Biblical Prophets - Bible Study Online

As we turn our attention back to the city of Samaria, the Scriptures confirm -- that the house of Ahab still had seventy sons.

Now Jehu had been commissioned by God to cut off the house of Ahab and everything it represented.

"Go back the way you came, and go to the desert Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.

"Also anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.

"Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu." (1 Kings 19:15-17)

So Jehu wrote some letters and had them sent to the city of Samaria. He also sent them to the officials in Jezreel, and to the elders, and to the guardians who took care of Ahab's children.

"As soon as this letter reaches you, since your master's sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weapons, choose the best and the most worthy of your master's sons and set them on his father's throne. Then fight for your master's house," Jehu would write in the letters.

After reading the letters, the elders and the palace administrator along with the guardians of Ahab's children became very terrified. "If two kings could not resist him, how can we?" they would think to themselves.

So they sent letters back to Jehu in which they stated: "We are your servants and we will do anything that you say. We will not appoint anyone as king, you do whatever you think best."

After reading their response to his first letters, Jehu sends them a second letter: "If you are on my side and will obey me, take the heads of your masters son's and come to me by this time tomorrow."

Now the seventy royal princes were with their guardians who were raising them when Jehu's letters had arrived. After reading what Jehu had instructed them to do, they carried out the orders and slaughter all seventy of Ahab's sons. Soon after, they beheaded them and placed the heads in baskets and sent them all back to Jehu in Jezreel.

"My lord, they have brought the heads of the royal princes," the messenger would tell Jehu. After hearing this report, Jehu responded by saying: "Go and put them in two piles at the city gate until morning." So the messenger did as he was told and placed the heads of the royal princes in two piles at the city gate.

When morning had arrived Jehu went out to the city gate and stood before the people: "You are all innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him: but, who killed all of these?

"Know then, that not a Word the Lord has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The Lord has done what he has promised through his servant Elijah." Jehu said to the people while reminding them that this was what the Lord had ordered.

So Jehu continued his mission that had been commissioned by God and finished slaying everyone who remained of the house of Ahab. He put to death all of Ahab's chief officials and his close friends and acquaintances, along with Ahab's priests that he used in his idolatrous services.

Jehu would then head out towards Samaria and when he arrived at -- Beth-Eked of the Shepherds; he ran into some relatives of Ahaziah the deceased king of Judah: "Who are you?" Jehu asked of them.

"We are relatives of Ahaziah, and we have come down to greet the families of the king and of the queen mother." they answered. "Take them alive!" Jehu would order his men.

By them being the relatives of Ahaziah and because of Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah (Ahab & Jezebel's daughter) this also made them relatives of the house of Ahab. So Jehu had them put to death at the well of Beth-Eked: all forty two men. He left no survivors.

A short while later, Jehu continued to head towards Samaria when he ran into Jehonadab the son of Recab, who just so happen to be on his way to meet with Jehu. We are not told the position or office that Jehonadab held if any.

What we do know, is that he didn't dwell in cities or drink wine and he completely separated himself from the world. So this means that he wasn't a king, prince, or ruler of any sort. He was very eminent for prudence and piety in his beliefs whatever they were, but he had established a reputation for what he stood for.

"Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?" Jehu would ask him. "I am." Jehonadab replied. "If so give me your hand." Jehu asked as he helped him up into his chariot.

"Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord." Jehu would tell Jehonadab. So they rode off and continued towards Samaria and when they got there, Jehu finished killing the rest of Ahab's family and destroyed them according to the Word that the Lord had spoke through Elijah.

Elijah the Fire Prophet

Elisha the Apprentice

Elisha the Master Prophet

**YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE**

31) The Demise of Jezebel

32) <-CURRENT PAGE->

33) The Baalism Deception

34) Jehu's Achilles' Heel

35) Athaliah the Evil Queen Mother