Today’s passage: 2 Kings 9:1-37
Helpful thoughts:
- This prophet under the leadership of Elisha was to go, give the prophecy and get out as fast as possible. This was a dangerous mission.
- However, the readiness of the people to revolt against the line of Ahab (And Jezebel) is quite apparent. Jehoram’s men and even Jezebel’s own personal assistants turn on them at the first opportunity.
- Jezebel called Jehu, “Zimri” to remind him of Zimri’s fate (1 Kings 16:9-20). She was not speaking kindly or fearfully. She was mocking him and trying to intimidate him.
- Ahaziah (King of Judah) was also family with the line of Ahab through Athalia his mother.
- The next chapters will show a great threat to the Davidic line in Judah.
Questions to consider:
- So far, what does it look like God is doing through Jehu, the new king of Israel? What might we expect from him once he has confirmed the throne? Do you think he will follow the Lord as he has seen these prophecies fulfilled?
- Knowing the spiritual condition of the northern kingdom of Israel, do you think that Jehu and his men were eager to follow the Lord upon hearing of this anointing or was their readiness to act more closely tied to their hatred of the king and the line of Ahab/Jezebel?
- How does Jezebel’s taunting of Jehu and her own assistant’s actions, along with the fact that no one stopped the dogs from eating her dead body, show us about her attitude and actions? How did she see herself? How must she have seen and treated others? How would God want us to treat other people? For whom do they exist?