Jehu was chosen by God to be king over Israel. Additionally, he was given a divine commission to both annihilate the wickedness of Ahab’s house and to avenge the blood of the prophets spilled by his wicked queen, Jezebel. To his credit, Jehu accomplished all that God asked of him concerning this matter. Why then does God speak of punishment for the house of Jehu through the prophet Hosea (Hos. 1:4)? It seems as if Jehu is being punished for doing what God told him to do.

By all means, it is always proper to do what God wants us to do. And, we should do so without fear of any divine punishment. Had Jehu done only what god commanded there is little doubt his family would have continued to rule Israel indefinitely. But Jehu went far beyond God’s commission and savagely killed king Ahaziah of Judah and nearly all of the Davidic family as well as friends of the royal family. It was this cruelty that displeased God and caused Jehu to fall out of divine favor.

Jehu’s fault was in his motivation. He was obedient, not because he wanted to please God but because God’s command suited his desire and ambition. Jehu’s drive for personal gain pushed him to go beyond the word of God. His actions were not unlike those of Nadab and Abihu when they offered strange fire that God had not commanded. Like Jehu the two sons of Aaron acted on their desire and went beyond what God had commanded. We must always use care to do all God says, but only what God says when it comes to serving Him.

With love,