Jehu

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Jehu of Israel

Andrea Celesti - Queen Jezabel Being Punished by Jehu - WGA4622

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Jehu on the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

Black Obelisk side 4 Jewish delegation

Jewish delegation to Shalmaneser III on the Black Obelisk, circa 840 BCE

Jehu was a king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who reigned in the 9th century BCE, specifically from around 841 to 814 BCE. He is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Books of Kings, where his rise to power and reign are detailed. Jehu's ascension to the throne was marked by a coup d'état against the house of Ahab and was interpreted as fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah against the house of Ahab for their worship of Baal and other acts seen as sinful in the eyes of Yahweh.

Background

Jehu was not of royal blood but was a commander in the army of Israel under King Joram, son of Ahab. The prophet Elisha would later anoint Jehu as king over Israel, charging him with the task of eradicating the house of Ahab and ending the worship of Baal in Israel. This divine commission is significant, as it places Jehu's actions within the context of divine retribution and fulfillment of prophecy.

Rise to Power

Jehu's rise to power is dramatic and violent. After being anointed by one of Elisha's disciples, Jehu drives his chariot to Jezreel, where he confronts and kills Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, who was visiting Joram. This act was the beginning of Jehu's purge of the house of Ahab, which included the notorious queen Jezebel, who met a gruesome end at Jehu's behest.

Reign and Religious Reforms

Once in power, Jehu embarked on a series of reforms aimed at eradicating Baal worship from Israel. He destroyed the temple of Baal in Samaria and killed its priests, a move that was seen as fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah. Despite these zealous actions against Baal worship, the biblical narrative criticizes Jehu for not departing from the "sins of Jeroboam," which refers to the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

Assessment and Legacy

Jehu's reign is a complex one to assess. On one hand, he is credited with fulfilling divine prophecy by eliminating the house of Ahab and combating Baal worship. On the other hand, his failure to remove the golden calves and his use of violence and treachery have been subjects of criticism. The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III, an Assyrian artifact, provides extrabiblical confirmation of Jehu's existence, depicting him paying tribute to Shalmaneser III, king of Assyria. This is one of the few instances where a figure from the Hebrew Bible is attested in contemporary ancient records.

Jehu's dynasty would last for four generations, until the reign of Zechariah, his great-grandson, marking one of the longer dynastic lines in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Conclusion

Jehu's story is a vivid narrative of prophecy, political upheaval, and religious reform. His actions had a lasting impact on the religious and political landscape of ancient Israel, making him a significant, if controversial, figure in the biblical narrative.