CONTENTS In following up the commission Jehu had received from the Lord for the destruction of Ahab's house, we are told in this chapter how he caused 70 of his sons to be beheaded. He destroyeth, the worshippers of Baal. But yet himself, the close of the chapter relates, departed not from the sins... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! do not fail to connect with this view of the slaughter of Ahab's sons (or grandsons more likely) that solemn denunciation of God in the second commandment. Exodus 20:5. And recollect also, that as sin is the sad inheritance entailed upon our whole nature from the first wretched transgressor;... [ Continue Reading ]
We may learn wisdom from men of the world, for our Lord tells us, that the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. Oh! that we might learn from hence how vain and unprofitable all opposition to the Lord is, when neither the great, nor the mighty, among the ki... [ Continue Reading ]
It is well worthy the Reader's observation, that those very elders of Samaria had been the same time-serving creatures at the command of Jezebel respecting the murder of Naboth, when she sent letters in Ahab's name to procure Naboth's death, And as the punishment of the house of Ahab, the murder of... [ Continue Reading ]
While we read in this account how Jehu waded through blood, I pray the reader to keep in view that he acted as the instrument of the Lord. The commission was from heaven. And when we take into the account how Ahab by his idolatry had been ruining the souls as well as the bodies of Israel, surely suc... [ Continue Reading ]
As these were of the family of Ahab, no doubt they were partakers of his idolatry, and justly therefore involved in the punishment.... [ Continue Reading ]
The honorable testimony the Holy Ghost hath given of this man in another part of sacred scripture, demands our attention. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of him in great commendation as the honored father of the house of the Rechabites at a period distant from this above 300 years. And when we behold hi... [ Continue Reading ]
Poor Jehu did not, it is plain, know the real motives of his heart when he said this; for the Holy Ghost tells us in 2 Kings 10:29, that Jehu himself was an idolator. Reader! oh! that the blessed Spirit may teach us the truth of that solemn scripture; that the heart is deceitful above all things, an... [ Continue Reading ]
Jehu, as the Lord's minister in the destruction of idols, is graciously upheld in this service. And, hence all the worshippers of Baal were blinded to their own destruction. But, Reader! do observe, for it is a sweet part of this history, how the Lord overruled this event for the preservation of his... [ Continue Reading ]
What a sad account is this! Though Jehu had grace to destroy Baal, he had not virtue to resist the golden calves of idolatry. Alas! what is man in his highest attainments! Oh! dearest Lord Jesus, where shall we look for perfection but to thee! Be thou my righteousness, wisdom, sanctification; for in... [ Continue Reading ]
Jehu had done right in God's eyes in destroying the idols, and his reward was suited to it in temporal mercies to him and his children to the fourth generation. Here is nothing said in all this of any gracious act in the mind of Jehu, or of any gracious blessing from the Lord in consequence. Very ev... [ Continue Reading ]
Here begins the melancholy history of Israel, leading to the Babylonish captivity. For though it was more than 300 years before that event took place, yet Israel's glory from this time began to grow dim. Idolatry prevailed: and the Lord visited their iniquities. This Elijah had foretold concerning H... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is but a shot account of Jehu. He reigned 28 years, but how little is said of him. We are told in general of his might, but nothing of his love to God. Alas! what is the sum total, in the lives of thousands, more than this! Oh! Lord! so teach me to number my days as to apply my heart unto wisdo... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! let us pause a moment over the perusal of this chapter, and, in the character of Jehu, mark the possibility of possessing great gifts, and great appearances of zeal for God's service, without any real possession of vital godliness. A man may cry out, as Jehu did, Come, see my ze... [ Continue Reading ]