The Bible is full of interesting people. One such person was Jehu, the son of Nimshi. During king Ahab’s reign, Jehu was a commander in his army. Jehu was one of three men destined to fulfill the word of the Lord regarding the house of Ahab. The Lord tasked the prophet Elijah to anoint Hazael, king of Aram, Jehu, king of Israel, and Elisha as his successor. However, Elijah only succeeded in passing the torch to Elisha. Elisha was the prophet who told Hazael he would be king in addition to anointing Jehu, king of Israel. Jehu was to destroy everyone in the house of Ahab, while Hazael and Elisha were to set to remove anyone Jehu missed (cf. 1 Kings 19:15-17). 

What I find most striking about Jehu is his zeal for the Lord. Jehu was responsible for the deaths of two kings that were part of Ahab’s family line. First, Jehu killed Joram of Israel, and then he killed Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Jehu also ordered the death of Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. After these killings, Jehu ordered that 70 princes belonging to the house of Ahab were to also be killed. Jehu also murdered everyone who had anything to do with Ahab; his relatives, chief men, close friends, and priests. After taking care of the house of Ahab, Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel by killing everyone who worshiped Baal. 

With all of Jehu’s killing, I wonder if his zeal for the Lord had more to do with executing judgment as a warrior than it did following God faithfully as a king because of what we read here in 2 Kings. 

However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

2 Kings 10:29 (NIV)

One might think it would have been apparent to Jehu that worshipping the golden calves was wrong. Yet, Jehu worshipped them. What comes to mind is why? Why did Jehu worship the golden calves and not see that doing so was wrong?

I’m reminded of this description of Ahab from 1 Kings.

He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.

1 Kings 16:31 (NIV)

As a commander in Ahab’s army, Jehu had personal experience with Ahab, as revealed in this verse.

Jehu said to Bidkar, his chariot officer, “Pick him up and throw him on the field that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite. Remember how you and I were riding together in chariots behind Ahab his father when the Lord spoke this prophecy against him.

2 Kings 9:25 (NIV)

Given that Jehu committed the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, it’s evident that he didn’t consider his sin the same as Ahab’s. Since Jehu personally knew how wicked Ahab had been, could it be possible that Jehu didn’t believe his own idolatry as being no better? Perhaps Jehu only compared himself to Ahab or the others of his ilk that didn’t serve God? 

Scripture tells us we’re not to compare ourselves to others (Galatians 6:4) and has this to say about those who compare themselves with themselves.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

It’s not wise to compare ourselves with others, nor is it wise to compare ourselves to ourselves. If we don’t remember who we were before we were saved, we should take a moment to remember where God brought us from. On the other hand, if we look back at who we once were and say, “I’m not like that anymore. I don’t do those things”, as any sort of rationale for what we do now (sin), we’re in trouble.

This is why the only person we should look to for comparison’s sake is Christ. Although we will never measure up to Christ, it is something for which we all should be striving. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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