it, would you be able to follow Jesus' command: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (allow Christ to be Lord of your activitites) (Matt. 16:24). Many times, evil people seem to prosper (5:45); but God ultimately will execute judgment against all who oppose Him.
It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27).
Thought for Today:
The God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; thou savest me from violence (II Sam. 22:3).
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha, who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu (II Kin. 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare I Sam. 16:13). The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth (lives) in you (I John 2:27).
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 most capable; 10:27 draught house, public toilet.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (HI) • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya • Religious persecution • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith, without doubting (James 1:6).
Optional Reading: Romans 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 28:9
