May 4

2 Kings 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The Lord leads Elisha to send a man to anoint Jehu as the 11th king of Israel (9:1). Judgement comes quickly as today's passage reads like a whirlwind of vengeance with the Lord using Jehu to bring down the evil reign of Ahab, Jezebel, and their sons. Jehu courageously eliminates the worship of Baal from the nation (10:21-28), being careful not to harm any servants of the Lord (vs 23). He was used mightily by the Lord to carry out His judgments. Although he proclaimed his zeal for the Lord (10:16), Jehu did not fully follow the Lord (10:31). Read the sad story and receive its biblical application (10:31).

Jehu was very popular since he had become a powerful captain in Israel's army during the Syrian war. He was known throughout the entire army and country for his speed in driving his horses, for he driveth furiously (9:20).

The Lord had commanded that the oil of inauguration be poured on the head of Jehu. Of all the kings of the ten northern tribes, only Jehu was ever anointed to be king. He was appointed as the anointed king of the Lord to destroy the house of Ahab. When Jehu told his fellow officers that he had been anointed king. They blew the well-known blast of the ram's horn which always accompanied the inauguration of a king of Israel (9:13). It came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? . . . This is the Word of the Lord, which He spake by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel (9:22,36). Jehu killed Joram (Jehoram), the reigning king of Israel, Ahaziah, King of Judah.

Jehu crossed the Jordan and drove his chariot impetuously to Jezreel where he killed Joram and Ahaziah. He then had Jezebel thrown out of a window, and he trampled her body with his horses, a fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy many years earlier (I Kings 21:23). Jezebel had been a violent, unmerciful queen. When God was ready to execute judgment against her, she was plummeted from her exalted position like garbage. He killed all of Ahab's family and all the Baal worshipers were then executed (II Kings 10:18-28). How watchful we need to be lest at any time we be found helping Satan in his worldly schemes. Ask yourself: "Can I do this and deny himself (myself), take up his (my) cross, and follow Me (Jesus as Lord of my activities) (Matthew 16:24). Many times, evil people seem to prosper (5:45); but God ultimately will execute judgment against all who oppose Him.

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

Thought for Today:

Unlike this world or the world's religions, a Christian understands that sooner or later God's justice will prevail.

Christ Portrayed:

By Elisha who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu (II Kings 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare I Samuel 16:13). The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth (lives) in you (I John 2:27).

Word Studies:

9:23 treachery =b> treason; 9:30 tired her head =b> adorned her hair; 10:3 Look even out the best and meetest =b> Select the best and most capable; 10:27 draught house =b> public toilet.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Thomas & Mary Beaghen • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment in all decisions (I Corinthians 2:14).

Optional Reading: Romans 7

Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:7