2 Kings 10:35

“And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.”

Context:To fully understand this verse, it’s important to provide some context. The book of 2 Kings chronicles the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. Jehu was a king of Israel who was anointed by God to bring judgment upon the house of Ahab, who had led the people of Israel into idolatry.

Jehu’s Reign:Jehu’s reign was marked by his zeal for God’s commands and his determination to eliminate the worship of Baal in Israel. He carried out God’s judgment on Ahab’s descendants and the prophets of Baal, as instructed by the prophet Elijah. Jehu’s reign was characterised by violence and bloodshed, as he executed God’s judgment upon those who worshipped idols.

Death of Jehu:In 2 Kings 10:35, it is mentioned that Jehu slept with his fathers, indicating his death. After reigning over Israel for approximately 28 years, Jehu died. The text states that Jehu was buried in Samaria, which was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Succession of Jehoahaz:The verse also states that Jehoahaz, Jehu’s son, became the next king of Israel after his father’s death. Jehoahaz’s reign is further elaborated in subsequent verses, where it is mentioned that he did evil in the sight of the Lord and followed the sinful ways of Jeroboam.

• Zeal for God: Jehu’s reign is a reminder of the importance of having a zeal for God and His commands. Jehu’s actions were driven by his desire to follow God’s instructions and rid the land of idolatry. While his methods may have been drastic, his commitment to upholding God’s commands can serve as an inspiration to us.
• Consequences of Sin: The story of Jehu and his successors also highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God. Despite Jehu’s initial zeal, his descendants fell into sin and idolatry, which eventually led to the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel.
• Human Mortality: Jehu’s death reminds us of the temporary nature of human life. No matter how influential or powerful a person may be, death is inevitable. It emphasises the importance of using our time on earth wisely, seeking to honour God and fulfil His purposes.
• Succession and Leadership: The transition from Jehu to Jehoahaz underscores the significance of leadership and succession. Each generation has a responsibility to pass down godly values, teachings, and leadership principles to the next. Unfortunately, Jehoahaz failed to uphold the righteous example set by his father.

Overall, this verse prompts us to consider the themes of zeal, obedience, mortality, and leadership within the context of Jehu’s reign and its aftermath.