College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Kings 9 - Introduction
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE REVOLUTION OF 841 B.C.
The revolution of 841 B.C. may well be the most important political development in the history of the Hebrew monarchy since the schism of 931 B.C. Both kingdoms were affected immediately by what transpired. Besides the obvious political changes brought on by the revolution, one can trace the effects of this coup in the religious, economic and social realms as well. The story starts with the anointing of Jehu (2 Kings 9:1-13) and continues with the confrontation at Jezreel (2 Kings 9:14-37). The author then discusses the aftermath of the coup in Israel (2 Kings 10:1-27).
REVIEW OF CHAPTER NINETEEN
I. FACTS TO MASTER
A. Indicate how each of the following figure in the events discussed in this chapter:
1. Elisha
6. Bidkar
2. Jehu
7. Naboth
3. Jezebel
8. Zimri
4. Hazael
9. Jehonadab
5.Ahaziah
B. Indicate what transpired at each of the following places:
1. Ramoth-gilead
4. Beth-gan
2. Jezreel
5. Ascent of Gur
3. Megiddo
6. Beth-eked
C. Important numbers:
1.
Number of the sons of Ahab slain
2.
Number of Judaean princes slain
3.
Number of soldiers Jehu used to slay the Baal worshipers
II. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.
What elements in Israelite society would have been most upset by the policies of the Omri dynasty?
2.
Why did not Elisha personally go to anoint Jehu? Why choose this particular time for the coup?
3.
Why did Joram and Ahaziah ride out to confront Jehu when he approached Jezreel?
4.
Why did Jezebel paint her eyes and attire her head when Jehu came to Jezreel?
5.
When Jezebel called Jehu Zimri was she being defiant, or complimentary?
6.
In what way were Elijah's predictions about Jezebel fulfilled? Approximately how many years had elapsed since that prophecy had been uttered?
7.
How did Jehu get rid of potential rivals among the descendants of Ahab? How was this a masterful stroke?
8.
Why did Jehu covet the support of Jehonadab?
9.
Why did Jehu kill the forty-two princes of Judah?
10.
Was Jehu's method of rounding up and executing the Baal worshipers justified?
THE JEHU DYNASTY
841-753 B.C.
... your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.
JEHU
(841-814 B.C.)
REVOLUTION
JEHOAHAZ
(814-798 B.C.)
RETRIBUTION
JEHOASH
(798-782 B.C.)
RECOVERY
JEROBOAM II
(782-753 B.C.)
RESTORATION
ZECHARIAH
(753 B.C)
RUIN
This is the word of the Lord which He spoke to Jehu. . And so it was.
Mount Carmel
Samaria was a fortified city built on a hill
Drawings by Horace Knowles from the British and Foreign Bible Society