lisha sends to anoint Jehu. (1-10) Jehu and the captains.
(11-15) Joram and Ahaziah slain by Jehu. (16-29) Jezebel eaten
by dogs. (30-37)
Verses 1-10: In these and the like events, we must acknowledge the
secret working of God, disposing men to fulfil his purposes
respecting them. Jehu was anointed king over Israel, by the
Lord's special choice. The Lord still had a remnant of his
people, and would yet preserve his worship among them. Of this
Jehu was reminded. He was commanded to destroy the house of
Ahab, and, as far as he acted in obedience to God, and upon
right principles, he needed not to regard reproach or
opposition. The murder of God's prophets is strongly noticed.
Jezebel persisted in idolatry and enmity to Jehovah and his
servants, and her iniquity was now full.
Verses 11-15: Those who faithfully deliver the Lord's message to
sinners, have in all ages been treated as madmen. Their
judgment, speech, and conduct are contrary to those of other
men; they endure much in pursuit of objects, and are influenced
by motives, into which the others cannot enter. But above all,
the charge is brought by the worldly and ungodly of all sorts,
who are mad indeed; while the principles and practice of the
devoted servants of God, prove to be wise and reasonable. Some
faith in the word of God, seems to have animated Jehu to this
undertaking.
Verses 16-29: Jehu was a man of eager spirit. The wisdom of God is seen
in the choice of those employed in his work. But it is not for
any man's reputation to be known by his fury. He that has rule
over his own spirit, is better than the mighty. Joram met Jehu
in the portion of Naboth. The circumstances of events are
sometimes ordered by Divine Providence to make the punishment
answer to the sin, as face answers to face in a glass. The way
of sin can never be the way of peace, (Isa 57:21). What peace
can sinners have with God? No peace so long as sin is persisted
in; but when it is repented of and forsaken, there is peace.
Joram died as a criminal, under the sentence of the law. Ahaziah
was joined with the house of Ahab. He was one of them; he had
made himself so by sin. It is dangerous to join evil-doers; we
shall be entangled in guilt and misery by it.
Verses 30-37: Instead of hiding herself, as one afraid of Divine
vengeance, Jezebel mocked at fear. See how a heart, hardened
against God, will brave it out to the last. There is not a surer
presage of ruin, than an unhumbled heart under humbling
providences. Let those look at Jezebel's conduct and fate, who
use arts to seduce others to commit wickedness, and to draw them
aside from the ways of truth and righteousness. Jehu called for
aid against Jezebel. When reformation-work is on foot, it is
time to ask, Who sides with it? Her attendants delivered her up.
Thus she was put to death. See the end of pride and cruelty, and
say, The Lord is righteous. When we pamper our bodies, let us
think how vile they are; shortly they will be a feast for worms
under ground, or beasts above ground. May we all flee from that
wrath which is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men.
lisha sends to anoint Jehu. (1-10) Jehu and the captains.
(11-15) Joram and Ahaziah slain by Jehu. (16-29) Jezebel eaten
by dogs. (30-37)