Jehu’s God-assigned mission was to destroy everything Baal. He had
already gotten rid of Ahab and Jezebel and their household for they were key
proponents of the cult. Now in 2 Kings 10:18-27, he set out to annihilate all
of Baal’s worshippers. He connived and came out with a deceptive plan. Claiming
that he was more fervent than Ahab in his devotion to Baal, he set up a special
occasion to honor him. His intention was to annihilate every one of them. So he
cunningly invited all the prophets, worshippers, and priests of Baal to that
special celebration. He even threatened death to any devotee of Baal who failed
to show up. So all the devotees of Baal came from all over Israel. So huge was
the gathering that the temple of Baal was packed from end to end till there was
no room left. We are told in verse 21 that there was none who did not come.
Jehu even had the keeper of the wardrobe bring out garments for the worshippers
to wear. All these point us to how far and steep Israel had degenerated in
their adherence to the worship of Baal. Then with Jehonadab, Jehu entered the
temple to ensure that no worshipper of Yahweh was present. When it was
ascertained that all Baal worshippers were there, then they offered sacrifices
and burnt offerings.
In
his plan, Jehu had 80 men stationed outside the temple to ensure that none of
the devotees of Baal escaped. They were told that anyone who allowed a devotee
to escape would have to pay with his life. As soon as the burnt
offering was done, Jehu sent the guards and royal officers into the temple to
kill all of them. He would not want any of those worshippers of Baal
to be let off. Following his order, the guards and the royal officers went
into every nook and cranny and massacred everyone that had to do with Baal.
Everything within the temple was destroyed. The complete humiliation was that
the temple of Baal was turned into a latrine. The campaign to
eradicate Baal worship started by Elijah was completed by Jehu.
Ruthlessly
and mercilessly Jehu carried out his assignment. While he was successful in
what he was expected to do, his motive and method left much to be desired. He
did not give opportunity to those who might want to repent and renounce Baal.
Besides, his real intention to obliterate the worshippers of Baal was to
eradicate the influence of Ahab and not idolatry per se. He was doing it for
himself to get rid of any trace of Ahab which could come against his reign. Why
do we say that? Later we shall see that he did not renounce or reject the
worship of Jeroboam’s golden calves.
If
we are to serve God with honor, there must be congruency. Obedience and zeal
for the Lord should be applauded but the motive and how one would go about executing
it must be congruent. Attitude and action must be in alignment. If we want to
serve God with distinction, we not only must serve him with the right attitude
but also the right motive and action. Using deception to execute God’s plan
will leave a bitter aftertaste even when the outcome is achieved. We must serve
God with integrity and congruency. Wisdom to do His work will be given to
anyone who asks for it.
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